Looking Back,looking Forward, As An Artist.

Hi Rich, I have always painted, drawn and generally played with creating things, but as with my Reiki and spiritual stuff I have had to keep it low key as I have a day job that is not really compatible with all of that. I have been a bit of a split personality really! However, as we go into 2015 that is changing as I am restructuring my work and therefore am free to pursue the things that really matter to me. I will also be permanently based in Italy rather than skipping back and forwards to the UK for work. So, in September 2014 I started to put my artwork out into the world (so scarey at the time!) and have thoroughly enjoyed the last few months. I have learnt so much - I have just 'worked' the entire Christmas break, long days getting my ideas together, developing a marketing plan, acting as a sponge by following everything on the forum and looking at what other people are doing. I have folders and folders of my artwork to work through and I am so looking forward to doing so. As for my plans for the next year, I hope to be making regular sales by Christmas next year - I have been surprised at how many people have bought my work (not on FAA yet but I am confident that will come in the future). I intend to be spending a lot of time in my studio creating new works and carrying on learning about digital art and how I can apply it. I am a happy bunny!

Dorothy,

Thanks for that input and you seem to be where you need to be, both as an artist and a business person!

Rich

2014 was definitively a year dominated by personal loss and an awareness of how quick your life can turn upside down. I didn't complete a single major piece in 2014, but none the less I think what's emerging on my easel now maybe the best work I've ever done. I feel like I have so much more to say with my art now than when I was a teenager, and you are so much more comfortable with who you are by now.

Considering that I haven't had time to pick up a brush I'm overwhelmed at the interest and sales I've received. It at least appears that I could do full time commissioned pieces if I wanted. Even in non-commissioned work than seems like every stroke I do I think of a dozen new painting ideas.

I've investigated a variety of art markets and have a far greater understanding of pros and cons in each one. I'm still tweaking like crazy but am pleased given the circumstances with progress made on my business model. I expected a huge learning curve in all the marketing stuff. I think I've gotten the rudiments now but need to get the time to implement the knowledge. Things have change enormously for an artist since the old gallery system; most of which I find very beneficial given my business background. I think there is more opportunity out there for an independent artist that ever in history.

So I'm hoping to get a handle on life's interruptions and get to spend a lot more time on my art.
-- mary ellen anderson

I think that 2014 has been an incredibly positive year for me, in terms of my art.

Last year was a year of change, when I left my corporate job and really had no idea what my next step would be, other than not wanting to do what I had been doing any longer. I spent a lot of time during my unemployment painting, and learning. I had always painted as a very enjoyable hobby in prior years, but just hadn't devoted the time and effort towards *really* focusing on it and working on it. So last year marked the first year of my immersing myself in it. However, much of last year, into the start of this year, was my continuing to learn what I probably would have learned in school had I majored in art, or had I spent more time reading books rather than just trying to figure it all out on my own. It has only been this year that I feel I have really hit a level of both improved techniques, as well as working towards more of my own personal style and artistic vision in my paintings. I know that I can only continue improving from here, though yes, I'm happy with much of what I have done this year.

Regarding my photography, I feel that I began hitting my stride and getting lots of really nice images beginning several years ago, so I view this year as a continuation, though I wasn't able to take as many trips this year as previous years, thus my output was actually less -- but, I think the quality of my images is a bit better, and I think my compositions are definitely improving. Like my painting, I think there's only ever room for improvement in future years. :)

I'm most pleased though with the effort I have put into marketing and towards really trying to earn some side income through my art. I have a ****Long**** ...loooongggg... (lol) way to go on this front, but I view the marketing / sales on FAA and elsewhere as a longer term endeavor, with this just being my first year. But even on FAA, I consider it positive all around, as I sold two large prints and several pillows.

Finally, I did my first art show this year, and I will be researching and aiming to do at least two, if not three, in the upcoming 2015 year. I learned a lot from my first experience so again, there's only room for improvement. :)

Lynn
www.lynncyrus.com

The first half of my year was overshadowed by the desperately serious situation, and eventual death, of a family member. By the end of the year, I'd carried out the last of my duties in that regard and could resume a more normal life, and start doing some photography again. I sold a few prints this year and that was great. I feel like my skill has improved, I'm doing more thinking and planning for a shot, trying to get it totally right in the camera and not rely on postprocessing.

And mainly, I'm doing only photos I like, and find interesting, and not worrying too much about what might sell.

At this point I look forward to 2015.

I've learned a lot in 2014, made some changes, and now we'll see how the next year goes.

Mary Ellen,

Thanks for sharing this. I'm asking some very personal questions and had hoped to receive, personal answers, both for me and others here, but also for the Artist responding. This can be a very positive excercise or just a negative reminder of our faults and weaknesses, which we all possess. The more "real" the answers here, the more the positive energy that will result. Getting way too deep here,especially for a few hours until the New Year!

I would suggest that you invest more time into producing "inventory" and not worry about the other side. With works like this, the "other side" will take care of itself!



Rich

Lynn,

I'm thinking that you're on the right road, but I can't tell you if the photography or your painting is the right path! I like both! Here is a painting that caight my eye:



Part of any journey is knowing where you're headed and I think you're starting to see that path,

Good Luck and thanks for adding to this discussion,

Rich

Jim,

Thanks for jumping in! An artist is only an artist, if they, he or she, creates what pleases them and if not, then that's just producing stuff on a shelf. The MORE you like what you produce, the better the chances that others will also feel that way. Sales here are indeed an example of approval, but like me and many others, we need to be "happy" with our own work,before we expect others to feel the same way.



An excellent example of the right image,from teh right artist!

Rich

JL,

Need more!! See you tomorrow!

Rich

Hey Rich! I saw this when you first posted it but am just getting around to answering your questions.

How do you feel about this last year here and how would you like to feel a year from now,when I post this same question?

I was encouraged by the first half of the year because I sold some prints and canvasses (and cards too). Sales bottomed out in the last half of the year though despite advertising my AW more. A year from now I'd like to feel like I was being rewarded for time and hard work that I'd put in. I would love for the bulk of my online income to come from FAA.

I think I've reached a plateau in my nature photography and I'm at a bit of a crossroads. I enjoy doing it but I also want to explore other avenues. I get the creative itch and go running off in all kinds of directions, trying to satisfy it. So I lack focus at this point. I like to do a lot of different things...sometimes I see this as a good thing and sometimes I feel like I'm just spinning my wheels and not gaining direction in any one area. I want to become location independent so that I could pick up and go anywhere and still earn money through my online ventures.

Now I have a question for you, Rich. If I remember correctly, you weren't quite satisfied with your income here by mid-year. (Forgive me if I'm wrong!) So did you do anything differently from the time you weren't satisfied to now, when you've earned $1100 for December? To what do you attribute your success? And congratulations on reaching that milestone. It must be very satisfying because I know you put the time and work into reaching that milestone. Good luck with achieving your goals too...I'm rooting for ya!

Peggy,

First, let's talk about a favorite subject of mine, ME!!! LOL!

I think and I doubt it will ever get confirmed, but I think there was a general "slump" in the middle and from what I've heard, something FAA did and annoyed Google. In this last quarter, they made up and sales have increased back to where they should have been. I think part of my "improvement" is the volume of images that "ve been working on, producing/creating,editing and uploading. 260+ in December. I actually sold I think 2 things from that upload already! (I'm not counting selling stuff from that upload to buyers that are from the local car shows).

For me then, I'm onna roll! Almost disregarding sales and looking for inventory,which helps sales and the choices buyers have. So I'm sticking to the theory that the Google thing flattened out a lot of sales and then got fixed and it's back and beginning to effect sales for myself and others here.

$1100 for a check, is CERTAINLY a big deal for me! And I see it as an indicator of what's possible and what the future may bring. I don't EVER see myself doing the business like the top sellers, but I think I can get much better at this and will be satisfied(for now) moving up slowly and steadily.

Enough about me(unless you want more! LOL!)

Here are a few questions and you can answer them here or send me an email, but here will benefit others reading this.

1.What category of stuff, have you sold the most of, and why?
2. Have you sold any "large" prints and do you offer sizes that are large?
3. What do you enjoy shooting,regardless if it sells or not, just makes you feel good to do it?
4. Is there anything about FAA that seems like "work" and you sometimes put it off?
5. If you went on a 1 year cruise and didn't bring a computer and you turned on your computer and went to your site,what would you like to see(other than sales figures!!!LOL)?



Go do some homework and we can gab a bit more...........

Rich

Rich,
Thanks for this interesting thread but more importantly thank you for all the help you are so graciously willing to give anyone and everyone!

Reading over these posts, I am surprised and saddened that more than one of our lives where overshadowed by major personal losses this year. I may have joined FAA over a year ago but it was really just late summer after three losses in my life that I got serious about creating, posting and marketing my work.

I feel blessed to have sold several pieces through FAA and locally. The largest was a 30 x 40 canvas that at first had "image issues" but members here gave advice on how to fix it, I took their advice and it printed.......keeping those fingers crossed that the buyer does not return it! :)

My best camera is only 8mp (and old!) so I cannot offer the larger sizes for those images (my 14mp is a crappy point and shoot!) but am trying to use some of those smaller files for smaller prints and greeting cards. Pricing is still a mystery I haven't taken the time to figure out and I made very little on the sales I did have because of that. That's on the to do list for this year.

I am learning more every day that I visit these forums. I am learning to turn "regular" photos into abstracts and not only do I like what I am getting but it is fun! Did I ever mention I love to have fun?!

I have put my real estate license on an inactive status and hopefully the hubby will be employed by Feb. 1st so I am planning to devote even more time and energy to my photography this year, even though I still have two other part time jobs. I will buy a new camera and equipment (tripod/external shutter/etc) this year, too.

My goal is to improve my work and marketing so that I, too, can say that I am receiving four figure checks from FAA!

Happy New Year and much success to you this coming year, Rich!
Kathy

Kathy K. McClellan
KeppenArt, LLC

Kathy,

Thank you for your kind words. First, I would invest a little time and get your pricing fixed and to your satisfaction,since that's money being wasted. Secondly, I wouldn't bother too much about the equipment at this time, but would rather see you go out and shoot more and improve your vision. I do it and it works. Just like any other "muscle" use it or lose it! Whether it's only in my backyard, car shows or short weekend trips(St.Augustine for example) I try and give myself challenges/assignments to fulfill, as if I was turning the images over to a mgazine Photo Editor. I've been to St. Augustine and everytime I go, I try and create better images than last trip. and I think I accomplished that this past trip.

Take your camera and get out and start producing new images, play a bit and forget the camera might have some limitations. The "quality" of the captured images isn't dependent on the camera, but the artist behind it.

And ANY image can be made larger, if the right steps are taken,so I can help with that little issue. But let's not get too caught up in the size issue. I'll give you some "assigments" if you want........

And when you do decide to get some new equipment,let me know and I'lltry and help.

Here's an example of small to big:



From this image:




Rich

Interesting answers, Rich. Yes, I'd always love to hear more about your experiences! I'm afraid I got a little discouraged at my lack of sales here and pretty much stopped uploading. I'll have to give myself a shake and give it another shot.

So, to answer your questions:

1.What category of stuff, have you sold the most of, and why?

I sell almost entirely nature photography so far. As to why...maybe because that's the category I have the most of. Also, I've been at it the longest.

2. Have you sold any "large" prints and do you offer sizes that are large?

Yes, I sold a 60" x 40" wrapped canvas (of a Buick hood ornament). Most, but not all, of my images are offered at that size.

3. What do you enjoy shooting,regardless if it sells or not, just makes you feel good to do it?

I still enjoy shooting wildlife the most. I want to explore creating more artistic versions of some of my work though, instead of just "straight" photography. I like that you chose to show my image of herons above...I have the most fun doing that kind of thing. Although I'm just getting started with Impressions, I think I'm going to enjoy that quite a bit too though.

4. Is there anything about FAA that seems like "work" and you sometimes put it off?

Not really. I think it's the easiest POD to upload work to. Really, just my lack of sales has kept me from doing it lately. Plus I was busy getting my Etsy shop off the ground (coconut shell earrings, not photography or vintage collages!)

5. If you went on a 1 year cruise and didn't bring a computer and you turned on your computer and went to your site,what would you like to see(other than sales figures!!!LOL)?

Good question! I would like to see more painterly photographs and more abstract art. I'd love to see paintings created with paint and paper but that's a bit of a jump for me right now!

Thanks for taking the time to explore all this with us. You should do tutorials.

What a great thread!

Interesting for me to look back at 2014 and reflect. I achieved quite a few goals last year. The pinnacle was getting a four figure check in December to help pay bills. I have been selling about 1 to 2 images a month and am hoping to expand upon that locally. The first part of the year was pretty slow until I started entering competitions like Black and White Magazine and others. That started the ball rolling for me!
And I had my first real sale locally although.

I was able to show my work at Art Basel in Miami and get an article in an art magazine,which I was soliciting for three years now( I kept calling). I was invited to Art Monaco, but I have to pass due to travel expenses.

Looking forward, I just got a large printer to make and sell my own product locally and a different online gallery. I did this because for a few reasons. 1)I got tired of paying someone else to make my prints;2) I was told about a half dozen times my prints needed to be larger not smaller(larger ones sell more); 3) the printer will pay for itself, eventually; and 4) I enjoy printing and want control of my own photographs(far fewer color casts when I do it)

I think this is a wonderful Journey I am on. I would like it to go faster, but it is more practical to relax and enjoy the ride!

Congratulations Rich!
I made 1 dollar my first year on this site. This last year I sold 5 prints, 2 phone cases, 1 pillow and 1 card. What I have learned is a lot of it is trial and error. I'm more of an On The Job Training type of personality. I am slowly learning some of the ins and outs of the software process and my camera. I will try blogging this year! So, maybe this year you will get that 10,000 payday huh? lol

My 2nd favourite of yours Rich is this one..



Sorry.. this year well today i sold and i made $48

Last year i sold the same one twice, and the tiger one too. And year before i sold the gerber flower. Not great sales, but i found out yesterday my prices were incorrect and with asking questions and receiving some lovely replies have worked on the changes. Working on tonnes more to add today and the rest of the weekend.

Peggy,

I think you answered your own question! Start creating what you want to see, in 362 days or so! I would also suggest that you do some "dumpster diving" which is what I've done recently. Go find some interesting images, that you like and remember, but might not have been "technically" perfect and you never did anything with them. THEN play with them in Impresssion or some other program and see what comes out the other end!

You obviously have a good eye, so that's not an issue, but inventory of images that are highly "saleable" might just be. And the big advantage with working on "dismissed" images, is that you'll feel no pressure to get something out of each one! Also, you can get pretty "loose" with your adjustments and edits, since you're going to run a nice big fat "effect" over the image, before you're done!

I've got a number of images that I went "dumpster diving" for and I even sold one(greeting card) within 48 hours of uploading it.

Finally and this is just me and the way I see stuff, but I would work on my "Gallery" page and organize and show, more of your great images and then lower down, the hummingbirds and chipmonks, which might discourage buyers and think that's primarily what you create.

EASY PEASEY!

Rich

Jon,

I feel like you're on the "cusp" of where you should be. Your images are great and you're a professional and have the business sense to get you where you need to be. I'm like you, not a great guy for waiting around and "stuff" happening and I think this will be your year!

We'll all be saying "I knew that guy before he became so famous! No really, I did!"

Good Luck in 2015!

Rich

Craig,

I think you hit the nail on the head! Now it's just a matter of time and taking time and learning some software programs and then creating the images that are in your mind, just not in your camera or monitor yet. The images, your images ARE getting better, so now, the question comes up, "what do I need to do TO those images to get them to the next higher level?" and that's just grunt work and we all have done it and I'm STILL doing it!!!

Rich

Helen,

You're probably the easiest to answer, NEED MORE IMAGES!!! There are very few artists here, selling, that don't have big inventory of images but this guy comes to mind and I really like his stuff!

http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/dave+allen/all

He has 176 images here, but almost everyone is perfect! And he's always on the "Recently sold" page!

So for you, numbers will be the game,since we all agree you've got the "eye", so get hopping!!!

Rich

Hey Thanks for the compliment Rich. Ever do any photo workshops?

Thank you Rich, i did have 12 yesterday!! but yes i am working on more to add this weekend and for the next month.. I generally do digital paintings rather than digital art, so i have been getting on with those, but usually they have been commissions, rather than off the cuff paintings, so i usually give the rights for the customer to have all rights on the prints rather than i show them off again for sale.

But thank you for the link, and i will work on it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Rich. Dumpster diving sounds like a good idea.

As far as organizing my gallery page, I'm not sure what you consider to be my "great" images, but I guess that's all a matter of opinion. About half my sales here are of squirrels and chipmunks and the others (aside from the car sale) are a mixed bag of birds or other animals. Funny, because I wasn't even going to upload the squirrel pictures here at all originally.

Jon,

Do you mean that "do I lead workshops or attend workshops"? I've led workshops and used to teach photography here in Central Florida. If you and/or others would like a workshop put together, just for your specific needs, I'd be very happy to talk about that potential.

Helen,

Looking forward to seeing more! As the artist and owner of the copyright of ANY images that you create, you can retain the right to sell any images that you've been commissioned to do,even without the permission of the buyer, but of course, I would never do that. I would instead ask the owners/buyers if, with their permission(not needed) if you could offer for sale the piece you created for them. This is of course,assuming that it's just not a portrait of them,which would have little value, unless "them" was the President or something!

If generic images of pets,horses,etc. then that image has value to you and others and I would ask permission to post it here, or in the future,explain to any new clients that they "own" the painting, but you own the rights and since the image came out looking so good and the fee you charged to them was a "bargain" because they were friends, you would like to try and see if you could recoup some of that value............

Rich

Peggy,

I was hoping that you were going to tell me, your great images with the textures and Impression effects were your big sellers!!!

So, I stand corrected!

If you are selling the chipmonks and squirrels, then I would become the "Queen of Chipmonks" and concentrate on that, IF you enjoy doing that work. The secret here, is having the image that a buyer wants and having that best possible image,which your shots are! But even better, is to "OWN" that category and have a huge inventory of those images and you'll be needing a wheelbarrow to get the checks to the bank!

My "chipmonks" are my car images,which I'm concentrating on and trying to build an overwhelming selection(never do) of car shots. BUT I really enjoy flower shots and I shot some everyweek or so,mostly for the fun and practice and the change from shooting cars! But here's the thing, as good as some of my flower images are and there are some really good ones(ask my Mom), in the time that I've been here, out of 133 sales since December 2011, I've only sold........drum roll please....................4! So what does that tell you?

That's why I'm shooting cars(chipmonks) and that's why you should too!

So this littly ditty is really about 2 things, you should shoot stuff you like, because it "refreshes" your head and it's fun and you like it and you ENJOY doing it, BUT if you look at FAA as a business, then YOU(anybody reading this) needs to treat this store as a business and stock it with stuff that you know will sell, not things that you WISH would sell! And you'll be successful.

My fingers hurt!

Rich

Very interesting thread. I think my work has improved over the past year, both in art and in design. I had more sales on my other POD but still nothing near what I'd like to be doing. I only had one sale on FAA and that was back last spring. I didn't get as many pastels done last year as I had intended so I'm going to concentrate on doing that and other more traditional mediums this year. I'm not a great photographer but I did learn a lot about Lightroom and how to fix some of the issues that my shots invariably have.

Rich, if I ever made $1000 on this site in 6 months, much less one month, I'd be very pleased. I do market on G+, FB, Twitter, etc. but it doesn't really seem to do me much good. I participated in two local shows in 2014 but I don't think it helped much either. I've handed out business cards and talked to people about my work whenever I had the chance. I guess I'll never make a good salesperson. :-) I might enter some local shows again in 2015 if I can spare the fees and afford to get some stuff framed. But that's my main problem right now. Lack of funds is going to really be a problem this year unless I can find a real world job. My area hasn't really improved a lot since the recession and at my age it won't be easy to convince someone to hire me. And, as I mentioned, I'm not a good salesperson so I really suck at job interviews.

Helen,

Looking forward to seeing more! As the artist and owner of the copyright of ANY images that you create, you can retain the right to sell any images that you've been commissioned to do,even without the permission of the buyer, but of course, I would never do that. I would instead ask the owners/buyers if, with their permission(not needed) if you could offer for sale the piece you created for them. This is of course,assuming that it's just not a portrait of them,which would have little value, unless "them" was the President or something!

If generic images of pets,horses,etc. then that image has value to you and others and I would ask permission to post it here, or in the future,explain to any new clients that they "own" the painting, but you own the rights and since the image came out looking so good and the fee you charged to them was a "bargain" because they were friends, you would like to try and see if you could recoup some of that value............

Rich


Rich!!

I never knew that, and yes i have some beautiful animal portraits, maybe not add the children portraits, but i have some lovely work, last year i sold possibly 13 commissions, would have been more but i was poorly for 6 months. But, yes i shall do that.

Thank you!! and i let you know when i add the new ones. I am working on them now.

Helen xx

MM,

I think, in your case, you're strongest stuff IS/ARE your pastels and I would work toward that end. With your great pet portraits as a start, I would re-label yourself, at least at ALL the local shows as the PET PORTRAITIST! and go after that market,especially if you enjoy doing those. No matter how bad the economy is, people STILL spend money on their pets. I would visit any local PetSmarts or other large pet chains and see if it would be possible to have a small table,either inside(winter) or even on the sidewalks, when the people come from the Rescue groups and set up. To me, that's your market to start and your intital invest ment would be low,except for cards and a price sheet(from your computer) to hand out. Here in Florida, it's both Saturdays and Sundays, so you could do both or just one to start, but ask the manager which day is usually busy and pick that date.

Now, the carrot that you're offerring would be that from each portrait purchased(collect before hand!!!) you will donate,.X or XX, $5, $10 whatever you think to that Rescue group! Now you're pals with them and when you ask to put a link on THEIR site, they'll be glad to do so!

Whaddya think?

Rich

Hey Rich! "I was hoping that you were going to tell me, your great images with the textures and Impression effects were your big sellers!!!"

Well, I've only done one piece with the Impression effects so...

Anyway, points well taken. Your flowers/cars story was quite enlightening. The squirrels are by far my biggest seller over at another place I sell and I'm kind of known locally for those shots. (I have to chuckle because one just ran by on the deck.) Although I still enjoy taking those pictures, I don't want to be pigeonholed. But for now they seem to be my bread and butter.

Thanks for the talk!

Peggy,

If "pigeonholed" means lots of $$$$, then that ain't so bad! And it should keep you from doing your other stuff. As much as I would like to sell my flowers and I've had shows in Gallerys and other art venues and my flowers were there and big, 26" x 40" gallery wrapped canvas, and everyone Ooohed and Ahhhed, but didn't sell nuttin!

So you might be the "Squiress of Squirrels or the Chieftess of Chipmonks" and sell a lot here and at home, be whatever whomever you care to be!

Rich

That's a pretty good idea, Rich, about the Pet Smart. I actually did put my yellow lab portrait on my last business cards so that's done. I have displayed some work in a local dog groomer's place in the past. I'll have to see what I can do.

2014 was a year I'd like not to repeat health wise. ...it impacted my ability to paint.
Best part was a 3 month show of 28 of my paintings gracing the walls of Frank Lloyd Wright's last building that he saw being built in Arizona. It was the 50th anniversary.

MM,

You really just need a few framed pieces and some smaller ones, matted and in bags(for protection) and a story! Your story is that you love pets and all animals and would like to give back to the organizations that help those in need and this is how you decided to help,by donating a small portion of your fee,back to that Rescue group.

You'll need business cards, lots, a framed price list of sizes and services you'll provide: example the owners can provide a photo and if it's acceptable to you,fine, but if they don't have one, you'll take a few for $35(?) in addition to your fee. Remember you are creating an original piece of art, so don't short change yourself. Any prints can be ordered from FAA or is small and just prints, not framed, get them printed yourself. I would have the FAA price/product list of ALL the products THEY can order and especially the phone cases. If they want to use one of their own images for a phone case, there should be a $25 upload charge, for you,since you'll probably need to do a bit of editing.

While I'm thinking about editing something came to mind. You could also offer another product line, images that you run through Impression or some such and make a digital painting for them, for say $50.

Anyway, lot's to talk about so we can continue this later or privately........

Rich

Marlene,

I assume that was your "short" answer!!! LOL! How about what you see for yourself, in 2015 and if any thing on the horizon, might affect what and how you create your art?

Rich

Hello Rich, I am a student of photography at a local 2 year college in Upstate NY. I returned to school at the age 52 and in the last year I have started to call myself an artist. I have learned and grown into my work which has earned me the title of artist. I love where I am at but I am more excited about where I will be in my future for I have seen how far I have come in such a short time. The most important thing I am learning is not to be afraid of success or failure, just getting out there and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone because what you come with can be amazing not only to you but to others as well.

It was as much as I was gonna type on my phone. lol.
I rebuilt my website and have spent the first four days of the new year doing that and have my other site to dig into next. Also need to compile and a new book and then decide what I'm going to do with all these photographs. I've been sensing for awhile that they are not the end product but part of the process....

I came late to the FAA party, I just started here in November, no sales yet, but I'm hoping!!!

For next year I plan on expanding my photography, and adding lots of images, that's what I'm planning anyway, I was just getting on a roll for images and my mother started having health problems, she has been in the hospital for three weeks after some major surgery, and I visit her every day, 45 minute drive one way.
My problem is, I believe, I shoot what seams to be popular for other photographers, so their is a glut of "my" images.
I am hoping 2015 is a better year all around!!!

Thanks for the thread!!!
Terry
tlmair.com

Cherie,

I can see, looking at your images, that you are at the beginning of your journey and maybe your best "tool" is your attitude! Photography and any art form is about exploring,playing,failing and then playing some more. Many people fail, because the first time they try, and don't like the results, they stop and give up. I wouldn't be here and many others,if we all did the same thing. I see that you have a good eye for composition and would suggest that you invest some time into the other end of digital photography, editing and editing software. You have some really good images, just dying for attention and that's your next path, like me, learning to edit images, as long as they are good images, into great images!

I, in my lifetime as a professional photographer and I've shot for Travel&Leisure,Food&Wine and many others, I have thrown out more images, than you will ever take in your lifetime! As I get older and smarter, I can now do a much better job. But there was a hella of a learning curve and it's ALL about going out and "working" at this and getting better and you seem like that's already in your path!

Good Luck!

Rich

Terry,

Thanks for this post. My mother is 86 now, up in New Jersey and I visited her just before the end of October and she already has a new list of "honey do's"!!!

So here's your "problem" as I see it. INVENTORY! Not how do I use this camera or what is this lens best for, or anything else! You've got a great eye and just need to produce! You need to find what you enjoy shooting the most and then just jump in! You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen and I've been there a bit. Like I've told others, concentrate on what you like and the more unique the images, the more successful you'll be selling them, if that's a goal.

Here's an assignment: Pink Coral Sand Dunes! With what I've seen, you would "kill" there!



Good Luck!

Rich

Marlene,

I think you need to invest some time and look at some books and then your images and see where's there's an opportuntiy for you.Here's where I might start:

http://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Waters-Portraits-Yosemite-Sierra/dp/0977687708

Elizabeth Carmel started small,but with her huge ablility(think you!) produced this book and then was off to the races! I've spoken to her many years ago and she's a great person. But it started with an idea, and a unique setting,mostly Lake Tahoe and having Robert Redford do the preface, didn't hurt either.

But you get my point, think BIG!

Rich

Rich, just wanted to let you know that I made my first sale of the year yesterday, which was a pack of 10 cards of guess what? A squirrel, of course!

Rich, I like the ideas you've given me. I wish I was a better salesperson though. I'm really, really bad at convincing folks to buy from me in person.

Rich, I have 6 books already...just adding the next one to the collection ;)
I have always thought big....that's how I've stayed alive in this fickle business for over 40 years.

Peggy,

Congrats! And I've never sold 10 cards,ever! You may have found your Path, Grasshopper!

MM,

What's great about this idea, is that YOU don't have to sell anything! Your work will take care of that. If there were 5 others there, offering their services to do Pet Portraits, then yes, you would need to put on that saleperson's hat! But this isn't the case. You CAN do this!!!

Marlene,

I didn't know this! Where are these?

Rich

um, in my Book gallery, lol

Thank you for your insight Rich, it is much appreciated!!!

Terry
tlmair.com

Ronnie Roganti View my work at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/ronnie-rogantiphotography.html
Photos of nature and scenery that you will enjoy having in your home! Please take a look.
Very affordable prices for high art work! Thank you

Ronnie,

Welcome! But this post of your's doesn't really fit in with the main topic. It's more of an "ad" for your stuff.

Rich

First of all I would like to say a big thankyou to Rich, for all of your support and encouragement, especially the brutal criticism. :)) As you know I can't stay on one topic for long, dabbling in this and that, painting, animation, sculpting, writing, and the wonderful photography. Travelling to europe this year was the biggy for me, couldn't wait to get home and play with the images, but still havn't rreally got into it, though I have begun the much awaited (for by me) poetry book, using some of the photos from Liverpool where I grew up, I can't wait to finish it or, even just begin the Italy book!!! But my biggest step is, yesterday I signed up for an Art Therapy year long training course. Something I have thought about over the years, but couldn't give my day job up, now I have found a path. This may be where I bring all the different creative pursuits together.
I was quite moved by other people's responses. So happy for the inspiration they felt and changes they have pursued. Great fuzzy thread with real focus and meaning. Thanks Rich.
Happy 2015 everyone!!:)))

Congratulations Rich on your sales!

I'm starting to draw and feel like the sky is the limit for drawing anything although I still like photography very much and will always. I need to continue to draw, I will be submitting some of them to agents and hopefully they will be seen in conventions for card/book art and at the image/agent. I did this birdcage yesterday and want to do more variations on birdcages, this is the first one.

I am progressing in my "natural light" photography and liking simplicity right now. I have sold some canvases on Houzz.com this year. I need to continue to progress with the social media.

I'm coming late to this thread, and enjoying the thoughtfulness in the answers. (Buy the way, Suzanne, I love the Christmas Pears In A bowl!) I know that I have grown and expanded in my photography and one of the ways as been to stop and pay attention to the things around me. I can't travel, so my challenge has been to see the world at my doorstep and study the art in that. And to take what is mundane in my home surroundings and revise them as art. I have been also shooting small worlds and seeing the beauty we often pass by. My work has caught the eye of an active gallery owner and she told me that she has nothing like my work in her gallery and asked me to submit an application. It's well visited, does great business, she is very active in promoting the work with events and publicity, so I am excited to be part of it! I feel that what I have been learning is paying off! Plus, my learning with encaustic has also reflected the time I have spent with it, struggling and improving working with a difficult medium. I am excited about 2015!

I am very thankful for this thread Rich, because it sheds light on so many talented artists and their successes and aspirations, and thank you Rich for highlighting everyone's work and giving feedback on what their strengths are, and your thoughts on how they should proceed. If you would be kind enough to give me some feedback on my work that would be fantastiic!

I discovered I had some latent talent for photography last summer, and it blew my mind that at 44 years old I was discovering a new passion. Photography is a really wonderful way for me to capture the miracles of natural beauty all around us. I am still learning a LOT, and have a long way to go, but definitely have come a long way in just 7 months in learning how to capture the mood and feel of what I see unfolding before me. I am insane about lighting, and how it interacts with the sky, water (I live on the coast), and the coastal landscape. And I absolutely love rich colors. I am silently zigging with vibrant colors while so many landscape photographers shoot and edit for desaturations/toned down colors. I am aiming for my photography to capture my personal philosophy that life is wonder-full and miraculous and I want to inspire people with all the beauty, peace, and even drama that unfolds in nature. My aim is to start selling my works locally, online and at state art fairs by this spring.

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your journey, and I hope you all have a very healthy and prosperous 2015 along your path of success.

Sincerely, Gregory

Maria,

Thanks for those kind words!

You're like a rumbling volcano,ready to burst! Just need a focus(pun intended) and throw ALL your energies toward that direction. You have so many talents,that it's hard to stick with just one,when ALL those others are tapping at the back of your brain,yelling "Hey what about me next!!!???". I'm glad that I've helped a bit in these last few years and can't wait to see what comes out of that "cocoon", Good Luck!

Rich

Suzanne,

I would have to disagree with you, your drawing, is but a component to your talents and the "star" is your sense of design,which I see improving by leaps and bounds. Both the photography, but especially your drawings/designs are out standing and now, just a matter of time.

My guess, is that the very top seller here,on FAA, is M. Tompsett, and he's a designer! You're not far behind, just need the exposure(pun intended) and you're off to the races! I just hope you still have time to post here, in between making runs for bank deposits!

Have a Good Year!

Rich

Rebecca,

Beautiful work! And congrats with your new Gallery owner! I bet she doesn't have anything like what you are creating and can't wait to get a few of your pieces in her shop! And don't be shy about putting a price on anything that the gallery owner suggests. A good gallery owner will help guide you and mentor you,since it benefits them to make you a success. Not to mention, a few years from now, she'll be telling her friends, "I discovered Rebbeca!".

I really can't see any limits to what you can do or create,so that's not an issue. But at some time, you might need to think about the actual production of your art, as sales increase and in the gallery, just one to start, you'll be selling originals,unlike FAA prints,so at some point, the "production" of originals will become an issue. Fortunately, the best way to control the sales, is to raise your prices and that's a good problem to have!

Good Luck!

Rich

Gregory,

Welcome!

We've chatted a bit lately and so I feel that you're on this new journey and like Yogi Berra said "When you come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!". And this really applies to you! You can take BOTH forks and here's what I would suggest.

Fork 1. Anything and everything that says "Jersey Shore", the real shore, not the TV show! Anything that says Jersey Shore,every iconic image you can come across,photograph it and get it up on FAA. Anyone that visits the Shore, at sometime,wants a visual reminder of their time,events and experiences there and YOU can be Mr.Jersey Shore! From Point Pleasant down to Cape May, this could be your new "territory",just waiting for you to get started. Your name is on it.

What this Opportunity does for you, is prepare you for the Fork 2. As you shoot the Fork 1 stuff, you're gonna get better,just will happen! And as your eye gets better, your Fork 2 stuff will also be better.

Fork 2. Create artwork, vignettes,macro images,little stories,with your camera, of the Shore. I mentioned in an earlier post about shooting stuff, piers,boardwalks,etc. and this should be done with a more creative eye. Cn be done the same time as Fork 1 shots, but needs to have a different sense, more artful, then in your face boardwalk shots,for example. You shot a nice water scene:



And it's nice as it is, but a much slower shutter speed would have made a really special shot,which I think we talked about.

So there's your "assignment", don't fork around, go do it!

Rich

Ever so grateful for your response Rich. It's nice to hear someone who sounds like a member of my family, all positives and especially since my parents have passed, I needed that! Now I'm going to re-read your comments!

Hahaha Rich, I will get off my "forking'" butt and get going! Thanks for the feedback!

Suzanne,

Thanks for sharing and I hope this year, is your year! And leave a little for me too............LOL!

Rich

Gregory,

Glad to help and now the "ball" is in your court! I'm thinking some nice ice on the boardwalk,benches,doorknobs,you know where I'm going with this! Bundle up!

Rich

Rich, you are a most encouraging kind of person. May you have a wonderful 2015!

Rebecca

Rebecca,

Thank You! And then, why not? Doesn't cost anything and if I can help or share or point another artist,why not do it? It's fun for me and I hope for others.

And I do hope this will be a break out year for us!

Rich

Thanks Rich,
You reminded me of my dad, even though we are similiar ages, one of the last things he said to me was. "Maria! Choose ONE thing and follow it" I still don't know if I am capable of that, but thats my resolution for this year. :) That doesn't mean you've heard the last of me :))) And if it comes off I will love sharing the journey with those who have always been there to get me focussed again. :))

Maria,

If you enjoy "everything" then do everything you enjoy! If you feel that you are better at one thing,than that's your focus. Doesn't mean you have to give up all the others, just that one is now a favorite!

Rich

Yes,I like that perspective too :)))