Develop Your Art Style
Ann Baldwin May wrote Develop Your Art Style as a potential Zoom talk at a NorCal /Southern Nevada Regional Meeting of the International Art quilters organization,SAQA. Although this post’s original audience was art quilters, many of the points apply to all forms of artists. Especially artists who are just beginning to put themselves and their art out into the world.
Introduction
Ann Baldwin May developed her art style to become a quilt artist. Ms. May reinvented herself in retirement. Her art friends call her resilient, a prolific artist and a master at social media. She was accepted into the New York Art Center in Tribeca in 2019.
Develop Your Art Style
How to develop your own art style? Do you want to make a career out of art ? Do you want to sell items that you make? Is your goal to be in a museum? These decisions are part of the process. An answer does not need to be made right away. Only one person can make these decisions. It is YOU.
In the beginning,I would visit shows and see no art quilts that looked like mine. At first, I worried about this, but then I realized that it was a good thing. I had my own unique style. I focussed on developing it more.
Honing your Craft
- Develop your skill set .This will be your bag of tricks that you will draw from.What skills are you good at? What skills do you like to use while making your art? Use these to develop your own style.
- Classes are great but at some point one has to work on developing their own style.
- Attend SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) conferences. The workshops offer great advice for all steps of your career.
Putting Yourself Out There
The 20th century model for art and many things was make or do great work. Then the world would come to you. The 21st century model is different. Each person needs to let the world know what they are doing. This can be difficult for some of us to do. However,I found this phrase helpful when I started out. Hi, I am shamelessly promoting my work. This phrase shows that it is uncomfortable yet it still needs to be done.
- Let people know what you are doing. Share with your friends and the groups you are in. They will be a big support for you especially in the beginning.
- Start a list of people who want to hear from you. Gather names and emails at each show you participate in. Use it to notify people of what you are doing. I do a monthly newsletter about where I am showing my art or what I am making.
- What is your digital footprint? If someone sees your work and googles you, what will they see? What do you want to see when you google an artist? A website announces to the world that you are serious about your art. Online sale sites are growing. Besides sales, I have gotten commissions from my Etsy shop. I was also contacted by an editor for Art Quilting Studio to write articles for them. I was interviewed by a freelance writer for the Smithsonian Magazine due to my digital footprint.
Each Community is Unique.
Each community is unique. I happen to live in a community with a vibrant art scene. Santa Cruz, California is fifth in the nation of listing artists as their livelihood.There are opportunities to show your work at restaurants, coffee shops, quilts shows, county fairs, festivals,real estate offices,First Fridays events, Open Studios Art Tours. Your community is probably different. join together with others and form a group. Accept the opportunity to create your own events.
Educating the Public about what You Do
Take the opportunity to educate the public about art quilts. I usually say art quilting is a new form. It (SAQA) began in 1989 in Northern CA. Yvonne Porcella was actually born and raised in my county. Many people still don’t know about it.
Further Steps
- Create a laser statement, sometimes called a elevator talk. Explain what you do in a sentence or two. Most people know what quilts.But they are still unfamiliar with art quilts. I usually say art quilts use quilting technique to make wall art. My portfolios are Nature, Abstracts and Mexican inspired art quilts.
- Reach beyond the art quilt world to the art world in general. Enter shows that accept fiber art.
- Local press- If you are having shows or creating events the local press with search you out. Of course, you can also let them know.
- Be professional. Be a person someone wants to work with. Leave your ego at the door.Be prompt, prepared at all steps.
About ten years I began my art path into the world. I gleaned these ideas presented here mainly from my own search to develop my own style. I find that they have worked for me. As one takes baby steps into the art world, people will comment on what they see or like. This feedback from the public will help you define your own style.You may have one but you may not truly recognize it. I offer these suggestions to help as you develop your own art style.
You may be interested in reading more about my style.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/12/coming-into-my-own-as-an-art-quilter/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-redirected-fabrics-and-materials/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/05/be-ready-with-your-laser-statement/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/smaller-art/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/
