In The Beginning
“Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.”
Andy Warhol
There is art, and then there is the art of business.
As with any business, you must have a viable product or service to market and sell; something that people want, that intrigues them, that they just “need to have.” I have found some artists are conflicted with seeing their work as “product.” I get it, but you want to sell your work, don’t you? From a business sense, your art is product.
First and foremost, your art must be of the quality that people see the value in your talent and are willing to spend money on it. Your work should be unique, not just different to be different, but something uniquely special. What sets your art apart from other artwork? What makes the art you create special? What is your story? Clients love to know the artist’s story, why you create what you create, what drives your creativity. The answer to these questions will provide a foundation for developing your marketing plan.
For a quick guide to writing your story, visit Joely Roger’s How to Write an Artist Statement.
Your friends love your art - your family loves your art…cool, now let’s go after people that may actually BUY your art! Remember, compliments are great, but they alone do not pay the rent. Now’s the time to make a commitment to building your art business, to developing your BRAND.
Set The Stage
1. Do Your Research
Review what other established artists in your area are doing. Do they have a website? What platform is the website using? Review their social media and if possible, visit an exhibit of their work. Reviewing others marketing is not intended to specifically copy what they are doing, but to get a feel for what is working in your area – and what you are up against as you seriously jump into the art business.
Also, it’s very important to digest the pricing of art from established artists in your area as it will shed some light on what you may decide when pricing your art. Pricing your art is always a tricky thing, especially in the beginning before you are established.
For more tips on pricing, the power of quality materials and more, visit 10 Tips to Sell More Art.
2. Devise Your Promotional Tools
Everything you do going forward will be a reflection on your professionalism as an artist, and as a businessperson.
Take the time to write up your business plan and your marketing plan so you can stay on target. Its best to have your promotional ducks (website, social media, email, etc.) in a row, ready to show your work and shout out your accomplishments. You also need to know the budget you can afford, so to cover the costs of art materials (paints, canvas, framing, etc.) as well as any marketing materials, and advertising.
This includes your website, online ads and boosting social media posts, stickers, brochures, flyers. etc., exhibit and association membership fees, and business cards. I am still a believer in a well-designed business card as an important marketing tool. Not every one of your potential clients will be savvy enough to deal with a digital business card on their phone, actually most will not! In my in-person presentations I tell artists to never leave home without their business cards, as you never know who you might meet along the way.
You can’t depend on them remembering your website, email, telephone number, or even your name to look you up once they get home, but you do stand a much better chance of getting them to find you and your art when they have your card in their pocket! Put some thought into your card design and quality – it represents you, your art, and how creative and professional you are!
If you do not have a professional appearing website, you should. There are artists today that have decided to pass on having a website in lieu of presenting their art and information strictly on social media. I have two websites – one as a portfolio of my work and the second as an ecommerce site for my Cape Cod gallery. I also use social media to promote my work and gallery.
You will need to decide what will work best for you. I think it’s smart to have a strong website presence that contains quality images of your art and pertinent information on you the artist, your work, and how to purchase. There are many options out there that allow you to create a pretty cool looking website without breaking the bank – and its always best to be able to update and edit the site yourself versus having to pay a website creator to make changes, etc. every time you update your work or information.
3. Display a Simply and Savvy Social Presence
While I am not a huge fan of social media, it does provide an artist a way to get many eyes on their work and accomplishments, as well as selling their art online. Years ago, one only had advertising options of print, radio, or TV – all expensive and out of most artists budgets. Today with a successful social media marketing plan, you can reach people not only around your community, but around the world for very little investment.
First step is to create BUSINESS PAGES (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for your art business. Most likely, you already have personal social media accounts, and you will let your friends/followers know of your business page. Those interested in your art will follow to the new page and provide a start to building your online business audience.
Always be professional, interesting, and informative, in your posts. Only post high-quality images of your work on your page. A BIG TIP is to keep your personal social media and your business social media far apart! Your BUSINESS pages should be just for that – BUSINESS. And your art business pages are no place to display your political, etc. viewpoints, or what you and your friends had for lunch.
Keep in mind that when you state a political, etc. position, on your business page you have at best just eliminated 50% of your potential customer base. If you feel that you must – as an artist – dwell on political, etc. issues on your business social media page just know, it’s usually not a great move for generating revenue from sales of your art. It never makes sense to deliberately alienate potential customers.
Showcase Your Art
If you are as serious about selling your art as you are about creating it, you need to have a plan and stick to that plan – and everything you do with the marketing of your art should be a step in that well thought out plan designed to achieve your art business goals. This includes how you present your art.
4. Don’t Skimp on Materials
It is vital that you present your art in a 100% professional manner. This means that for framed and matted work that you use the best possible materials that you can. All too often I see a noteworthy piece in a show that is finished with a cheap looking mat, and an even worse looking bargain bin frame. Believe me, art buyers see this right off, and it tells them you are a beginner, or that do not care enough, or know enough, about your art to properly present it – this decreases value.
We all have budget constraints but bite the bullet here and DO NOT cut corners on your framing materials! For many years now I have used custom cut wood frames and only 8-ply mats from Frame Destination. My work has been featured in many galleries, exhibits, and in personal and corporate collections around the world – and always with these top-shelf framing materials. My work deserves the best finishing materials, doesn’t yours? It’s a very smart - and necessary - investment in your business and brand.
5. Develop Meaningful Connections
A key to building an art career is getting your work seen. Unless you are a one-in-a-million prodigy, your art will not be selling itself right from the beginning, or just jumping into galleries. Joining a local art association can be a good first step to 1) get a feel for how you work is viewed by others, and 2) hopefully be the beginning of getting more eyes on your work, and 3) possibly connect with a mentor, an established artist, whose own success history can serve to help guide you, and…4) whatever promotional materials you may create and use, be sure to always have your website and contact info listed on them!
I recommend you join a local art association that requires you to be juried in, not one that just accepts everyone. To be juried in you would be required to submit a selection of your work to be judged by the membership board at the association. The best associations provide useful critiques if you do not get selected as well as constructive advice on how to grow should you be selected.
Being “juried in” is a WIN and provides you a signal that your work has appeal, that you are on the right track. It also offers a positive message to shout out on your social media announcing your artwork has been selected and that you have been recognized for your artwork. You always want to make the most of every achievement and let your followers know your art is being acknowledged. People, art lovers, often tend to be drawn to artists that are getting noticed – let them know that you have been noticed. This is marketing your brand and your artwork.
Once juried into an association, enter as many of the associations shows as you can. Remember, you want to get eyes on your work. Take the shows prospectus seriously in the preparation of your art to submit and be sure to target your work to the theme of the show.
Most art associations provide members the opportunity to eventually do a solo exhibit, featuring a large selection of only your work in their gallery for a week or two. This is something to shoot for as you grow within the association. It takes a lot of preparation and coordination of suitable work, but if done correctly – and with the usual associated promotional buzz – it can be a really nice boost to the local art world’s awareness of you and your art.
Be sure to lay out a plan covering all details from artwork selection, preparation, the cost of promotional materials, food, etc., BEFORE you apply for a solo event. Don’t set yourself up for any surprises when tackling this very important event.
6. Dive In
So, you have grown within your local art association. Your work has been selected for several shows, and you even picked up an award or two along the way. And now you have applied for and been accepted to do a solo show. This is a lot of work, but well worth it if done correctly. Again, remember everything you do regarding your art is a reflection on your professionalism.
There will be added costs associated with doing a solo show. Additional artwork needs to be created and properly framed, etc. You should have a show postcard, or at least a professional looking handout for the show attendees. You need to be sure accurate and flattering press releases are being crafted and sent to all appropriate media. Additional funds will be needed to present a nice selection of snacks and wine for the opening reception. Remember the old adage, you only get one chance at a first impression, and you want everything to be just right for this exhibit. Done well, you can get a lot of mileage out of a solo event.
Another avenue to get eyes on your work - and create sales - is to participate in seasonal art shows that many communities have. This usually involves the cost of renting a space for a weekend, but you can benefit via the events marketing and exposure, and hopefully some sales. Other places like here on Cape Cod feature “art cottages” in several locations.
These are small enclosures that allow artists to rent them for a week (or longer) to sell their art. These “cottages” are usually set up in high traffic tourist areas in vacation communities. Being part of an art association, and an art community, will give you access to information on these sort of venues, and more established artists within can give you guidance as to which events have provided them with successful sales and are worth pursuing.
And Suddenly, Your Art is SELLING!
7. Deliver Value to Cultivate Your Following
Good things can happen to those with talent and determination – stay focused on your mission! Artists that are generating significant sales tend to involve their clients and their audience in their art world. Whether via social media, a blog, and/or email newsletters, they keep their followers engaged with news of the creation of new work, their accomplishments, and their artistic path. Build a contact list that you can reach out to with your news and art.
Another useful thing is to signup for art marketing newsletters that will keep you in the know with marketing and sales tips sent right to your inbox. Notable ones are ArtsyShark.com, RobinSamora.com, BarneyDavey.com, faso.com/fineartviews, and FrameDestination.com.
Closing Thoughts
I think you can see that you need to have a plan – you need to set goals, both artistic and business goals that you seriously go after and check off your list as you build your brand…yes, YOUR BRAND!
Things will change as you grow and continue down your art business path. What was once an important piece of your marketing may no longer be so important, and new opportunities will enter the picture. Stay in tune with what is happening in your marketplace – both good and bad. And maybe even a gallery representation is in your future (be prepared to pay 50% commissions on gallery sales). Remember, the more eyes you get on your work, the more likely something good will come of it.
Personally, staying on a planned course with the marketing of my work and accomplishments has led to some very valuable things for my art career including magazine and online features, solo shows at prestigious venues, gallery representation, and eventually owning my own gallery – all leading to growing sales. Having a plan and sticking to it does work! Most of all, don’t get discouraged along the way as with any venture there will be wins and losses. The “lows” make the “highs” all that much more fun!
About the Author
Learn more about the author and see more of his work in our Artie’s Eight Artist Spotlight featuring Bobby Baker.
Last updated February 24, 2022
In The Beginning “Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art.” Andy Warhol There is art, and then there is the art of business. As with any business, you must have a viable product or service […]
I'm often told that my photographs have a style that makes them distinctly recognizable. When asked how I achieve this, I genuinely fumble for an answer. As is the case in any existential question, I can't point you to one concrete ideal. As we all know, art is subjective. However, I do believe it is possible to develop a personal style that will highlight your unique creativity.
Here's a list of the 6 most effective tips in my experience to help with that.
1. Practice the Basics or "Rules" of Your Medium
As a photographer, I've learned such methodology as the rule of thirds, equivalent exposure, and Ansel Adams' zone system. I like to say I've learned all the rules so I can break all the rules, which to a certain extent is true. Yet, when I frame an image in my viewfinder, my mind is unconsciously dividing that image into nine sectors: the rule of thirds. What's fascinating is that another photographer standing next to me might be doing the same thing. When we compare our images, they are worlds apart. Why? Our creative vision is different.
2. Allow Yourself to Make Horrible Art
I know this is hard for creatives. We all want to be Albrecht Durer right out of the gate. Yet, giving yourself license to make a mess is sometimes enough freedom to break through your insecurities to achieve that next level of art; which leads me to…
3. View the World As a Child
Remember how fearless you were back then because you didn't "know" that you weren't supposed to draw grass purple or hands green. You had a box chock full of crayons, and you were free to use every single color in any way you wished. Permit yourself to be that kid again. Examine and marvel at things close to home. Regain your childlike wonder and put it to good use in your art.
4. Consider Applying for Artist Residencies
In my own experience, residencies have been the ultimate device for regaining my creative mojo. When researching artist residencies, be specific in your needs. If you are an introvert, you might be overwhelmed by organizations that allow many artists at a time.
5. Sign Up For a Weekend Artist Retreat
If your free time is too limited to commit to a residency, an artist retreat might be a better option. Choose one that dovetails with your personal goals, whether a refresher art course or learning a new method or medium.
6. Don’t Forget Materials Matter
How you showcase your art and the matting, framing, or glazing you choose is an essential component of an artist's style. Before I found Frame Destination, I was limited to local sourcing and had some early fails with poor quality construction, so from that standpoint, Frame Destination is a life-saver. To be cost-effective, artists must have a place such as Frame Destination that offers a wide selection of framing components. Further, I find it helpful to pick and choose the framing supplies that best highlight my photographs. And, I do have an artistic style I incorporate in my framing.
For my B&W prints, I like FD’s black metal frames. I always use FD’s Acrylite UV Acrylic. It offers archival protection to my work. Plus, many galleries and most public art displays require acrylic now, and for a good reason. I was in a group show where one of the artists had the glass shatter on a massive frame. Luckily, no one was hurt, but that could have been a disaster.
I also like that I can order custom mats from FD. I shoot all my images in raw, and I tend to print in the native size, which isn’t a standard mat size. Plus, I’m old-school and print my images, leaving an intentional white border for signing. I keep my mat specs in my FD account so that it’s easy to order the same mats each time. My default mat choice is an archival board in a shade of white. Acid-free Foam Board anchors my frames.
Most importantly, believe in yourself as an artist. This alone can open new ways of thinking and seeing.
About the Author
Learn more about the author and see more of his work in our Artie’s Eight Artist Spotlight featuring Pamela Z. Daum.
I’m often told that my photographs have a style that makes them distinctly recognizable. When asked how I achieve this, I genuinely fumble for an answer. As is the case in any existential question, I can’t point you to one concrete ideal. As we all know, art is subjective. However, I do believe it is […]
John Andrew Murphy didn’t have to leave his heart in San Francisco. He was raised in the city and now lives in nearby Marin County, where he photographs landscapes, people, and abstract city scenes — all with the goal of capturing these images with “a different angle,” as his website aptly proclaims.
From Nature to Urban Abstracts
There’s plenty of balance in John’s work. From stunning seaside vistas to cows on a hillside, nature is well documented. In the city, he tends to focus on the interplay of lines: power lines, light poles, steel girders, railroad tracks. Even shadows and fog become stunning from John’s point of view.
The colorful “Abstract City V,” shown above, is one example from John’s new series titled “Abstract City,” where San Francisco’s many textures come to life. Another from this series and shown below, “Abstract City III,” is a dramatic black-and-white photo of San Francisco cable tracks leading the viewer’s eyes directly to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
The Human Element
Along with photographing places, John also captures family memories with professional portrait and headshot sessions. These clients tend to buy their own frames, but John does purchase frames for his fine art work. “I am so glad I found Frame Destination,” John says, adding that he appreciates our products and “stellar” customer service. “Frame Destination has definitely elevated my work and possibilities.” We’re grateful to call you a fan, John!
See More of John’s Work
John’s fine art website is a great place to seek additional photography. From there, click over to PhotosMarin.com, where you’ll find family portraits and headshots. His Instagram page features a combination of both.
Keep scrolling to see my Q&A with John below, where you’ll learn about the advice he tries to follow and the most indispensable element of his work.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with John Andrew Murphy …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
My creative journey started with my sense of sound and the ensuing lessons on how to read music and play a tune. As a teenager of the ’80s, my heroes were guitar players — Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Jerry Garcia — and my bedroom walls were adorned with posters of these musicians. Years later, I got a Canon film camera for Christmas, and I realized immediately that my sense of sight brought me as much joy and wonder as strumming my six-string. And that is where I am today, creatively: strumming chords and clicking shutters.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
As a people-and-places photographer, the relationship I form with my subject prior to clicking the shutter is key to meaningful and accessible imagery. Whether conversing with a family prior to capturing memories or envisioning my next Golden Gate Bridge image, these connections are critical to the final product, one that hopefully emits emotion and a sense of time and place.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
A fellow photographer and business owner who is well regarded in my community once said to me: "John, things get more interesting the more critical you become of your own work." So true, and difficult to do consistently and honestly.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
I am a fun (bordering on silly) citizen who loves to connect with the people I photograph. Hopefully the viewer sees my joy of life in the photos I take and print. I am also a thoughtful person who takes a moment to consider what I am seeing and feeling. When pointing my lens at a beautiful landscape, I always stop, ponder, and question the scene before me.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Absolutely, creative blocks are always looming and ready to strike — out of nowhere, most of the time. Being creative nourishes my soul, so these blocks can temporarily hurt me mentally and emotionally. Time is the great healer. I am fortunate that my blocks come and go in a short-ish time period.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
My workflow — from envisioning to clicking the shutter to editing and printing — is key to my best imagery. Knowing how a raw capture will translate on screen or paper informs the initial capture.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am working on a new series called "Abstract City,” a study of my hometown, San Francisco. My goal is to capture The City's many textures and turns ... with a twist.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
Not a fad, per se, but I owned a 16”x20" ultra-large-format film camera. Much money and effort later, the results were disappointing and limiting to me.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
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Last Updated February 8, 2022
John Andrew Murphy didn’t have to leave his heart in San Francisco. He was raised in the city and now lives in nearby Marin County, where he photographs landscapes, people, and abstract city scenes — all with the goal of capturing these images with “a different angle,” as his website aptly proclaims. From Nature to […]
If you were lucky enough to receive an iPad over the holidays and are now feeling that billowy excitement over what you can do with it, this post is for you. I’ll share my inspiration (looking at you, David Hockney), a few iPad drawings created by myself and a colleague, some apps and websites for you to go exploring, and some hopeful research on the future of digital art.
My 84-Year-Old Hero
If David Hockney has embraced the world of digital art, what excuses do we have not to give it a whirl? As one of the planet’s most influential artists alive today, Hockney has, for the past several years, created iPad drawings using a program called Brushes Redux. He applies multiple layers of vivid color, just like he would do in a painting. Last year, a friend visited the Museum of Fine Art in Houston. Below are some photos she took while touring Hockney’s exhibit, titled “The Joy of Nature.”
My Favorite Drawing App
Because there are so many digital art apps in the marketplace, it helps to know where to begin. I’ve tried several apps on Creative Bloq’s curated top 22 list, including Illustrator, Photoshop, ArtRage, Affinity Designer, Artstudio Pro, and Procreate. They all have their advantages, but I think Procreate is the best value for iPad work. It’s fast, responsive, intuitive, and has more than 200 brushes. You can start and finish large works of art right on your iPad — although I, as well as other artists I know, start our art on Procreate using an iPad and then transfer the work to a Photoshop or Illustrator desktop program.
One of my favorite things about Procreate is the flexibility of having a “do-over.” As an artist with training in traditional natural science and botanical illustration, I focus on realism, and I still draw from life with graphite and colored pencils every single day. However, working in Procreate with the ability to “undo” allows me to be a little more playful and try out different media for other types of projects. It’s possible to create a decent number of layers in Procreate depending on the size of your project. For more insight into layers limits within Procreate, visit this website.
Another reason I enjoy Procreate is the community. For example, on this discussion board alone, fellow Procreate aficionados create hundreds (if not thousands) of unique brushes. Etsy also has a huge group of people selling these brushes, including nature, neon, and portrait brushes for skin, eyes, and hair. And that’s only the beginning!
A Bird, a Beach House, and a Moonlit Bear
All of my artwork on Procreate is done on the latest generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch, including the images below. “Golden Eagle” was inspired by an eagle I saw on a winter summit hike at nearby Mount Mitchell here in western North Carolina. As my first Procreate piece, it was a bit of a challenge to figure out how to mimic the feathers and the texture around the eye area. For the feathers, I ended up using the Fine and Flowing Hair brushes located under Materials in Procreate’s standard brush library. I used a combination of brushes from the library’s Industrial section to create the grayish texture around the eye.
The second image, “Outer Banks Beach House,” was prompted by a winter trip Mark and I took to North Carolina’s famed barrier islands. After our visit, I took an online digital art class by Texas multi-media artist Tricia Dewey. Have you ever seen the 2008 movie “Nights in Rodanthe,” starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane? It’s set in a tiny town in the Outer Banks, and features a rambling, weathered house on the Atlantic shore. That home, along with others in the area, were inspirations for this piece — a digital collage with hand-drawn elements and many textural overlays and filters.
You may recognize the Panda drawing below if you’re opted into the Frame Destination email list. My Frame Destination colleague, Scooter Thompson, created this painterly version of our mascot, Artie, for a Halloween promotion. He did the bulk of his work in Procreate, and then fine-tuned it in Photoshop.
A Word About Printing
If you intend to print your digital artwork, make sure your dpi and size are high enough. For art you’ll view closely, 300 dpi is preferred. Art seen from farther away can be lower, down to 150 dpi. Finding paper to fit your work may, in some cases, be tricky. I like Red River Paper for its selection of sizes: standard, hard-to-find, pano, and rolls. Coincidentally, Red River’s standard paper sizes below correlate with Frame Destination frames:
Digital Artist Resources
If you’re encouraged by the possibilities mentioned in this post, you may want to join an organization that supports digital as a legitimate fine-art medium. The National Association of Digital Artists is one such resource for anyone whose work involves pixels. You’ll find information on exhibitions, classes (some local, some online), and calls for entry. Be on the lookout for other organizations as the medium grows.
And if you’d like to learn more about creating with Procreate, this four-week online course begins Saturday January 22. It includes a free one-year membership in the Rhode Island Watercolor Society.
In addition, I’ve personally taken affordable and informative Procreate courses with these artists:
Art with Flo — Fully narrated video tutorials and access to exclusive brushes.
Bardot Brush— Tutorials, challenges, color palettes, and brushes.
Is There a Digital Future for Your Art?
Although there have been rumors that print design and professional photography are “dying arts,” the facts don’t support it. Check out these very positive statistics:
- According to the National Endowment for the Arts, between 2015 and 2021, the value added to America’s economy by creative professionals grew by an average of 4% annually.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that demand for animators, visual effects artists, and graphic artists will increase.
- The rapidly growing “Gig Economy” includes the freelance artist sector, of which 53% of working Generation Zers are currently participating in — more than any other generation.
- Although year-to-year growth for the professional photography industry is estimated at only 5%, the value is expected to grow to $41 billion in 2023.
- With better accessibility to technology, the lines are blurring between photography as a hobby and as a profession, opening a whole new emerging sector of custom art prints for amateur photographers or home decorators.
- Local camera clubs are seeing a resurgence in membership. For example, the Boston Camera Club, which saw a decline in membership through the ’80s and ’90s, has seen a rise since 2000.
- The commercial printing market — books, direct mail, brochures, catalogs —is poised for remarkable growth over the next five years, as is “soft signage” in the form of banners.
So, if you have the desire to take your artistic skills into the digital arena for fun or for profit, I encourage you to go for it. Let us know how it’s going with a comment below.
Last Updated December 27, 2021
Sources
https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Brief3GrowthStatesAccess.pdf
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/beeple-sells-for-christie-s-nft-art-auction-cryptocurrency
https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/printing-united-states/
https://www.firstresearch.com/Industry-Research/Commercial-Printing.html
https://3dinsider.com/photography-statistics/
https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/freelance-stats/
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/beeple-sells-for-christie-s-nft-art-auction-cryptocurrency
If you were lucky enough to receive an iPad over the holidays and are now feeling that billowy excitement over what you can do with it, this post is for you. I’ll share my inspiration (looking at you, David Hockney), a few iPad drawings created by myself and a colleague, some apps and websites for […]
A native Midwesterner, Korbin Bielski moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film production. Although Hollywood lost its appeal, Korbin was able to turn his photography hobby into a career — and Southern California into a beautiful backdrop for his work.
Cinematic Expression
Korbin has photographed fashion, architecture, and dramatic SoCal landscapes, which makes for a wide spectrum of moods across his portfolio. And although he said goodbye to Hollywood, his work is trending toward the cinematic. The photo above, "American Primitive: Fox #1," is part of a series that serves as a commentary on social media: We expose ourselves while hiding behind socially constructed masks. Korbin shot the photos in LA’s old abandoned zoo, and crafted the polygonal fox mask himself.
A Strong Framework
“Standing Strong” is from Korbin’s “Joshua Tree” series of landscapes photographed in California’s Joshua Tree National Park. The piece is framed in a black Wood Frame Profile 526 from Frame Destination. Korbin told us the story of a time when a frame arrived with scratched glass. “I contacted Frame Destination and they sent out a replacement glass immediately,” he recalls. “I received it very quickly. It was a really great experience.” We’re not perfect, Korbin, but we sure will work to make it right.
See More of Korbin’s Work
Keep up with Korbin’s latest projects on Instagram and his online portfolio. He has websites dedicated to residential photography and fashion photography. In my Q&A with Korbin below, you’ll learn about his Instamatic origins and his favorite book for clearing creative blocks
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Korbin Bielski …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
As a teenager growing up in Detroit, Michigan, I discovered photography and art. My mother really nurtured my art by enrolling me in art classes and my father saw my love of photography. I would take my mother’s Kodak Instamatic and photograph family and landscapes around the neighborhood. My father bought me my first film SLR camera, a Minolta X700, which I still have to this day. After graduating from film school in Orlando, I moved to Los Angeles, discovering that working up the Hollywood ladder was not for me. I turned my hobby into a career in 2011, shooting headshots, fashion, and homes. Recently I’ve been concentrating on fine art photography. I love allowing my creativity to run wild and to experiment with no limits.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
It's very important to connect to any subject whether a human or a mountain. There needs to be a story, and the connection is what tells the story.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
To believe in yourself and find your voice. And most important, to not give up. As an artist, you get a lot of no’s, or maybe a piece just doesn't get the reaction you were hoping for. But keep going. Failure is only failure if you quit. Not every art piece or every shoot is going to be a success, but it is an opportunity to learn.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
Well, my moods change a lot and if you look on my website you will see that. I have happy palm trees and beaches and dark, moody photos as well. I am moving toward more conceptual, cinematic, and thought-provoking images.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Creative blocks are part of being an artist. For me, the best way to get over blocks is to take my time and not push, to get into nature by taking walks on the beach or hikes. Writing morning pages and keeping a journal have been incredibly helpful for me; allowing myself to write with no agenda always clears blocks and births great ideas! There is a great book called The War of Art that has helped me and also lets me know I'm not alone.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
Painting is another great creative outlet for me. It’s different than photography because it's not instant; it takes time and helps me learn patience.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am working on finishing my series American Primitive, which I'm very excited about! I have some really great locations planned. Unfortunately, covid has put a hold on this because of travel and working with models.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
I don't really buy anything unless I know it's going to further my art.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated December 7, 2021
A native Midwesterner, Korbin Bielski moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film production. Although Hollywood lost its appeal, Korbin was able to turn his photography hobby into a career — and Southern California into a beautiful backdrop for his work. Cinematic Expression Korbin has photographed fashion, architecture, and dramatic SoCal landscapes, which […]
Pamela Z. Daum calls herself an introvert, but you might not guess it from her sense of humor and willingness to explore new places. For example, she once documented a crew of journalists covering the Baja 1000, a prestigious off-road race. There she was, in the desert in the dead of night, photographing drivers at pitstops. To her, it was pure pleasure.
Surreal Spectrum
“Part of my journey in photography has been to open myself to new perspectives and horizons,” Pamela says. That journey has inspired several series, including Reborn in Florida, Land of Enchantment, and Life Is a Beach. These images capture the drama of the natural environment, going beyond the visible spectrum with her converted digital camera that shoots black-and-white infrared.
Parks, Frames, and Zombies
Pamela’s photograph featured above is titled “Isle Royale #47.” It’s from her National Parks Series, which is on hiatus due to the pandemic. For many years, Pamela says she has purchased our slim black Metal Profile 11 frames to exhibit her work. “I can always trust my order will be accurate, on time, and packaged well enough to survive a zombie apocalypse or a careless shipping company, whichever comes first.” Haha, Pamela — we’ll take the latter over the former if we have a choice!
See More of Pamela’s Work
You can explore Pamela’s portfolio at pamelazdaum.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. In my Q&A below, she shares the connection between her gear and her personality, the tool she finds most vital, and her latest photography journey.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Pamela Z. Daum
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I started photographing in high school as a documentary of my experience being an exchange student in Spain. In college, I studied the fine art of photography in earnest.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
Most of my work is in landscape photography, so this isn't an issue. However, for about five years, local chapters of American Kennel Club requested that I take photos of dogs competing in obedience and agility events. I’m totally a dog person, so capturing images that truly represent the essence of the proud owners’ dogs was important, and I had to connect to each pet to accomplish that.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Don't be afraid to express yourself in new or unique ways.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
My prime lens is 28mm, leaving a lot of distance between me and my subject. I'm an introvert.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
I don't usually suffer from creative blocks. I work in several creative mediums, which allows me to stay fluid.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
I think any artist's most indispensable tool is their personal eye. As an instructor, I've had students photograph the same subject or area. Not once have I encountered a duplicate image because we all see things differently.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I have several ongoing series of photographs. One of my series, Same Scene Different Day — or “SSDD” — is the daily record of my view from my back door. I like the continuum of documenting how seasons and light change the images.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
I've been a photographer long enough that I don't fall into the trap of buying the latest and greatest new gadget. It's not so much about the equipment, it's about one's eye.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated October 20, 2021
Pamela Z. Daum calls herself an introvert, but you might not guess it from her sense of humor and willingness to explore new places. For example, she once documented a crew of journalists covering the Baja 1000, a prestigious off-road race. There she was, in the desert in the dead of night, photographing drivers at […]