Frank Juárez
On October 14th, Artdose Magazine and NWTC Artisan and Business Center partnered to offer a one-day symposium focused on the business side of art. The symposium provided the opportunity for artists to hear how Wisconsin creative entrepreneurs navigate the world of art, the importance of networking, and share effective strategies to advance their art careers. The business of art symposium brought artists from Oconomowoc, Delafield, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, De Pere, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Sturgeon Bay.
Lauren Marie Nitka presentation, “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Not a Struggling Artist”, focused on the importance of why an artist should think like an entrepreneur, and how this mindset shift is powerful. Nitka states that as artists, we need to move beyond the easel. She provided helpful tips on how artists can begin to assess the different roles they have to engage in as an entrepreneur. When artists explore their possibilities beyond their fine art pieces, they begin to build a reputable brand that invites new opportunities and multiple revenue streams.
Connect with Lauren at www.laurenmarienitka.com.
Erin LaBonte’s presentation, “The Art of Creating an Effective Proposal“, touch upon the importance of crafting an effective proposal for artist residencies, exhibitions, murals, and grants. The presentation guided artists in considering recommended proposals to apply for, where to find these opportunities, and how to prepare for them. LaBonte talked about researching artist RFPs (requests for proposal), the value of professional networking, budgeting, and how to effectively and professionally present yourself.
Connect with Erin at www.erinlabonte.com & www.yonderartland.com.
Rob Neilson‘s presentation, “Public Art is Like Robbing a Bank – Because That’s Where the Money is“, began with the story about when famed bank robber and the 11th person to make it to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List, Willie Sutton was asked by a reporter why he robbed banks, Sutton famously replied, “Because that’s where the money is.” Neilson was once asked why he got involved in public art and he gave the same response, “Because that’s where the money is”.
Certainly, Neilson was being flippant, but he was also being forthright. He loves the balancing of the practical and the profound. But… he also very much enjoy making a living making his art. There is no one, single way to “get into public art” let alone “how to make a living making public art” so those “secrets” must, alas, remain cloistered. What he can offer in place of a satisfactory solution to this sometimes seemingly enigmatic field of public art is an account of how he got started, what he has done, and what he has learned from the triumphs and tragedies, the feats, and fiascos of 20 years in the “public art racket”.
Connect with Rob at www.robneilson.com.
Craig Bower‘s presentation, “Navigating Your Digital Brand When All You Want to do is Make Art“, casually walked artists into the world of marketing, social media, website, and personal branding. He began discussing why you should care, where you should begin and what’s worth the effort (and what isn’t). Focusing your time and money is as important as to how you engage with a broader audience using a variety of platforms.
Connect with Craig at designthatrocks.com.
Photos: NWTC Artisan and Business Center
About Artdose Magazine
Founded in 2013, Artdose Magazine LLC is an independent print and digital art magazine committed to connecting and supporting the visual arts in the Midwest. Published by Frank Juárez, the magazine is premised on the belief that we all share common goals of introducing, engaging, educating, and offering diverse art experiences.
About NWTC Artisan and Business Center
The Artisan and Business Center promotes the production of art in the NWTC district as a means of fostering the creation of new job opportunities through the entrepreneurial model. NWTC seeks to provide technical and business training for aspiring and practicing artisans. The College promotes the appreciation and awareness of art through collaborative partnerships, year-round credit, and non- credit classes, as well as open studio and studio rentals.
Connect with NWTC Artisan and Business Center
Feature image by Design That Rocks.