No Show

Michele Rushworth · 03-09-2005, 12:20 PM

I think "selling out" in any profession just means doing something a person despises or feels ashamed of just to get more money, whether they're a lawyer, an artist or a banker.

The question of whether one is "selling out" or not is purely up to the individual's own feelings about the work they themselves are doing.

Sharon Knettell · 03-09-2005, 06:10 PM

Heidi,

I have worn so many artistic hats in my life to keep myself afloat. I have done toy packaging art, Cosmo illustrations, discount and high end fashion illustration and my personal favorite, "My Little Pony " art for Hasbro toys.

The most lucrative part time job of all of them was the discount store fashion illustrator. I worked 26 weeks a year, half of the 52 weeks which was split with another illustrator. I made about $45,000 a year part time and had the rest of the year to work on my portrait portfolio and paintings. Unfortunately they went to photos. People would sneer and say, why are you working for that crummy chain? Oh they payed one week after the work was delivered.

I cried when that one tanked. The trick is to get the most money per hour when you have to work.

By the way, just sending a letter to these companies is NOT sufficient. You must send slides and a CV.

Heidi Maiers · 03-09-2005, 08:25 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful responses you guys,

This was the 4th show I've done, but the first that I had any bronzes or other pieces available for sale other than just example portraits. I did have the feast and famine piece exhibited as a series of 24 available for ordering. Below is a photo taken in the first few hours of the show on Friday before the clouds rolled in. Quite a few people stopped to look at it, but none seemed interested in buying or even asked how much it was. Probably a good thing since on Sunday, I undoubtedly would have let it go for cost.

My husband and I made all new pedestals because we thought the old ones did not look professional enough. We made these very sturdy and I think turned out quite nice and certainly cheaper than any we could have purchased ready-made. We are all set to do another show - although that won't be any time soon.

I have all sorts of ideas running around in my head for a body of work that would be stunning, easy to cast, and something that the general public around here might buy. I sat down last night and drew sketches for the 6 pieces I have in mind. I'll spend the next year making them between portrait commissions (I do have a customer currently that wants 5 busts made - yay).

I've also heard that the Scottsdale Center for the Arts has an excellent show and includes more contemporary works rather than strictly southwestern. I'll have to send them an application for the next time I get brave enough to try another show and have my new body of work ready.

Linda, I've thought a lot about doing outdoor statues. The problem there is that they'd need to be weatherproof - which usually means bronze or cement. I'll have to revisit that thought.

In terms of selling out, I suppose it

Michele Rushworth · 03-09-2005, 10:37 PM

Quote:

I have a friend that works for Pixar and he longs to be an individual sculptor rather than work for someone else.

I'm an individual painter and don't work for anyone else, but I've always thought working for Pixar would be THE dream job. Guess the grass is always greener on the other side!

Sharon Knettell · 03-10-2005, 05:48 PM

Heidi,

No I am not just getting started. I have been an artist in one form or another for a long time.

I started as an illustrator doing most of my work out of NY for major publications, companies and advertising.

I segued into portraits as a way to feed my passion for figurative art. I am doing mainly my own art thanks to sales here and there that keep me happily afloat.

Heidi Maiers · 03-10-2005, 06:19 PM

Hi Sharon,
I didn't mean to imply that you were just getting started as an artist - just in a figurative sense that you have such a bright future ahead of you - seeing what you have already achieved and the skills you have mastered. I know you have worked hard to get where you are to this point and it has paid off.

Sharon Knettell · 03-10-2005, 06:46 PM

Heidi,

Goodness, I just turned 25 today and it shows if you are as dedicated and brilliantly talented as I am just HOW FAR you can go in a short time.

A CV is a resume.