Feb
9
Written by:
Guest Author
2/9/2012 10:30 AM
Whenever artists ask me for advice, I tell them two things:
1. Do what you love.
2. Create artwork that will blow off the shelves. We don’t want to sell mediocre artwork to our clients. Our clients’ products need to be huge successes. We are here to help them do just that!
It can be challenging for some artists to bring those two ideas together, or grow as an artist and know how to achieve both points above.
Here are a few tips to work toward marrying these ideas together while becoming a successful artist in our industry:
-
BE INSPIRED. It all starts with inspiration. What is inspiring you? What is the meaning behind why you want to do what you do? It took me a long time to finally leave my amazing corporate job, but once I made the decision, I knew why. I was inspired. I wanted to make people happy with my artwork and I wanted to show girls everywhere that when they believe in something, they can make it happen. This is what keeps me going. Everyone needs this. Think about it. What keeps you going? What inspires you? This is your foundation. Any time you question yourself or lose faith, you will have this foundation to come back to.
- BE UNIQUE. You know when you’re being completely unique with your artwork because time stands still, you are totally in the moment and you are blissful. I love this quote by Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” Even if you don’t know who you are as an artist yet, it’s ok to experiment. Play with different styles and mediums, but always come at it from your own perspective. You will bring creativity and freshness to the market when it comes from the inside.
- EACH EXPERIENCE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH: Each show, each project, each interaction with clients and peers is an opportunity to learn, share, and teach each other. I am someone who jumps in with both feet and I learn as I go. If I had waited to start showing at SURTEX until I thought I “knew” how to do it, I probably would still be waiting. Jump in and you will be shown everything you need to know. Being open to suggestions, critiques, and advice from other people is important. And additionally, you have to be willing to make mistakes. Accept that you made a mistake, learn the lesson, move on and do better the next time.
- OFFER AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE: I was so lucky to have an eight-year “training” at Nordstrom. A few of the things I learned there: 1/ The customer is always right. 2/ Everyone is your customer (this includes your peers, your boss, the receptionist, etc.). Treating everyone with equal respect is essential to a successful business and it makes everyone happy to work with you. 3/ It is not ok to just meet expectations; we must strive to meet and exceed expectations!
I am constantly working toward these goals and must say, they are a constant work in progress, but I have never forgotten them and they are part of my mission statement. I am happy to share these important points and you can add them to your mission statement as well!
- OFFER VARIETY: Part of customer service is also offering variety to your clients. Think about all of the themes, seasonal designs, patterns, etc. that they need for their products. Planning ahead to meet their needs will ensure your success as well as theirs. One of the reasons I decided to grow Pink Light and represent other artists as well as myself is because I knew I couldn’t draw everything myself. I wanted to offer a variety of designs as well as styles to our collection, while maintaining a consistent overall “look”. By doing this, our clients know what they can expect from us in terms of graphics, and they also know that they will be able to see a variety of artists’ work. If you are one solo artist, I would suggest really expanding your portfolio so that you hit on each season and various themes, in addition to florals. You will not only have more opportunities, but you will also grow as an artist and quickly learn what comes easy to you and what you need to work at a bit more.
In conclusion, success is yours for the taking if you create a foundation based on what inspires you, stay unique, learn from every opportunity, offer outstanding customer service and variety! I hope this helps as you are planning for a successful SURTEX 2012! I can’t wait to see everyone at the show!
Mary Beth Freet
Marybeth@pinklightdesign.com
17 comment(s) so far...
nice wp Forex template
Guest Blog - How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
# nice wp Forex template
By TrackBack on
5/27/2012 2:02 PM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
Good work! Your post is an excellent example of why I keep coming back to read your excellent quality content. visit here
By Paul Ijo on
2/15/2013 12:20 AM
|
aspirateurs
nice homepage
# aspirateurs
By TrackBack on
3/26/2013 9:18 PM
|
woodworking
check this site out
# woodworking
By TrackBack on
3/27/2013 7:35 PM
|
tao of badass
all you need to know on this site
# tao of badass
By TrackBack on
4/3/2013 11:36 PM
|
cheap louis vuitton handbags
After repeatedly beating the Bulls in pick-and-roll situations in Game 1, Williams didn't make his first and only field goal until the 6:35 mark of the third quarter and finished with eight points and 10 assists while missing eight of nine shots.
# cheap louis vuitton handbags
By TrackBack on
4/24/2013 9:15 AM
|
does genfx work
I am not real great with English but I line up this real leisurely to understand .
# does genfx work
By TrackBack on
4/24/2013 2:23 PM
|
penis enlargement traction
I抳e recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
# penis enlargement traction
By TrackBack on
4/24/2013 3:09 PM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
great info. # read
By Mam on
4/25/2013 11:44 PM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
Greart info
# penis enlargement traction
By Mam on
4/25/2013 11:45 PM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
Super.
here
By Mam on
4/25/2013 11:46 PM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
Thank you. # wow
By Mam on
4/26/2013 12:11 AM
|
Re: How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012!
This really a hot topic to discuss on. The way to shine at surtex 2012 was totally mind blowing. I would recommend the same to my friends who don’t know much about twitter. I have book marked your page for further updates. Regards. OmniTech Support Ripoff
By Martha on
4/26/2013 12:13 AM
|
louis vuitton fake handbags
5鈥矰. Made in Colombia You can get this from Neiman Marcus.Valentino Rose Glam Satchel Buttery soft nappa leather with a touch of shimmering sequined panel鈥?this bag is
# louis vuitton fake handbags
By TrackBack on
4/26/2013 2:42 AM
|
replica prada free shipping
Hello, your articles here Guest Blog - How to SHINE at SURTEX 2012! to write well, thanks for sharing!
# replica prada free shipping
By TrackBack on
4/28/2013 4:50 AM
|
fake prada
At this minute you can have to hold just about all a make-up in addition to toiletries inside of of your discounted bags. The software remains secure and secure through the sizeable fob variety about to die for that rationale that ignition may possibly at the same time browse the level.
# fake prada
By TrackBack on
4/29/2013 7:59 PM
|
Laser cutting machine
Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I'm very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.
# Laser cutting machine
By TrackBack on
5/4/2013 6:19 PM
|