Unleash Your Identity - Brand Your Art

The most fundamental problem you will have to confront when following the path of being a professional artist is finding your signature style.  Signature style is in no way to be confused with the path of originality, which one could argue doesn’t really exist. That point must be made because too many artists find themselves paralyzed for years searching for something that will set them apart from everyone.  Many artists spend entire careers stalled by the notion that if they create something entirely different, the world will recognize them as the most successful artist of all time. But ask yourself, has this ever truly happened? 

When Michelangelo carved the David, were there not Greek and Roman precedents before him? Most of our great artists were not “original”; they were innovative. They made their brand something personal and confidence in that brand propelled them to even greater heights. Isn’t that the standard we should all emulate?

When you are in the process of developing your artistic offering, ask yourself these questions:

Am I being honest in my choices of subject matter? Am I creating artwork that means something to me, rather than following trends?

Do I have experience with the subject matter, is it something personal, and is it something I want to expand my knowledge of to create more ambitious offerings?

Is there a single theme or related themes I can piece together to present a cohesive collection for easy marketing?

These considerations are all crucial for creating a body of work that inherently reflects who you are and will contribute to your success in the future.  Make that connection.  Be known for doing something or you will be forgotten.

Let me leave you with something to ponder, based on my experience. When I began in this business, I had the most difficult time coming up with an artist statement. I would sit there with my typewriter (yes, I’m that old), frozen because I didn’t know who I was. I was caught up with the idea that I had to find big words to impress people instead of crafting good content. The problem was that I was 23 years old and hadn’t yet had significant experiences, or as I later realized, I hadn’t pieced together the puzzle of my life. Drawing on my childhood experiences attending mass and observing the insides of Catholic Churches, I discovered the foundation of my artistic purpose. When I began painting traditional themes in mythology, religion, and history, that revelation connected the dots, and I knew exactly what my artist statement and purpose were. Be honest with yourself, produce great art, and find success by embracing your brand. It will change your life. I wish you all the very best.