Building an impressive body of work is a goal many aspiring artists strive for. However, it's not only about creating a portfolio; it's also about crafting a legacy that showcases your skills, passion, and growth over time. Here are some key strategies to help you unlock the secrets to building a truly impressive body of your art work.
One of the most crucial elements is consistency. Just as athletes must train regularly to excel in their sport, creators must consistently produce and refine their craft
How can you do this?
Begin by setting a schedule for your work and stick to it, whether it's daily writing, weekly art projects, (painting), or monthly product launches. There are so many elements to an art practice that you need to stay on top of. Therefore when scheduling your time you need to think about the different segments of your art practice and how much time you need to allocate to those. Lets take a look at what they might be in broad terms:
Painting
Marketing
Networking
Social Media
Inventory - of the works and supplies
Storage solutions
Financials
Of course within each one of these there are sub plots if you like. i.e.
PAINTING:
What is the overarching subject for your body of work?
Is your work driven by a deeper desire to communicate something you are passionate about, to your audience? Why would they be interested in your work? Is there a sub plot or several of them. eg If your subject is Conservation what particular aspects of that do you want to address in the work? How many paintings can you do that will tie into the subject and bring a deeper meaning and awareness to it?
Generally for a body work to hang together it has to have a thread that ties them together, a coherence and something that people can relate to. This is particularly true if you desire to have your paintings sell at higher prices. If for example you want your work to be worth say $10,000 a painting then why is it worth that? Why are people going to buy into that and become your loyal fans. How is your work different from a $50 Kmart pretty picture?
Therefore you need a definite stylistic fingerprint or voice. So what contributes to this?
It would encompass one or more, or several of the following things:
A recognisable paint application as in brushstrokes palette knife marks etc.
Within the body of work there would need to be a continuity of your colour palette.
You might be an artist who deals with particular subject matter for example political, historical, religious, landscape art, portraiture and so on.
Over the course of your art career you may produce several different bodies of work but looking at a retrospective of the work one should be able to see the evolution of your artistic style. That is, as you explore different elements within your art practise, some of those will continue to turn up in later bodies of work. Your mark making as it evolves will be seen through the subsequent works.
When I begin a new body of work I like to have an overall subject, for example, some of my different bodies of work involved- my Floralscapes and Landscapes.
My latest body of work is a multi layered practise whose foundation rests upon the Krystal Spiral and also encompasses and promotes an ecological awareness of endangered and extinct species. The deeper meaning behind this being to encourage the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with the environment and how they can help in husbanding the precious resources that we have left.
Consistency not only helps you improve your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to your career for the long term.
While consistency is important, it's equally vital to focus on the quality of your work. Don't fall into the trap of producing mediocre content just to meet a quota. Instead, strive for excellence in everything you create.
Take the time to refine your ideas, seek feedback, and iterate on your work. Remember, a few exceptional pieces can often have more impact than a large volume of average ones.
To build a truly impressive body of work, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Experiment with different styles, mediums, or topics within your field. This diversity not only keeps your work fresh and exciting but also demonstrates your versatility and adaptability
As you do this, what you have achieved previously, supports and informs your explorations.
Challenge yourself to take on projects that push your boundaries and force you to learn new skills.
Not every piece of work you create will be a masterpiece, and that's okay. What's important is how you learn from your failures and use them to improve. Analyze your less successful projects to understand what went wrong and how you can do better next time. This process of continuous learning and iteration is crucial for long-term growth and success
Building an impressive body of work doesn't have to be a solitary endeavour. Collaborating with others in your field can lead to innovative projects and fresh perspectives. Networking can also open doors to new opportunities and help you stay current.
Don't hesitate to reach out to peers, mentors, or potential collaborators.
As you build your body of work, make sure to document your progress and process. This can include behind-the-scenes content, work-in-progress shots, or reflections on your creative journey. Not only does this add depth to your portfolio, but it also allows others to connect with your work on a more personal level. Much of this material will end up feeding the ever voracious social media beast that demands to be constantly fed.
In a world full of creators, what sets you apart is your unique voice and perspective. Don't try to imitate others; instead, focus on developing and refining your own style. This authenticity will make your body of work more compelling and memorable.
Explore your repertoire of mark making. What symbols keep occurring in your work? Do you favour a particular colour palette?
Sometimes, less is more. Instead of spreading yourself thin across multiple projects, consider focusing on a few key areas where you can truly excel. Work in series - developing each new painting from the previous one. This approach allows you to amplify your strengths and create work that stands out.
Building an impressive body of work is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and continuous effort. By following these strategies and staying true to your passion, you can create a portfolio that not only impresses others but also brings you personal satisfaction and pride. Remember, every great creator started somewhere – your impressive body of work begins with the next piece you create.
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