Consistency - a good reminder
Originally published 8/7/12, a few updates made for republication.
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I am a fan of Jason Horejs' book, Starving to Successful, and am represented by his gallery, Xanadu (brick and mortar gallery located in Scottsdale, AZ), in their Studio Artists section online. (Click here to go to my Xanadu page.)
I receive email with info and blog articles from Jason and Xanadu gallery quite frequently. This blog article, written by Jason - from a gallery owner's perspective, is a good reminder about consistency in work (whether style or subject matter).
As artists, I think we don't always remember to think of ourselves as a business. We need to create a marketable product and inspire confidence in the gallery owners who carry our work. They need to know that they can replenish our sold pieces with other pieces that are easy for their clientele to recognize as being our work.
I was reminded of the consistency thing this past weekend when attending the Park City Arts Festival with my family. As always, I love wandering through an art festival. But this year, I looked at it through different eyes. Not through the eyes of an artist, but through the eyes of a collector. Some booths, whether I liked the work or not, showed a good consistency either in the theme or style of work presented. Other booths had a collection of varying styles, mediums, and/or subject matter - all by the same artist. My impression of these booths was one of inconsistent confusion - like the artist didn't know for sure who he/she was as an artist and was just throwing everything out there to see what might "stick."
Admittedly, I have been guilty of presenting my booth like this at art festivals in the past as well. The thought behind it being "I'll present a variety of mediums, styles, and work for the customers so they can choose." But instead, it appears to the customer as if you don't know who you are as an artist or what you want to be "when you grow up."
It is fine for us to try different styles, mediums, and subject matter. That is what helps us grow as artists. But we need to remember, when presenting ourselves to the public (or a gallery owner), we want to have a unified front. Choose which style, subject matter, or medium you are going to display...and present the entire body of work in a manner that makes it "go" together. :)
Looking at things through fresh eyes in this way really reminds me to make sure I am presenting a unified, consistent set of paintings any time I enter a show, enter a festival, or approach a gallery. Consistency is key! :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Have a great week!
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| Kokopelli Conga ©Jennifer Love |
I am a fan of Jason Horejs' book, Starving to Successful, and am represented by his gallery, Xanadu (brick and mortar gallery located in Scottsdale, AZ), in their Studio Artists section online. (Click here to go to my Xanadu page.)
I receive email with info and blog articles from Jason and Xanadu gallery quite frequently. This blog article, written by Jason - from a gallery owner's perspective, is a good reminder about consistency in work (whether style or subject matter).
As artists, I think we don't always remember to think of ourselves as a business. We need to create a marketable product and inspire confidence in the gallery owners who carry our work. They need to know that they can replenish our sold pieces with other pieces that are easy for their clientele to recognize as being our work.
 |
| Kokopelli Circle Dance ©Jennifer Love |
I was reminded of the consistency thing this past weekend when attending the Park City Arts Festival with my family. As always, I love wandering through an art festival. But this year, I looked at it through different eyes. Not through the eyes of an artist, but through the eyes of a collector. Some booths, whether I liked the work or not, showed a good consistency either in the theme or style of work presented. Other booths had a collection of varying styles, mediums, and/or subject matter - all by the same artist. My impression of these booths was one of inconsistent confusion - like the artist didn't know for sure who he/she was as an artist and was just throwing everything out there to see what might "stick."
Admittedly, I have been guilty of presenting my booth like this at art festivals in the past as well. The thought behind it being "I'll present a variety of mediums, styles, and work for the customers so they can choose." But instead, it appears to the customer as if you don't know who you are as an artist or what you want to be "when you grow up."
It is fine for us to try different styles, mediums, and subject matter. That is what helps us grow as artists. But we need to remember, when presenting ourselves to the public (or a gallery owner), we want to have a unified front. Choose which style, subject matter, or medium you are going to display...and present the entire body of work in a manner that makes it "go" together. :)
Looking at things through fresh eyes in this way really reminds me to make sure I am presenting a unified, consistent set of paintings any time I enter a show, enter a festival, or approach a gallery. Consistency is key! :)
 |
| Fallen 3 ©Jennifer Love |
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Have a great week!
I like this post on consistency as an artist. I never really thought about that much before. I will keep it in mind for my soapmaking business too. I think the same concept applies. Thank you.
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