Welcome to today’s art podcast episode. Today we’re going to chat about how sometimes the smallest things can make a big difference to our art. It’s those little aha moments that can thrust our art forward. This is part two of two.
This podcast is sponsored by Evolve. Evolve can teach anyone how to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year. They offer online lessons, support and also provide the materials you need. To find out more sign up for a free masterclass at https://kickinthecreatives.com/evolvewebinar
Little things that can make a difference to your art
Using hard and soft edges
Drawing what you see rather than what you think you know
Squinting so you can see the lights and darks and making sure you have enough contrast in a piece
Using basic colour theory – eg. complementary colours to make a colour pop
Doing a little bit regularly rather than a lot in one go.
sketching with a pen to force you to commit
using the rule of thirds – I can remember how much this helped me when I first started painting again. Thinking about elements you can place on those thirds can really help a painting look good.
Balancing colours – don’t just put a colour in one place try and inject a little somewhere else to balance and create harmony
committing to one thing for a period of time – eg. 30 days to practice drawing hands or learn the basics of watercolour – this can really help you improve, rather than skipping around.
Using proper watercolour paper for watercolour and mixed media (less puddles)/sometimes using better materials helps.
Using a softer pencil for smoother shading – 2B and softer
Presenting your art
Giving your art a title
photographing your art in good light
Wrapping your art nicely before posting
Writing a handwritten message to say thank you when someone buys your art
writing something about your art or a story to go with it on Social media. It could be how you created it, why you created it or just a story that you can link to the art.
depending on the type of art considering a mount or border between your art and frame if you are framing it.
Use an app to show what your art could look like in a room scene Frame X is a cheap one and I also use Smartist. If you know how to use Photoshop you can also find some good royalty free frame images.
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This week’s creative question
Q. What topic would you like us to cover in a future episode and why?
The best answers will be read out on a future podcast.
You can Tweet us your answers @KickCreatives or let us know in the Facebook Group, which by the way if you haven’t already joined, I highly recommend that you do! We will put the question up there and also on the Facebook page… and of course, on our Instagram page @kickinthecreatives.
If you have any suggestions for the podcast or our challenges please feel free to get in touch.
Are you looking for some fun & useful professional development?!? Come to the 10th Annual Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop!! We have teachers there that teach Pr-K – 12th grade!!
Paula Murray studied science at the University of Ottawa, Canada, ceramics at Sheridan College, and completed two residencies at the Banff Centre before embarking on a successful career. Elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (2006) and the International Academy of Ceramics (2017), she has received several Canada Council and CALQ grants for her distinctive work. Paula’s full-time studio practice is inspired by her close relationship with nature and the years spent sailing between Canada and South America while raising her two children. Her ongoing study of spiritual writings inspires many of the themes explored in her work.
The story as it originates in you, did you discover the metaphors as you played with your ceramics, or did you work towards the idea because you had the idea in your head that you wanted to create the cracks and the brokenness?
I tend to think about an idea and write down words and then try to find what shape is that emotion. What does that look like in a form? That feeling that I am trying to express. And then ideas tend to build on each other and I think one of the most challenging things as a visual artist is that we are often asked to put things into words when our medium is visual art. I don’t want to shy away from that, but it is not an area that I have felt the most confident in. I am not really a natural storyteller. But I do like to tell stories with the work.
Do you give any prompts? Are you trying to guide people to your original intent?
I think by titling the work you are giving it a certain framework for people to approach it. I really enjoy having the opportunity to have direct conversations with people because I find conversation can go in very interesting ways. Very often when you work is presented at an exhibition or in a gallery it has to just stand on its own and people and people will have to respond. That’s always a question of all that’s going on in your head and is actually that getting through in the work? I think that’s something as artists we have to be asking ourselves.
When you see people interact with your work, do you tend to see that they catch the story?
Yes, very much so. Very much so, and often people will bring insights to me that I haven’t thought about it in those ways either.
When a patron purchases a piece and brings them into our own home are you able to give them some directions that could help them still capture the idea that’s behind it?
I think when someone gets to the point that they bring it into their own home they have taken ownership of that relationship. There is a conversation going on between them and that piece, that’s why they are bringing it into their home. That’s really special to me. I think that’s what we all aspire to.
Is there a piece that stands out to you as the piece that told your personal story better than any other piece?
I think the piece that I was referring to, the You are Me piece, was a very personal piece. I have done other installations that have been responses to a theme. I had an opportunity to go to the arctic and I did a piece called, Who is Speaking, Who is Listening. The You are Me piece was very personal because it does have to do with how I really firmly believe that we are connected to each other and are seamless.
Welcome to today’s art podcast, and today we’re going to chat about how our surroundings can affect our art. This could be anything from the music you play to how your art area looks.
This podcast is sponsored by Evolve. Evolve can teach anyone how to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year. They offer online lessons, support and also provide the materials you need. To find out more sign up for a free masterclass at https://kickinthecreatives.com/evolvewebinar
We talk about
Music and other noise – Tara talk about your experiment
What about listening to inspirational talks – I used to do this when I painted
Environment – Talk about when I did my studio out
Others thrive only in a clean, calm and organised environment
Some people thrive amongst chaos and mess
Limiting your distractions. For example have your own space if possible
You might want paintings you have done nearby to inspire and refer back to
I used to hate coming into my art room as it reminded me of Graphic Design, but I have so much art stuff around me now that is going
I have a book shelf with art books in my room that are nice to have a look through when I am unispires
Pin board with positive feedback – we forget it so easily
Support us on Kofi
This week’s creative question
Q. Describe a real-life situation that has inspired your art in some way
The best answers will be read out on a future podcast.
You can Tweet us your answers @KickCreatives or let us know in the Facebook Group, which by the way if you haven’t already joined, I highly recommend that you do! We will put the question up there and also on the Facebook page… and of course, on our Instagram page @kickinthecreatives.
If you have any suggestions for the podcast or our challenges please feel free to get in touch.
The art industry has significantly evolved in recent years, particularly with the growth of remote employment options. Artists are free to expand beyond physical venues or traditional studio facilities. Instead, many people are using remote work to launch successful art careers. Whether you work as an illustrator, traditional or digital artist, you may now make a full-time remote living off of your creativity. Here is how.
Finding Remote Artist Jobs
First, you need to know what you’re good at and what you need to learn or accomplish to reach your artistic goals. Don’t take a random job that sucks your soul out. Your future job must help you build your skills and resume. So search for jobs that excite you! You want to be a great contributor to their business with your expertise and passion. Make a list of jobs you’d enjoy doing, tailor your resume to each specific job offer, and start your search. Fortunately, there are many sites where artists can post their resumes and apply for jobs.
Best Platforms for Remote Artist Jobs
There are websites made especially for artists who want to work remotely. These networks put you in touch with potential clients and present you with projects that fit your expertise. For instance, many remote artist jobs advertisements are available on Jooble.com, including opportunities for graphic designers, digital illustrators, and more. Furthermore, websites like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork are great for finding freelance jobs. You want to build your skills and interests and these “small” jobs could grow into a nice creative career rather quickly.
Photo by Rachael Gorjestani on Unsplash
Creating an Impressive Online Portfolio
A beautiful but functional online portfolio is crucial for attracting prospective customers and employers. Your online portfolio should demonstrate your proficiency in working in a digital setting besides the traditional one.
Key Elements of an Effective Online Portfolio:
People judge us quickly, therefore, it’s essential to make a great impression instantly. Consider using websites such as Behance, Dribble, or your personal website with a portfolio to display your best and coherent work. Ensure it’s visually beautiful, simple to use, and thoroughly explains your job procedure. If you have different volumes of work, categorize them for easy access and presentation. Look at other sites and artists for possible ideas. Understand what makes their portfolio look great to inspire yourself to put your best foot forward with your artwork.
Tips for Your Portfolio:
Curate your best work to reflect your unique style.
Include a short bio and contact information so potential clients can reach you easily.
Update your portfolio regularly with new projects to keep it fresh and relevant.
Please be quick answering your email and phone! No one is going to deal with you, if it takes you a week to reply to a simple email request. Check your spam folder often as many emails go in there and you might miss out on opportunities because of that.
Networking in a Virtual World
It’s crucial to socialize and network with others in your field! Even if you plan working remotely, online communities help you build social standing and friendships. Participate in online forums, social media groups, and virtual exhibitions besides going to in-town gallery openings or art fairs. People work with people and this skill is a must to master in today’s busy world.
Best Platforms for Virtual Networking & how to grow your network
Start with sites like the Reddit art community, Instagram, LinkedIn, DeviantArt and other platforms. On these platforms, you may interact with other artists, present your work, and make connections with possible customers. Instagram benefits visual artists, LinkedIn facilitates business relationships, and Reddit offers insightful user comments. Don’t be annoying, rather make thoughtful comments or messages that can build a future relationship with a key figure of your choice. So engage in dialogue, comment on other people’s work, and offer your perspectives. You may want to publish your art portfolio in free magazines to build authority. You can also take part in online competitions and challenges but refrain from the paid ones as it could be a money-sucking pit. If you just start out, use free calls for art on Submittable platform. Some of them even pay a little bit of money for covers, writing, etc. These are some of art marketing methods for gaining recognition and connecting with other artists or possible customers. Overall, be proactive in your creative career and don’t wait to be discovered. This is one of major mistakes artists make.
Mastering Time Management as a Remote Artist
Finding the right balance between creativity and time management is one of the main issues artists face. Working from home or studio can make you inefficient and sidetracked. Remote artists must create their own methods for maintaining productivity and fostering creative energy. Know yourself and stick to a work schedule you can manage and enjoy. It’s more about building efficiency as opposed to working long hours.
Practical Time Management Tips
Set clear work hours: Create a workday-like plan weekly. Set start and end times to signify “work mode.” to yourself and others. This prevents work from leaking into personal time and promotes work-life balance.
Prioritize tasks: Start your day with the most urgent deadlines or projects. Start with the most complex or urgent tasks. After these high-priority duties, you can focus on personal creativity or smaller jobs. Trello and Asana can organize your workflow and prevent mistakes.
Take regular breaks: Working incessantly might deplete your creativity. Take breaks by briefly walking, working out, or leaving your desk to rejuvenate your mind.
Create a dedicated workspace: A workspace helps your brain associate it with productivity. Reduce distractions. Create a beautiful work space you want to live in. Have a window, house plants and your favorite objects to inspire you daily.
Use time-blocking techniques: Time-blocking allocates time to tasks. For example, you might dedicate mornings to client work and afternoons to personal projects or marketing. Leave evenings for painting. This method reduces multitasking by keeping you focused on one job.
Incorporate creative downtime: Read, explore outdoors, do yoga or try new painting techniques for creativity boost.
Set boundaries with clients and personal commitments: Remote artists often blur personal and business time. Set availability hours with yourself and clients. Never miss your deadlines and response times.
Monetizing Your Art
Artists working from home have various earning options besides working for clients. You can sell prints, license your art, or open a Patreon page to finance your initiatives. It takes time to see the results with these ideas because you’ve got to build a community around your vision and art first.
Exploring Different Revenue Streams
Beyond client work, artists can make money in other ways. Popular choices include:
Selling digital art: Etsy and Gumroad let you sell digital copies of your art, letting people buy and utilize it immediately. These could be pdf files or high-quality digital prints that people can print off of their printer. There is no shipping cost involved that eats into your profits. Look at top best-sellers on these platforms for inspiration and see what you can offer with your creative skill set.
Offering online classes: Teach others via pre-recorded videos or live workshops. Use Skillshare or Udemy to expand your audience without paying a dime for files storage.
Creating a passive income stream: You may make money by licensing your artwork for use on goods like phone covers, t-shirts, or prints through websites like Redbubble. Once again, it’s smart to look at best-selling artists to pick up on their strategies, etc. Building a fan base is crucial to sell merchandise.
Conclusion
A successful remote art job demands imagination, self-control, and astute financial acumen. Those who are proactive and are prepared to adapt have many opportunities. Because of the digital world, artists can now expand their professions, connect with people worldwide, and monetize their work in new ways.
Welcome to today’s art episode, and today we’re going to talk about our art year in review and our art goals for next year. We also explain why we missed an episode. This will be out last episode of 2023 so we wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whatever you celebrate. We look forward to your company again in March after a break.
This podcast is sponsored by Evolve. Evolve can teach anyone how to paint in a realism style to a professional level in a year. They offer online lessons, support and also provide the materials you need. To find out more sign up for a free masterclass at https://kickinthecreatives.com/evolvewebinar
We talk about
General round-up of this year – What we’ve learned from it
I visited 14 Art galleries in Valencia, capturing them at their best. Below is an alphabetical list of the galleries I explored, with new additions to follow.
Metz is a beautiful city nestled in the Lorraine region of France. Situated near the border between France and Germany, Metz has been a contested territory for centuries. Its strategic location has made it a target for invasion and a prize for conquest. Today, you can have an easy, 90-minute train ride from Paris to Metz.
Its location near the German border has made it a melting pot for various influences- Roman, Germanic, and French cultures, creating a stunning cityscape that blends several architectural styles, from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque. This diversity is evident in its churches, public buildings, and residential architecture. The city is renowned for its vivid stained glass windows, particularly those found in the Saint-Étienne Cathedral. These windows depict religious scenes, historical events, and local legends, and even include some modern stained glass windows made by Chagall. Metz is home to several free museums, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, which showcases contemporary art. Despite being an urban center, Metz is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Moselle River and its vineyards. This combination of city and nature makes it a unique destination worth your visit. You won’t see large Paris crowds, rather experience the beauty of architecture at your own pace.
Watch a short video showing the architectural beauty of Metz, France!
First settlements:
Celts were the first known inhabitants of the region, and they likely established a settlement on the site of Metz. Later, the Romans conquered the area and founded a city called Divodurum Mediomatricorum. So, Metz became a Roman city in the 1st century CE, adopting Latin culture and architecture. The city flourished under Roman rule, with significant infrastructure development and the construction of public buildings. In the art museum, you can view some Roman mosaics, sculpture and sarcophagus of this period.
The Middle Ages:
In the early Middle Ages, Metz was an important religious center, with several bishops and archbishops hailing from the city. During the Middle Ages, Metz prospered as it became a free imperial city, independent of both the French and German kingdoms. This autonomy allowed the city to develop its own culture and economy. The most famous examples of the middle ages are Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Eglise Saint-Eucaire and Temple Neuf. Saint-Étienne Cathedral (12th-14th centuries) is truly inspiring both inside and outside. Dark and somber, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It features soaring arches, absolutely beautiful gigantic rose window “Tree of Jesse,” depicting the genealogy of Jesus Christ. and many other vivid stained glass windows that cast colorful light onto chairs and floor of the cathedral. Temple Neuf (12th century) is a Romanesque church with a modest exterior but richly decorated interior. Inside this church, you may find a crypt, which dates back to the 10th century.
Eglise Saint-Eucaire
This church founded in the 5th century was originally located outside the city walls, on the Roman road to Mainz. It is dedicated to Saint Eucaire, the first bishop of Trier in the 3rd century. Rebuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries, it encompasses a range of architectural styles from Romanesque art to Flamboyant Gothic. A sturdily built square bell tower, the oldest in Metz, stands at its center. It dates from the second half of the 12th century.
Details of the exterior space of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, MetzThe Rose Window at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, Metz.
The cathedral’s foundation was laid in the early 12th century, likely around 1138. The initial structure was built in the Romanesque style, characterized by its rounded arches, thick walls, and heavy ornamentation. In the late 13th century, construction on the cathedral resumed in the Gothic style. This architectural style emerged in northern France and was characterized by its pointed arches, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows. The Choir (1270-1310): The first major phase of Gothic construction was the choir, completed between 1270 and 1310. The Transept (1310-1330): The transept is the arms of the cathedral that extend from the nave. Its large stained glass windows, including the famous “Tree of Jesse,” depict biblical scenes and religious symbolism. The Nave (1330-1430): The nave is the main body of the cathedral. Construction took place over a century. The nave’s imposing height and light-filled interior create a sense of awe. The West Front (14th century): The cathedral’s west front features three large portals decorated with sculptures and carvings. The Towers (15th century): The two towers that flank the west front were added in the 15th century. They were originally designed to be much taller but were never completed.
Stained Glass Windows by Chagall, Metz
The Renaissance & Baroque:
The Renaissance and Baroque periods brought new artistic styles and influences to Metz. The city’s wealthy merchants commissioned grand residences and public buildings decorated with lavish architectural elements. One of such places is Place Saint-Louis (18th century). It’s a beautiful square surrounded by elegant Baroque buildings, featuring a fountain and a statue of Louis XV.
German Influence:
The 19th century saw Metz become part of the German Empire. Despite the change in sovereignty, the city continued to thrive, and its architecture and culture absorbed the German art styles. The Belle Époque era brought about significant urban development, including the construction of the Porte des Allemands, a grand triumphal arch (1871). A triumphal arch built in a neoclassical style, commemorating the annexation of Metz by Germany. The arch features sculptures of German military figures and allegorical representations of the city. In the 20th century, Metz was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been carefully restored. Contemporary architecture includes building of the Centre Pompidou-Metz (2010). This is a contemporary art museum that features a large, undulating roof that resembles a boat.
Here are a few prominent figures who lived in Metz:
Art museum, Metz, France
Saint Ambrose (339-397): A renowned theologian and Church Father who was born in Metz. He was a key figure in the development of Christian doctrine and served as the Bishop of Milan.
Charles the Great (742-814): The Carolingian king and emperor, who ruled over a vast empire that included Metz. He is considered one of the most influential figures in European history.
Saint Arnould (582-640): The first bishop of Metz, who is credited with founding the city’s first cathedral. He is a patron saint of the city.
Saint Clothilde (475-544): The wife of Clovis I, the first Frankish king to convert to Christianity. She is considered a saint and is associated with the city of Metz.
Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937): The founder of the modern Olympic Games, who was born in Paris but spent much of his childhood in Metz. His family’s roots are deeply connected to the city.
Jean-Marie Le Pen (born 1928): A French politician and the founder of the National Front party. He was born in Metz and spent his early years there.
A close up of a painting, Metz, France. Photo: Veronica Winters
Major Historic Sights in Metz
Saint-Étienne Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic cathedral renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and elaborate architecture.
Place Saint-Louis: A charming square surrounded by 18th-century buildings, featuring a fountain and a statue of Louis XV.
Porte des Allemands: A triumphal arch built to commemorate the annexation of Metz by Germany in 1871.
Centre Pompidou-Metz: A contemporary art museum designed by Shigeru Ban, Jean de Gastines, and Philip Gumuchdjian.
Temple Neuf: A Protestant church built in the 12th century, featuring beautiful Romanesque architecture.
Musée de la Cour d’Or: A museum dedicated to the history and archaeology of the region.
Arsenal: A former military arsenal converted into a cultural center, hosting exhibitions and events.
Opera House
Metz’s possesses truly inspiring architectural blend of churches and buildings set against beautiful, clean streets, fountains and summer flowers. If you’re seeking to explore the history and diversity of France, this town is one of such charming places in France.
Metz art museum, a small painting by Sargent.Visit the art shop now!
It’s hosted shopping cart software for short. It allows you to have an independent online store (not on Etsy) without having to have your own website. It’s the opposite of self-hosted shopping cart software, which you install on your website.
Pro: You don’t need to pay, to build or maintain your own website. You can start selling art within minutes on your social media.
Con: You might get too comfortable with this simple option and forget that your brand needs an artist website. Also, you cannot add new features by customizing them.
3. Free plan
The free plan allows you to start selling online without having to pay a monthly fee. It’s a great feature for financially struggling artists or those who don’t want to take any risks. Many hosted platforms offer this option to attract new customers.
Downside: Free plans aren’t really free. You might be paying more than you’d expected at the end of the day. We take Gumroad for example, the free plan takes almost 10% in total (commission, transaction fee, and listing fee).
3. Staff Account
Artists are presumably Solopreneurs, but this isn’t the case for many. If you have an agent, a friend, or an intern to help you out, you might want to check out the ‘staff account’ feature. You can’t just hand over all your online credentials away to another person. Many platforms and apps don’t support multiple log-ins to the same account.
4. Payment Gateways
Different payment gateways might have different processing times, payout transaction fees, credit card rates etc. The most popular payment gateways are PayPal and Stripe. Sometimes a platform could have its own such as ‘Selz Pay’. You can’t choose any payment gateways, you must select from a list of compatible ones.
5. Instant Payout
Cash flow is another very important factor in any business. If you don’t get paid for a month, would you still be able to run your art business? Cash flow determines if you will make it or break it.
You want to get paid as soon as an order is fulfilled, but the instant payout is not a standard for every platform. Some platforms connect the payment to your PayPal so you get the money directly from your customers. Some platforms (Gumroad, Art of Where) would pay you every Friday.
6. Number of Products
Many e-commerce platforms that target artists don’t offer unlimited products. There is a limit of 5, 10 or 100 products. This can be very inconvenient when you sell hand-embellished works. Each work is unique, you might want to have a separate product listing for each. As you become more and more productive, you will reach the ceiling for the maximum number of products.
7. Images per Product
Some platforms (IndieMade, BigCartel) limit the number of images per product. It’s limiting your ability to showcase your art. Apart from images, you want HD videos instead of SD videos. Those content will help you capture the heart of your collectors.
8. Print-on-Demand Automation
Most of the eCommerce platforms work with Printful and Printify. Once a customer places an order, it’s automatically produced without you having to do anything. However if you want to work with some special local producers or fulfillment centers, you need to make sure your e-commerce platforms work seamlessly with the producer of your choice.
9. Pay What You Want (PWYW)
Pay What You Want allows your customers to price your products. You can use this as a friendly gesture for digital downloads like eBooks or customized art brushes. You can even give away freebies. If you plan to give away often, make sure your eCommerce platform doesn’t charge you for freebies.
10. Sell Memberships Courses
Apart from selling art, some platforms allow you to sell memberships to access exclusive content, to receive product subscriptions, or access online courses. You can use open platforms like WooCommerce to install add-ons. Alternatively, you can also use out-of-the-box solutions like Podia. With Podia, you can sell digital downloads, courses, and memberships.
11. Sell Offline
Artists and craftsmen might have their own studio storefronts or visit craft fairs regularly. You need to manage your inventory so you know which products are available. Also, you need a POS system to receive money if people aren’t carrying cash.
12. Sell Multichannel
Imagine if you are selling on Amazon and Etsy at the same time apart from your own website, it can be very challenging to manage the product listings.
13. Sell Services
You may ask: ‘How about selling commissioned art using e-commerce platforms?’ Commissioned works and bespoke pieces are ‘services’ that can be delivered both online and offline. In most cases, you can list them as ‘digital products’ as workarounds. By providing some price estimates and mockups, you are bringing your potential customers one step closer to placing the order.
Tools you find indispensable. 
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