207: Are Artists Born or Made?

Finding Your Artist Spark 

Harvey Dinnerstein, Proudly Realistic Painter, passed away at 94. He documented the early days of the civil rights movement in evocative drawings. Later, his paintings examined details of the everyday life around him. Hear how current events prompted him to use art to chronicle the people in the civil rights movement.  

He had to stop teaching when the pandemic hit, but he never stopped creating. Hear his philosophy on finding the artists spark in the absence of inspiration.  

Looking for some inspiration? Listen to episode 123, Restore Your Artists Heart here 

How to Evoke Emotion with Your Descriptions of Your Artwork  

Many lingerie brands use descriptive words that connote romance, seduction, and sex to describe their products. The Natori brand went in a completely different direction, appealing to modern women who want to feel sophisticated. Their marketing copy is crafted accordingly.  

Successful brands use feeling words to describe their product. Instead of being perceived as a commodity, Natori counts on us feeling good about ourselves when we wear their brand.  

People will pay more for a product that makes them feel good and gives them pleasure. This is one of the things I break down in a chapter of my upcoming book.  

Order your copy of the book and get the bonuses now! 

Is it Worth it?  

I recently moved to a two-bedroom apartment in NYC. I love our life here, but I find myself dreaming of more windows and natural light.  While preparing to move in, I found out there was an extra window that had been intentionally covered by sheet rock for a specific design aesthetic that the previous owner wanted. Is it worth knocking down a wall for the extra light?  

Is it worth it is a question I hear in my artist community. Is it worth it to create a website for my art? Is it worth it to continue painting if I’m not selling much work? Is a show in the city worth it?  

Is there a window hidden behind the wall in your life? I believe it’s always worth it.  

For support to be the artist you are meant to be check out the resources ready and waiting for you in the Artist Incubator. 

Are We Born Artists?  

Arnold Skolnick designed the iconic poster for the famed festival in 1969. He actually did it in a weekend after the first design was rejected by the local merchants. He was paid $12,000, a hefty sum in 1969 to be sure.  

Skolnick is also known for his belief that “you don’t become an artist, you either are or are not.” I’d love to know what you think. I’ve shared this on Instagram and would love your insights.  

Let me know what you think on Instagram. 

Keeping Up With What’s Working Now

When I was getting ready to sell my suburban home, I had a rude awakening. I was told that my brown furniture was out of style and I was even asked to remove some of it. Then I decided if brown wasn’t working then I’ll paint it all white.  

A friend asked me how I knew what to do. Honestly, I didn’t. I asked at the hardware store and with some painful trial and error, I figured out a method that worked for me.  

I’ve had 25 years of trial and error making a living as an artist. My incubator is where you can get the short cuts and insights and the benefit of the lessons I learned along the way.  

Here’s a great example of keeping up with what’s working or, like my brown furniture, what’s not working. Check out What’s Wrong with Your Instagram (and how to make it better) here.