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How To Stay Organized: Tips For Visual Artists

How To Stay Organized: Tips For Visual Artists

Being a visual artist is all about creativity and self-expression. But did you know that staying organized can actually help you be even more creative? It’s true! Being organized can help you keep track of your ideas, art supplies, and deadlines, so you have more time to focus on making amazing art. In this blog post, we’ll explore some simple tips for visual artists to stay organized and make their artistic journey smoother.

How To Stay Organized

  1. Use a Sketchbook or Journal: One of the easiest ways to stay organized as a visual artist is to use a sketchbook or journal. This is where you can jot down your ideas, make sketches, and write notes about your art projects. Having all your ideas in one place makes it much easier to find and use them later.
  2. Create a Workspace: Having a dedicated workspace for your art can help you stay organized. Whether it’s a corner of your room or a whole studio, having a place where you can keep your art supplies and work on your projects can make a big difference. Plus, it’s a great way to get into the creative mindset!
  3. Organize Your Art Supplies: Keeping your art supplies organized is essential. You can use boxes, shelves, or drawers to store your paints, brushes, pencils, and other tools. Label everything so you can find what you need quickly. This way, you won’t waste time searching for that perfect shade of blue!
  4. Set Goals and Deadlines: Setting goals and deadlines can help you stay on track with your art projects. Decide what you want to accomplish and give yourself a timeline to do it. This can be especially helpful if you’re working on a big project or preparing for an art show.
  5. Use a Calendar or Planner: A calendar or planner can be your best friend when it comes to staying organized. Use it to keep track of important dates, like when your art shows are, when your art supplies need replenishing, or when you want to finish a project. Set reminders to check Side Arts for new call for artists opportunities. You can also use it to schedule time for creativity!
  6. Back Up Your Work: In today’s digital age, many artists create their art on computers or tablets. It’s essential to back up your digital work regularly. You wouldn’t want to lose all your precious art because of a computer crash!
  7. Stay Inspired: Organizing your thoughts and ideas is important, but don’t forget to stay inspired! Surround yourself with things that inspire you, like art books, nature, or even other artists’ work. Inspiration can help you create amazing art.
  8. Take Breaks: Lastly, remember to take breaks. It’s easy to get lost in your art, but taking short breaks can help you clear your mind and come back to your work with fresh eyes. Use this time to stretch, go for a walk, or just relax.

Conclusion

Staying organized as a visual artist doesn’t have to be complicated. By using a sketchbook, creating a workspace, organizing your supplies, setting goals, and using tools like calendars, you can make your artistic journey smoother and more enjoyable. And remember, the more organized you are, the more time you have to focus on what you do best—creating amazing art! So, get organized and let your creativity shine!

Next Step

Are you ready to showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading platform connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist.

Click here to apply

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Charles Hall [Certified Visual Artist – Windsor Locks, CT]

Charles Hall [Certified Visual Artist – Windsor Locks, CT]

Charles Hall is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Windsor Locks, Connecticut.

Charles Hall is a Vietnam Veteran who uses photography as therapy to help cope with PTSD. He has been photographing for several years. It is a reason to get out of the house, enjoy himself, and forget issues during that time.

Charles has exhibited photography in over forty galleries in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and California. He has been published in two books. Two of his photos are installed permanently at the Ronald McDonald house in Baltimore, Maryland.

See more work, visit fineartamerica.com/profiles/5-charles-hall

Charles Hall

Charles Hall

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Barbara Leger [Certified Visual Artist – New Bedford, MA]

Barbara Leger [Certified Visual Artist – New Bedford, MA]

Barbara Leger is a new Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Barbara Leger is noted for her intrinsic talent to capture emotion enveloped in nature. She has a long history of classical training, formally and in studio, with a strong concentration in oil painting. Ms. Léger has been trained through a Master Apprenticeship Program.

As a realist, Barbara paints emotion and moments in time with contemporary styling. Through years of honing her craft, she captures the subtleties that give her work the distinction of sharp focus realism synonymous to the effect of a camera.

Barbara is a Master Marine Oil Painter with the International Society of Marine Painters and a member of Oil Painters of America. She is an integral part of the resurgence of the illuminist movement. Her work is showcased at premier galleries along the eastern seaboard and featured in Nantucket at the Vanderbilt Gallery. Ms. Leger has been featured in numerous magazines including Nantucket Only, American Art Collectors, Cape Cod Art, and American Art Review. She has exhibited in Art Basel Miami and Art Hamptons New York in recent years.

See more work, visit barbaraleger.com.

Barbara Leger [Certified Visual Artist - New Bedford, MA]

Barbara Leger [Certified Visual Artist - New Bedford, MA]

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Richard Heiens [Certified Visual Artist – Greenacres, FL]

Richard Heiens [Certified Visual Artist – Greenacres, FL]

Dr. Richard Heiens is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Greenacres, Florida.

Dr. Richard Heiens is an accomplished international artist whose colorful abstract expressionist works solicit an emotional reaction from the viewer. His paintings are mostly abstract in nature with some figurative art. His abstracts highlight shapes and colors. Using color intensity and simplicity of composition, his works make a big impact without crowding the canvas.

Dr. Heiens’ paintings have a wonderful balance and handling of the acrylics. They catch the eye of the beholder with their colors and shapes which tell a story. His paintings have a balance of warm, cold, and neutral color composition with a mix of different round and edged components. There are clear boundaries filled with soft shifting nuances. He uses layering of the paints to create the richness in the colors with light and darks being well-placed.

Background

In Rome, Italy, Dr. Heiens took lessons from Professor Sergio Graziani, a famous artist and actor, on how to paint in oil and acrylics. When Dr. Heiens returned to the United States, he taught art to seventh graders in Illinois. He obtained a Doctorate Degree in Education Technology in 2006.

Dr. Heiens obtained gallery representation in Texas and London after selling his works on Instagram. He has had private commissions from clients in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina, California, Florida, and Washington.

See more work, visit dochartist.com

Richard Heiens

Richard Heiens

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Cultivating Growth Through Continuous Learning: Tips For Visual Artists

Cultivating Growth Through Continuous Learning: Tips For Visual Artists

As a visual artist, cultivating growth through embracing continuous learning is an invaluable strategy for honing your skills, expanding your horizons, and staying relevant in the dynamic art world. In the ever-evolving landscape of visual arts, growth is not just a goal; it’s a necessity.  In this blog post, we will explore essential tips that empower visual artists to embark on a journey of continuous growth. Additionally, we will explore the relationship between this pursuit of knowledge and call for artists opportunities that can elevate your artistic trajectory.

Cultivating Growth Through Continuous Learning

  1. Never Stop Exploring New Techniques: Challenge yourself to experiment with new mediums, styles, and approaches. Delving into the unfamiliar can lead to breakthroughs and enrich your artistic repertoire.
  2. Invest in Workshops and Courses: Participate in workshops, art classes, and online courses led by seasoned artists and instructors. These structured learning experiences expose you to diverse perspectives, and expert guidance can propel your skills to new heights.
  3. Critique and Feedback: Constructive criticism is an invaluable tool for growth. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, and even online art communities. Constructive critiques help you identify areas for improvement and refine your artistic voice.
  4. Study Art History and Contemporary Trends: Understanding art history and staying abreast of contemporary trends provides context for your work. Knowledge of artistic movements, past and present, can influence your creations and lend depth to your artistic narrative.
  5. Engage in Lifelong Learning: Adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend lectures related to art and creativity. The pursuit of knowledge outside your craft can infuse your work with fresh ideas.
  6. Collaborate and Learn from Peers: Collaborating with fellow artists offers a platform for mutual learning. Each artist brings a unique perspective and skill set, fostering a collaborative environment that can lead to creative breakthroughs.
  7. Document Your Creative Journey: Maintain a journal or visual diary documenting your creative journey. Record your thoughts, challenges, and inspirations. This practice can help you track your growth and identify patterns in your artistic evolution.
  8. Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Cultivate curiosity and remain open to new ideas. Attend exhibitions, explore different genres of art, and engage in interdisciplinary learning. These experiences can spark creativity and contribute to your artistic development.
  9. Call for Artists Opportunities as Catalysts for Growth: Call for artists opportunities serve as catalysts for development. Platforms like Side Arts curate juried exhibitions that encourage you to create purposeful artworks, aligning with specific themes or concepts. The process of preparing submissions pushes you to think critically, expanding your creative boundaries and promoting artistic growth.

Conclusion

For visual artists, continuous learning is a pathway to perpetual growth and artistic fulfillment.

Embrace new techniques, seek feedback, study art history, and collaborate with peers. By fostering a mindset of cultivating growth, you enrich your creative practice and infuse your work with new dimensions. Moreover, call for artists opportunities, like those on Side Arts, not only provide exposure but also drive artistic growth by challenging you to create with purpose and intention. Embrace these tips and seize the dynamic interplay between learning and curated exhibitions, embarking on a journey of growth that elevates both your artistry and your presence in the art world.

Which of the above options resonates with you? Pick two to focus on in the next three months.

Next Step

Are you ready to showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading platform connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist.

Click here to apply

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Leslie Jeffery [Certified Visual Artist – Largo, Florida]

Leslie Jeffery [Certified Visual Artist – Largo, Florida]

Leslie Jeffery is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Largo, Florida.

Leslie Jeffery was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and became aware of art at a young age from her grandmother, an accomplished oil painter. Leslie studied painting, art history, and constructive design at Florida State University and has a BS in Art Education from FSU. Her large acrylic abstracts are widely exhibited and have received numerous awards.

Leslie works from her studios in Largo, Florida, and Highlands, North Carolina, where she spends the summer. Leslie’s paintings are primarily large format acrylic abstract compositions. The early Abstract Expressionists are her greatest influence, especially Franz Klein, Joan Mitchell, and Lee Krasner. Her work is about the process and features texture – light or heavy, marks of all kinds, deep colors, many layers, patterned backgrounds, drips, and various mediums. They convey energy and mood, and are lyrical. She creates interest and curiosity through the simplicity or complexity of the piece. Leslie finds the painting process exhilarating and loves to talk to viewers about their reaction to and perception of her work. She feels successful when she believes her most recent artwork is her best. While a few are difficult to plan and execute and others come easily, she usually thinks, “What fun that was!”

Memberships and Exhibitions

Leslie is a Signature Member of the International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP) and The Florida Artists Group (FLAG). She is a Past President of Las Damas de Arte, a Tampa-based group of women who exhibit together and raise money for art scholarships. Leslie was co-founder of The Carolina Gallery of Fine Art in Highlands, North Carolina, and in August, 2019, was the Presenter for the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers at The Bascom in Highlands, North Carolina.

  • November 2019 – April 2020: Solo show at Galleria Misto at Mahaffey Theater, Duke Energy Center for the Arts in downtown St Petersburg, Florida
  • April 2020: Participated in the FLAG exhibition at Foosaner Museum in Melbourne, Florida
  • May 2020: Won First Place at Art Center Sarasota juried exhibition “UNCHARTED” (out of 270 entries)
  • Dec 2020: Solo exhibit at Carrollwood Cultural Center, Tampa, Florida – “Adios 2020”

See more work, visit lesliejeffery.art

Leslie Jeffery

Leslie Jeffery

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Anne Nye [Certified Visual Artist – Florence, AZ]

Anne Nye [Certified Visual Artist – Florence, AZ]

Anne Nye is a new Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Florence, Arizona.

Anne Nye studied fine art at the University of Idaho, California College of the Arts, and University of Idaho in the 1970’s, completing course work for a BFA. She worked as a graphic designer for many years. In 1997, she became a full-time artist working primarily in kiln-formed glass, developing her signature painterly style and techniques.

Anne’s work has been featured in several national magazines including Art Connoisseur, Glass Art Magazine, and Western Art Collector. Over fifty galleries and shops throughout the United States and Canada have represented Anne’s work. Currently, she is represented by Artful Home. Numerous pieces are held in private collections across the globe.

Anne has been in high demand as an instructor. She has taught in Denver; Atlanta; Omaha; Tennessee; Phoenix; Winnipeg, British Columbia; and Denmark. She conducts select one-on-one mentoring and teaching workshops in her home studio each year.

Anne continues to paint and recently began collaborating with wood artist, Jerry Hauck. She makes her home in Florence, Arizona, with her dog, Ezra, who makes her smile!

See more work, visit annenye.com.

Anne Nye [Certified Visual Artist - Florence, AZ]

Anne Nye [Certified Visual Artist - Florence, AZ]

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Edna Santiago [Certified Visual Artist – Media, PA]

Edna Santiago [Certified Visual Artist – Media, PA]

Edna Santiago is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Media, Pennsylvania.

Edna Santiago, a self taught artist, started painting in 2006 after the tragic loss of her only son. Direct, alive, tells a story, and colorful … these are descriptions of her works in oil and acrylic.

Edna expresses life’s elements and stories in color and movement. She is a retired physical therapist and interested in assisting women and children find “their way” to reach their potential through arts. She volunteers at several Philadelphia area art centers such as the Mainline Art Center and Darlington Art Center.

Edna curated and opened an art exhibition, “Nor Wind Nor Waters” at the Da Vinci Art Alliance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August 2019. This was the first of a series of exhibitions in support of Puerto Rican artists.

Medium: Printmaking, Gourd Art, Painting
Styles: Artesana, Expressive Impressionism, Abstract

See more work, visit ednasantiago.com

Edna Santiago

Edna Santiago

 

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Qrcky [Certified Visual Artist – Baltimore, MD]

Qrcky [Certified Visual Artist – Baltimore, MD]

Qrcky is a Side Arts Certified Visual Artist from Baltimore, Maryland.

Qrcky’s passion for art began in the seventies in southern Virginia, where art was not a part of his family’s culture. Despite this, he was captivated by the works of Chuck Jones, Norman Rockwell, and Bob Ross. He would spend hours attempting to replicate their styles while watching cartoons.

However, it wasn’t until two decades later and after enduring a difficult marriage and subsequent relationships, that Qrcky returned to art as a form of self-expression. Drawing on his creative freedom as a child, he found solace in painting and discovered his unique voice.

To fully immerse himself in his art, Qrcky isolated himself from friends and family. This allowed him to focus and create his most vital work while experiencing emotional distress and displacement. Through this process, he found a sense of contentment and wholeness in his art.

See more work, visit qrcky.net

Qrcky [Certified Visual Artist - Baltimore, MD]

Qrcky [Certified Visual Artist - Baltimore, MD]

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Diversify Your Income Streams: Tips for Visual Artists

Diversify Your Income Streams: Tips for Visual Artists

For visual artists, the pursuit of creativity is intertwined with the pursuit of sustainability. Diversifying your income streams as an artist can provide financial stability while allowing you to focus on your artistic passions. In this blog post, we will delve into essential tips that empower visual artists to broaden their revenue sources. Moreover, we will unveil the potential of call for artists opportunities as a dynamic way to bolster your income while engaging in your artistic journey.

Diversify Your Income Streams and Embrace Call for Artists Opportunities

  1. Embrace Commissions and Custom Work: Offering commissioned pieces or custom artworks tailored to individual clients’ preferences can be a lucrative income stream. Collaborating with patrons allows you to create unique pieces while securing a steady flow of income.
  2. Teach Workshops and Art Classes: Share your expertise by hosting workshops or teaching art classes. Sharing your skills not only generates income but also nurtures a sense of community and mentorship among budding artists.
  3. Sell Prints and Merchandise: Transform your art into a range of merchandise, such as prints, posters, mugs, or apparel. These products can appeal to a broader audience and provide an ongoing revenue stream.
  4. Leverage Online Marketplaces: Join online art marketplaces and platforms that cater to artists. These platforms provide exposure to a global audience and facilitate the sale of your original artwork, prints, and other creations.
  5. Collaborate with Brands and Businesses: Forge partnerships with brands or local businesses for art-related collaborations. Your artwork can enhance their visual identity, and such collaborations often come with compensation.
  6. Licensing and Royalties: Explore licensing opportunities where your artwork can be used on products, books, or even in media. Licensing agreements can provide you with ongoing royalties from the use of your art.
  7. Participate in Art Fairs and Exhibitions: Participating in art fairs and exhibitions not only exposes your work to a wider audience but can also lead to direct sales and connections with potential buyers and collectors.
  8. Crowdfunding and Patreon: Platforms like Patreon allow you to receive support directly from your fans and patrons. Offer exclusive content or rewards in exchange for recurring contributions.
  9. Explore Public Art and Murals: If feasible, consider creating public art installations or murals. These projects not only contribute to the community but can also provide substantial compensation.
  10. Call for Artists Opportunities: Maximize your income potential by tapping into call for artists opportunities. Platforms like Side Arts promote juried exhibitions that not only showcase your work but also offer compensation for selected artists. These opportunities align perfectly with your artistic journey while providing a financial boost.

Conclusion

Diversifying your income streams is a strategic approach that empowers visual artists to cultivate financial stability while nurturing their creative passions. Embrace a multifaceted approach that encompasses commissions, teaching, merchandise, collaborations, licensing, and more. Moreover, “call for artists” opportunities, exemplified by Side Arts, are a dynamic pathway to augmenting your income while engaging in curated exhibitions that value your creativity and dedication. By implementing these tips and embracing diverse income streams, you can chart a sustainable course for your artistic career, ensuring that your creative journey remains both fulfilling and prosperous.

Next Step

Are you ready to showcase your artwork? Apply to become represented by Side Arts, a leading platform connecting artists with exhibition opportunities. With limited capacity and a rigorous jury review, Side Arts ensures that your work gets the attention it deserves. Click here to learn more about how Side Arts can elevate your art career and provide you with exciting opportunities to display your talent to a wider audience.

Take the leap and step into a world of endless possibilities for your artistic journey with Side Arts. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to share your passion and creativity with the world. Apply now and open doors to a bright future as a recognized visual artist.

Click here to apply

...

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