Here are a few excerpts from our interview:
A.C.T.: What prompted you to start your professional art career?
"Had
a couple of starts. Always knew I liked art and that many artists of my
ancestors were artistic. The first time I went 100% was at 19 when I
was experiencing a dramatic time in my life. But after 4 years I went
back to school and became a teacher. Received a scholarship to be
trained as an Art Supervisor and once I was trained I dove back in at
100%. After 5 years, our daughter was to start school and I felt I
should take a job to give her a more financially stable and less
nomadic life. For many years I continued to sell paintings but that
was not my main means of support.
"Eventually
I realized there are only so many years one has which translates to
'only so many paintings one can do' and I just had to dive back into
the deep end. I think it is a matter of life style for me. It just
feels right for me and makes me happy."
A.C.T.: What is your artistic direction?
"Good
question. As a Pisces I am split between making art and coaching
artists to make their own marks. I love learning and exploring. I
believe that creating a fantastic life helps make interesting art.
"I
have always been blessed with a ton of energy and use it to develop my
skills at the Academy of Art Canada, to paint and to teach. I will
always continue to paint and exhibit.
"On the teaching side I am more and more giving Artist workshops here and around the world.
Gary-at-Joy
by Gary Smith
Happily painting a $67,000 mural
"As
for painting, I choose to 'Paint what I like and die happy'. I am in
the process of building a peer group to paint our reactions to our
urban environment. Ask me about that again in 6 months or so.
"I am also working on directly selling over the Internet to specific target markets. I have a video project in the works now."
A.C.T.: How has your involvement in A.C.T. 101: Building Your Art Business and community of professional artists furthered your career?
"The
accessible knowledge in the program materials and teleclasses helped me
transfer my business knowledge to the world of marketing art. Most
especially, Aletta has helped me in a few ways. Every once in a while
I stupidly complicate things. For example I developed a real hang-up
about my signature. She straightened me out fast on such self-made
hurdles. "Aletta has
helped me with my portfolio and with discovering the best way for ME to
work. I am thinking about a special self-assessment she arranged,
called "Focus Your Business Instincts to Suit the Rhythms of Your Art."
which was a very meaningful breakthrough for me. Aletta helped me build
my art business in a way that suited me, rather than frustrate me.
Aletta's down to earth coaching helped me leverage my output and she
has even directed business to me."
To read the full interview, click here.
To hear the full interview, click to play:
Won't
you take a step in the direction of the future you want to create? If
you are not sure where to start, please e-mail
Aletta@ArtistCareerTraining.com or call 650-917-1225 Pacific Time. The
first 15 minutes is on us!
Make this year count! Get a taste of
the programs that have contributed to Gary's success and happiness with
these telephone classes: A.C.T. Life Matters! TeleSeries 2009
__________________________________________________________________
 Prefer talking about your art business in person?
Get out from behind your computer and meet with artists in your local area who make a living making art. All forms of 2D and 3D fine art, including painters, photographers, sculptors, artists who draw, etc. are welcome. Discuss the business side of art, and get practical advice you can use right away on art marketing on the Internet and on the ground.
Register now for live Social Networking Events. We'll send you a map and info: Click Here A.C.T. MeetUp groups are $20 per artist.
What members are saying about the inaugural A.C.T. MeetUp in Los Angeles with Aletta de Wal and Robin Sagara:
"Where else can you get expert information in a relaxed atmosphere for only $20 and the cost of a cup of coffee?"
We saved one artist in Los Angeles several hundred dollars and hours of time with info on better (and cheaper) ways to do her web site and emailing. She also left with solid ideas on the next steps in building her career.
"If you want to make a living making art, Artist Career Training is the place to go."
Thanks for taking the time to invest in your art career. Now go make art and feel your creativity blossom, just like spring flowers.
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___________________________________________________________________
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 CONTACT:
Aletta de Wal
Director & Artist Advisor
Artist Career Training
www.ArtistCareerTraining.com
www.ArtBusinessLibrary.com
Call: (650) 917-1225 Pacific Time
aletta@artistcareertraining.com
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/artmktgmentor
Join me on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/aletta
Join my group Art4Life on SWOMI: www.theswom.org/profile/AlettadeWal
Meet me in L.A. www.meetup.com/Los-Angeles-CA-MeetUp-Making-a-Living-Making-Art/
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© 2009 Artist Career Training.
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