Author Ariel Gore came out with a book a while back, and it has slowly been gaining steam...for writers. A great short read, this book is almost as helpful for artists as the writers she intended as her audience. "How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead" talks to us (it is written as if the author is conversing with an old friend) about promotion, helping others and yourself, and never giving up.
Her book is inspiring, like a cheerleader in your hands. She suggests mastering your craft, but not waiting to reveal it to the world too long. She tells us to study the work of others, but to be our own artist. She tells us to get off the couch and pursue our passion. The idea of starting small, like putting art in coffeehouses (or anywhere else they will have you), not just waiting until the National Art Gallery calls, is something you will hear from me over and over.
Give this book a read, then share it with an author friend. You'll both be better for it.
How to Become a Famous Writer Befor You're Dead, by Ariel Gore, $13.95, Three Rivers Press
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Modeling Book Reviewed
Book Review: The Art Model’s Handbook, the Naked Truth About Posing for Art Classes and Fine Artists, by Andrew Cahner
Andrew Cahner spent years as an artist’s model before penning The Art Model’s Handbook, and it shows. This is an excellent book for the curious or inexperienced, through the accomplished model, artist, instructor, and those trying to work with models.
Cahner explains what nude models must bring to the job, both mentally, physically, and in terms of supplies and back up. He then details what a gesture pose is, what it takes to hold longer poses, and how a figure class works. Advice about how to find work is excellent, as is the section about security and proper behavior for all parties.
He interviews models, photographers, artists, school booking personnel, and interjects his own experience and wisdom, for a 140-page “not too heavy and not too light” eye opener. Andrew is asking those who hire models to understand what they are offering, how they prepare, and how they wish to be treated. He is also suggesting to models how they might all improve their reputations, with helpful advice even non-nude models should know.
The book is available for $16.95 on Amazon.com, and more information can be found at www.artmodelbook.com.
Andrew Cahner spent years as an artist’s model before penning The Art Model’s Handbook, and it shows. This is an excellent book for the curious or inexperienced, through the accomplished model, artist, instructor, and those trying to work with models.
Cahner explains what nude models must bring to the job, both mentally, physically, and in terms of supplies and back up. He then details what a gesture pose is, what it takes to hold longer poses, and how a figure class works. Advice about how to find work is excellent, as is the section about security and proper behavior for all parties.
He interviews models, photographers, artists, school booking personnel, and interjects his own experience and wisdom, for a 140-page “not too heavy and not too light” eye opener. Andrew is asking those who hire models to understand what they are offering, how they prepare, and how they wish to be treated. He is also suggesting to models how they might all improve their reputations, with helpful advice even non-nude models should know.
The book is available for $16.95 on Amazon.com, and more information can be found at www.artmodelbook.com.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Networking and Banking
As the Academic Dean at the Washington School of Photography, I am always interested in how students heard about the school, especially those who register for our year-long program. Recently, a young lady beamed when she saw who was teaching her Intro course. "This guy got me started here, it's all because of him" she told me. How?
She had been a bank teller for years, and this fellow would come in every now and then with a check to deposit. She saw who it was from (the school) and asked what it was. He gave her his business card and the website for the school. She quit her bank job in July, and will start classes in September. He sparked in her a curiosity, then in his work she found inspiration, and in our school, her new career path. Amazing!
To artists, I always say that you should be mindful of opportunities for marketing. Going into the bank, being friendly, talking to people, all sounds like "normal stuff", not marketing. But what if our instructor had used n ATM every time, was unfriendly, or didn't have his business cards on hand? We'd probably have one less registration, and maybe this lovely young lady would not have been inspired to seek her new career. So thanks, John, for marketing, even when you didn't know you were! And to artists - start going in the bank!
She had been a bank teller for years, and this fellow would come in every now and then with a check to deposit. She saw who it was from (the school) and asked what it was. He gave her his business card and the website for the school. She quit her bank job in July, and will start classes in September. He sparked in her a curiosity, then in his work she found inspiration, and in our school, her new career path. Amazing!
To artists, I always say that you should be mindful of opportunities for marketing. Going into the bank, being friendly, talking to people, all sounds like "normal stuff", not marketing. But what if our instructor had used n ATM every time, was unfriendly, or didn't have his business cards on hand? We'd probably have one less registration, and maybe this lovely young lady would not have been inspired to seek her new career. So thanks, John, for marketing, even when you didn't know you were! And to artists - start going in the bank!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Copyright Office to Artists: Submit Digitally!
For some time now, the digital submission price for copyright registration has been $10 less than the paper submision price. As of August, unless Congress changes it (they won't), that subtle hint we've been given from the Copyright Office (whisper: it's $10 cheaper!) will become a lot less subtle.
The paper submission price will now be almost double the $35 that will remain as the digital price. (yell: WE WANT YOU TO SUBMIT DIGITALLY!!!)
This is a pretty straightforward message, and it will probably not change the lives of too many artists. It will, though, challenge artists who are not photographers, and who have a set paper and film system that goes back decades - the elderly - who can least afford a jump in registration prices. For them, a change like this can be a dealbreaker about whether to continue with registering at all.
So here is a thought....if we all found just one digitally-challenged senior citizen artist, and twice a year helped them to register their work....what a help that would be for our rights as artists, for their right to register without breaking the bank, and who knows...you might just feel good about yourself and learn something from them!
The paper submission price will now be almost double the $35 that will remain as the digital price. (yell: WE WANT YOU TO SUBMIT DIGITALLY!!!)
This is a pretty straightforward message, and it will probably not change the lives of too many artists. It will, though, challenge artists who are not photographers, and who have a set paper and film system that goes back decades - the elderly - who can least afford a jump in registration prices. For them, a change like this can be a dealbreaker about whether to continue with registering at all.
So here is a thought....if we all found just one digitally-challenged senior citizen artist, and twice a year helped them to register their work....what a help that would be for our rights as artists, for their right to register without breaking the bank, and who knows...you might just feel good about yourself and learn something from them!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Where There's a Will.....
Where there's a will, there's a legacy, an owner, a right, a direction. If Michael Jackson's death has reminded me of anything, it is that an outdated will (or none at all) leaves an artist at the mercy of intent either outdated or never reduced to writing. If you die with no will, state law dictates where your art will go. Parents, kids, and spouses have equal rights in some states...in others the spouse takes 50% or 100%. Your work will be valued, maybe sold, maybe chopped into smaller collections. It is so much easier if you have a will, though.
Maybe you think your work is worth so little that it does not matter. That is possibly true. It is equally possible that 10 or 50 or 100 years after you are gone, your work could be worth a fortune...even a small one.
So think of your art, and all the other possessions and funds you have. Where do you want it to go? Chances are, that's not what the state would do. Get a will....it's the right way.
Maybe you think your work is worth so little that it does not matter. That is possibly true. It is equally possible that 10 or 50 or 100 years after you are gone, your work could be worth a fortune...even a small one.
So think of your art, and all the other possessions and funds you have. Where do you want it to go? Chances are, that's not what the state would do. Get a will....it's the right way.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Someone I Never Met
Someone I have never met, never even spoke to, died today. I was told about it and wept. She was not yet 40, a beautiful, caring, animal lover, who had moved to Scotland with her husband not too long ago.
How do I know all this about her and why am I so upset? The internet. She was not famous, you have never heard of her. She was one of a few dozen semi-regulars on a sweet, closely knit website I frequent. I visit this webite a few times each day, to see if Anni in London has had her afternoon tea yet...if Janet has another trip coming up...if MJ has an internet conncetion in her RV wherever she traveled today...what new production Dan is working on for the theatre... if Jack has posted a new poem today....and what funny, witty mischief LCB has for us all. For two years, through a surgery, two years of law school finals, and pet deaths, these kind, caring strangers have given me a break, a laugh, a curiosity. I never say much, these people are so quick and witty, but when I do, they are always kind, fun, and respectful. The woman who died often posted that she was "shakin' her thang" as she danced to tell us some news of her travels or just for fun....and now she is gone.
Why post this personal bit to an arts busines blog, then? Because today's news proves to me how powerful the internet has become. It is powerful for your buyers, for your fans, for your friends and family, to see your art grow and expand. You may think no one is watching, no one is benefitting, no one is appreciating. The young woman who passed away today had no idea who I was or that she made me smile when I often needed it most...but she touched me with her humour and love of life.
So, artists....post that image....share that thought....find a few like-minded individuals around the neighborhood and the globe...and shake YOUR thang...it matters, it is appreciated, and the world IS watching and waiting.
Rest in peace, Ly....and thanks.
How do I know all this about her and why am I so upset? The internet. She was not famous, you have never heard of her. She was one of a few dozen semi-regulars on a sweet, closely knit website I frequent. I visit this webite a few times each day, to see if Anni in London has had her afternoon tea yet...if Janet has another trip coming up...if MJ has an internet conncetion in her RV wherever she traveled today...what new production Dan is working on for the theatre... if Jack has posted a new poem today....and what funny, witty mischief LCB has for us all. For two years, through a surgery, two years of law school finals, and pet deaths, these kind, caring strangers have given me a break, a laugh, a curiosity. I never say much, these people are so quick and witty, but when I do, they are always kind, fun, and respectful. The woman who died often posted that she was "shakin' her thang" as she danced to tell us some news of her travels or just for fun....and now she is gone.
Why post this personal bit to an arts busines blog, then? Because today's news proves to me how powerful the internet has become. It is powerful for your buyers, for your fans, for your friends and family, to see your art grow and expand. You may think no one is watching, no one is benefitting, no one is appreciating. The young woman who passed away today had no idea who I was or that she made me smile when I often needed it most...but she touched me with her humour and love of life.
So, artists....post that image....share that thought....find a few like-minded individuals around the neighborhood and the globe...and shake YOUR thang...it matters, it is appreciated, and the world IS watching and waiting.
Rest in peace, Ly....and thanks.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Are You A Business Couch Potato?
After grading my students’ Business of Photography I final papers today, I had to smile. One fellow wrote, in response to the question: where are you now (in your business), “I am on the couch, both literally and figuratively.” On the couch in business?
The visual this brought up was great: a little company, on the couch, eating popcorn and watching TV. Not out looking for opportunities, but taking it easy and enjoying the ride. Is your arts business “on the couch?” Sometimes you do need a break, and time for reflection, planning, or maybe just thoughtlessness...for a short period. It is way too easy for that short period to become a business model, though - a model to not having a business any more at all.
How do you keep your art business off the couch? The same way you keep yourself off the couch! Plan things to occupy your time....network, view others’ art, study, create, search out new things to do and see and accomplish. Have something more fun, pressing, or challenging than being on the couch and you’ll stay off. Don’t become a business couch potato!
The visual this brought up was great: a little company, on the couch, eating popcorn and watching TV. Not out looking for opportunities, but taking it easy and enjoying the ride. Is your arts business “on the couch?” Sometimes you do need a break, and time for reflection, planning, or maybe just thoughtlessness...for a short period. It is way too easy for that short period to become a business model, though - a model to not having a business any more at all.
How do you keep your art business off the couch? The same way you keep yourself off the couch! Plan things to occupy your time....network, view others’ art, study, create, search out new things to do and see and accomplish. Have something more fun, pressing, or challenging than being on the couch and you’ll stay off. Don’t become a business couch potato!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Photogs - Are you Aware of 2257?
A new federal law went into effect on March 1 that most photographers don't yet know about. The good news is that for most, there is no impact on their work, no new requirements. The bad news is that if you are a glamour or figure photographer, you're in for a rough time.
The law, 18 USC 2257, or "2257" as they are calling it, essentially requires that if you create content that will cross state lines (ie a website, or client buys in Washington and lives in Idaho) and there is nudity ("lascivious" is their term, but they have issued a clarification that to most means any nudity at all,) you need special paperwork filled out by the model/client AND that paperwork must be available for inspection during reasonable business hours and a notification must be posted on the work itself.
If you provide boudoir photos to women to give to someone special in their lives, and no crossing of state lines, no web content, and no display takes place, it seems as if you can rest easy. However, if there is any hiring of models (a discount to a paying client to allow use on your website for advetising may qualify as hiring under the new law) and there is any nudity by a man or woman (men shirtless seems to be ok), you'd better look into how this new law will change your recordkeeping.
There is a lot of information available on the topic, a lot ofopinions, and few government clarifications. But, since this is intended as an anti child-pornography, recordkeeping law, it probably will not go away. Better safe than sorry - if you are a photographer who shoots any fine art nudes or glamour, look into it! (If you are local to the DC area, check our Events section for workshops on 2257 or which include 2257.)
The law, 18 USC 2257, or "2257" as they are calling it, essentially requires that if you create content that will cross state lines (ie a website, or client buys in Washington and lives in Idaho) and there is nudity ("lascivious" is their term, but they have issued a clarification that to most means any nudity at all,) you need special paperwork filled out by the model/client AND that paperwork must be available for inspection during reasonable business hours and a notification must be posted on the work itself.
If you provide boudoir photos to women to give to someone special in their lives, and no crossing of state lines, no web content, and no display takes place, it seems as if you can rest easy. However, if there is any hiring of models (a discount to a paying client to allow use on your website for advetising may qualify as hiring under the new law) and there is any nudity by a man or woman (men shirtless seems to be ok), you'd better look into how this new law will change your recordkeeping.
There is a lot of information available on the topic, a lot ofopinions, and few government clarifications. But, since this is intended as an anti child-pornography, recordkeeping law, it probably will not go away. Better safe than sorry - if you are a photographer who shoots any fine art nudes or glamour, look into it! (If you are local to the DC area, check our Events section for workshops on 2257 or which include 2257.)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Cutting Back to a Solid Core
As I write this entry, my husband and our neighbor Mike are out cutting back some of our trees. Mike has one of those chain saws on a pole to get the really high branches we could not reach, even with a ladder. They are discussing which limbs to cut back, and I overheard a discussion about how cutting the wild, frazzled branches will make the trunk and other more established limbs stronger. Maybe this is good advice for artists, too.
I know many artists who are trying to do too much - sprouting wild branches. Originals, reprints, new media, chasing galleries and buyers, entering every show, taking classes, blogging, twittering, facebooking, my spacing, and then just spacing out. The old saying "do one thing and do it right" might be good advice for all us at one time or another. But, during a downturn in the economy it can spell success versus mayhem.
Artists need to stick to what they do well, and not appear desperate. People like to buy from and hire successful, positive, organized, professional, confident artists. While it is well and good to try something new, even advisable in a down economy, remember not to neglect your tree trunk - the art that got you here - in an attempt to do it all, be it all, and end up with just a bunch of frazzled branches.
A conversation in which you mention that you have decided to take up some work on small canvas is much more appealing to your listener than one in which you mention that you are painting small to make some sales, while social networking, trying to find a teaching gig, investigating other media because they pay better, and just bought a welder's mask to try your hand at sculpture. Don't sprout wild branches!
Every successful person I have heard of has done the best he could with the conditions as he found them, and not waited until next year to be better. ~EW Howe
I know many artists who are trying to do too much - sprouting wild branches. Originals, reprints, new media, chasing galleries and buyers, entering every show, taking classes, blogging, twittering, facebooking, my spacing, and then just spacing out. The old saying "do one thing and do it right" might be good advice for all us at one time or another. But, during a downturn in the economy it can spell success versus mayhem.
Artists need to stick to what they do well, and not appear desperate. People like to buy from and hire successful, positive, organized, professional, confident artists. While it is well and good to try something new, even advisable in a down economy, remember not to neglect your tree trunk - the art that got you here - in an attempt to do it all, be it all, and end up with just a bunch of frazzled branches.
A conversation in which you mention that you have decided to take up some work on small canvas is much more appealing to your listener than one in which you mention that you are painting small to make some sales, while social networking, trying to find a teaching gig, investigating other media because they pay better, and just bought a welder's mask to try your hand at sculpture. Don't sprout wild branches!
Every successful person I have heard of has done the best he could with the conditions as he found them, and not waited until next year to be better. ~EW Howe
Thursday, March 5, 2009
FotoWeekDC 2009
The Advisory Board for FotoWeekDC met tonight to review 2008 and plan for 2009. While I can't reveal plans still pending, let me share that this year is going to be amazing! More images in more places will be added, with first-year hits like PhotoCentral, images projected on buildings, and noontime lectures continued. We'll be adding technology to planning so that your experience will be more organized, and with the advantage of having a year under our belts to analyse, we're super excited for November!
People become really remarkable when they start thinking they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success. ~Normal Vincent Peale
People become really remarkable when they start thinking they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success. ~Normal Vincent Peale
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Welcome to Visual Arts Consulting!
Welcome to the first blog entry for Visual Arts Consulting. Founded in 2008 to serve artists' business and marketing needs, we have quickly become a resource for business formation, state business compliance issues, contract review and contract drafting, and even estate valuation.
I will be teaching two business workshops for photographers at Sly Horse Studio in Rockville, MD in the coming months, and another at MOCA Gallery in Georgetown. See the "events" section of our website for more information on those as schedules are firmed up.
One short thought for today. Two women asked me recently if they were "crazy to start a business today", in this market. I told them that like everything, it was a matter of perspective. This market gives them a chance to lower expectations, take their time, and celebrate their successes. If they manage to do "ok" in 2009, GREAT! (In 2006, or 2008, if you had done ok, you'd be severely disappointed.) I helped them form their business, and they are making an offer on studio space this week....probably for a greatly reduced price over last year. Now, that's smart, not crazy!
The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. ~Goethe
I will be teaching two business workshops for photographers at Sly Horse Studio in Rockville, MD in the coming months, and another at MOCA Gallery in Georgetown. See the "events" section of our website for more information on those as schedules are firmed up.
One short thought for today. Two women asked me recently if they were "crazy to start a business today", in this market. I told them that like everything, it was a matter of perspective. This market gives them a chance to lower expectations, take their time, and celebrate their successes. If they manage to do "ok" in 2009, GREAT! (In 2006, or 2008, if you had done ok, you'd be severely disappointed.) I helped them form their business, and they are making an offer on studio space this week....probably for a greatly reduced price over last year. Now, that's smart, not crazy!
The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. ~Goethe
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