I have been listening to Elaine Luttrull on Day 3 of the Fine Artist Summit free tasters of the event. Elaine is the founder of Minerva Financial Arts and has a book in publication Arts & Numbers
I am putting out feelers to learn how to help Bushra with her artwork to get an income to build her future. Though she has had a spontaneous unexpected sale of one piece of work already.. Family Link Up
From today's film by Elaine she has helped me to think of a portfolio structure.
Elaine is dividing this into 3 parts.
1. Starring Role... the production of work and how it is defined - is it story telling or illustrative... is your work narrow or broad. With the broad scope does it demonstrate your skills in a number of different types of productions. ( my thoughts on this) as it reminds me of one of the artists I spoke with at the Bayswater Artist group that exhibit on the Hyde Park railings in London - he produces work that fits all types of tastes and was brilliant at this... so he always had some sale from his work!
2. Supporting cast role ... this is relating to the Starring role and how it supports that work. Maybe with affiliation to a college or institution that gives credibility and a spotlight to your work. It may be teaching art that raises your profile.. But I am thinking also putting on workshops and in these days of Zoom and Webinars maybe your profile can globally increase... it would have been good to have discussed this with Elaine.
3. Production System... this is behind scenes work that helps to bring in some funds from alternative work so you can put into your starring role. But there is a danger to this in that you can become over tired with this and it stunts creative time. Elaine points out you can be spending 40 - 50% time in a job that only gives you 20% of your income need. However working in an area where you can network with customers can help.
But the overall portfolio has to have some marketing time and finding gallery space too I feel. Elaine was pointing out it may take time to get a solo exhibition.. and of course that is where the value of your art increases... Though we have to be mindful of commission on sales.
I still feel some good exclusive prints are a turnover and other shop marketed products if I am to replicate say what I see in V&A museum and other institutions in London.
Elaine brought it home to me as USA citizen the added pressure to brig in an income for Health insurance as well as living costs...
