If you’ve noticed a lull in sales over the past year due to the economy, you’re not alone.  A lot of artists are experiencing a decrease in sales these day because of what is going on in the job market, but alas, we can still expand our businesses in this economic drought and look forward to a lush future. 

What can you be doing to expand your business? 

Well, you could….

Update your website, refresh your artist statement (that’s supposed to be done about every 2 years anyway), update your artist resume, re-evaluate your pricing, revise your marketing strategy, experiement with a new style, technique, theme, or medium, start a new series, study with a mentor,  update your portfolio with new imagery, re-organize your studio space and give away art supplies that you don’t use (be a blessing to another artist), organize your sketches by date for easy future reference, stretch canvases, do an inventory check and determine how many new pieces you want to create in the next 6 months, set your creative goals for the next year (16 new paintings completed, website overhauled, studio redesigned, etc.),  research the local and regional art scene, read biographies on successful artists, consider new ways to promote your creative works and get exposure, do business/marketing research, etc.   

You see, even if the economy is a little rough right now, there’s still a lot of work that we can do to get prepared for the winds of change to start blowing.  And they will start blowing…it’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.      We can use this valuable window of time to get ready to go up to the next level by using it as a stepping stone to get to where we want to go in our careers.    I want to encourage you to chase after excellence in your creative business and dream BIG…there are great things on the horizon for us!

-Michelle McSpadden

The Intelligent South presents ‘Mileage’ from GOAT & three6t.

In the current landscape of redundant music, a compelling CD has been made by Dallas-based independent artists GOAT (Justin Griffith) &
three6t (Ricky Cantrell).   Mileage is a 14-track collection of captivating songs that showcase their talents and astute ability to bridge the gap between multiple genres of music.  Mileage is unique in that it is accessible to mainstream and underground music fans alike.  Narrowly defined genre barriers do a disservice to the broad and exceptional songs. Indie Rock, R&B, Blues, and Hip Hop sensibilities are seamless throughout the contextual and sonic approach of this CD.

Dirty South music, as a subgenre, has been widely successful for many years, but is limited in focus and lacks topic diversity.  Mileage takes a different path and offers interpersonal insight from GOAT with varied lyrical content as a foundation.

“When I listen to music, I want to feel like I know the artist and go through life with them. My music is alike in that way.
People can relate to what I’m going through and feel as if they’re not going through their trials and tribulations alone. At the
same time, it’s a needed outlet for me to stay halfway sane,” GOAT explains.
In addition to broadening his core fan base in Dallas, GOAT seeks to expand that base to a larger regional and national level
of exposure. Many of the songs were debuted during his recent summer tour. The early reception of songs from Mileage was
received with immediate positive feedback from audiences at venues such as Babylon in Fresno, California, and Copper State
Tavern in Glendale, Arizona. 

The official CD Release Party for Mileage will take place on November 7th at the Curtain Club in Dallas, Texas.  Also releasing records on this night are Elle and Jack Rabbit James.  Three individual, independent CD’s that will surely rock your world. 

For more information, contact:
Justin Griffith, The Intelligent South
http://musicbygoat.com
info@musicbygoat.com
214-212-5763

The amount of money you receive is a measure of how many people you have helped and how well you helped them.

“You must come to see that part of your goodness, part of the benefit you bring to others, is your daily conduct in operating your business enterprise. You have to come to understand and utterly absorb into your being the fundamentally true idea that your activities in your business are virtuous and moral. You must understand the nobility inherent in going to work each day.” (How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist by Caroll Michels)

Earn a living while offering the world your artwork. Your art accomplishes this:

1. Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one. ~Stella Adler
2. To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts – such is the duty of the artist. ~Schumann
3. Great art picks up where nature ends. ~Marc Chagall
4. What art offers is space – a certain breathing room for the spirit. ~John Updike
5. Art is like a border of flowers along the course of civilization. ~Lincoln Steffens
6. Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable. ~George Bernard Shaw
7. I am for an art that is political-erotical-mystical, that does something other than sit on its ass in a museum. ~Claes Oldenburg

Come and enjoy my class, Why Selling Your Art Is The Best Thing You Can Do, this Saturday, November 7th at the Mokah Bar. Find out more on ArtLoveMagic’s website: www.artlovemagic.com

Nathon Hay

Did you hear? Kids Creative is FREE for the whole day with donations at ArtLoveMagic’s Artist Workshop (valid to attendees during their classroom time). In this class your child will learn to think and produce in a creative way. They will be taught various forms of art by professionally certified teachers with years of artistic experience. Kids will be able to enjoy projects such as: mixed media collage, Van Gogh art, water color tracings, and more. Children between the ages of 5 years old to 12 years old are welcome. All classes will be held at Life In Deep Ellum on Saturday, November 7th, 2009. If you are attending any workshop classes (please check out www.artlovemagic.com for further details) and would like to encourage creativity within your children, make sure you note their attendance when you register for your classes. We look forward to seeing you there.

Written by David and Nicole Rodriguez 

Pictures by Nicole Rodriguez

Have you ever gotten to that place where you were totally exasperated and ready to explode?     Well, that happened to me at work last week and I got to thinking “wow, I haven’t had a vacation since summer 2008…”  Like a lot of other artists that are striving to perfect their craft and pursue it fulltime, I work at a “day job” and work on my art when I can.    Since 40 hours of my week are devoted to my day job, my artwork often takes the back seat.   I also notice that when I’m tired, my creativity doesn’t flow the way I would like it to, compositions are weak, my line quality is poor, not to mention my attitude.   What’s an artist to do?    Take an Art Vacation!! 

Ok; this isn’t first the first Art Vacation for me, but I haven’t done this in well over a year…so I’m very excited about it!   : )    What is an Art Vacation you ask?    Well, for starters, I’ll be taking off a WHOLE week from my day job at the end of October, but I won’t be telling my family about it.     Does that sound mean?     I hope not.    I know from past experience that if I tell my family that I plan to spend a week at home doing art I’ll get calls all day long with requests to go here and there, run errands, etc.    WHAT a distraction!!    I really want and need this time to be devoted to a specific purpose: advancing my art business by expanding my inventory.   Here’s my agenda:

 • Go to the Huffines Art Trails on Sunday, 10/25, with my art buddies to see what other artists are doing, observe their setups, listen to music and eat greasy fair type food. 

 • On Monday, I’ll make sure that all of my supplies are ready to go and then I’ll review old sketches from the past 2 years and plan out 3-4 new surrealistically styled compositions that will be similar to this:

• On Tuesday, I’ll start working on all of the new paintings.

• By Wednesday night, the art hermit in me will be craving interaction with others, so off to the Art Love Magic Open House I’ll go.   (YAY!!!)

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be painting days.

• On Sunday, 11/01, I’ll “chil-lax” and reflect on my artsy fartsy week.

You see, the Art Vacation is really all about work, but it’s the kind of work that us creatives love to do.  It’s our passion and yet for a lot of us, we don’t devote as much time to it as we would really like to.  I’ve mentioned this before in previous posts that our busyness often keeps us from doing those things that we love to do.  Perhaps simplifying our lives some, turning off the tv, and focusing on our creative goals will help.  Maybe more Art Vacations are in order for all of us.      ??    

I want to encourage you to take some time in the next week to sit down and think about what your creative goals are for the next year and write them down on a BIG poster board and tape it to your wall so that you see it everyday.   Take an Art Vacation and work on these creative goals every chance you get.     When you do, you’ll be happier and the rest of us will be blessed because you have introduced more beauty into our world.

-Michelle McSpadden

At a recent Board Meeting, Melody Hay took the time to voice her concern for the emotional health of our organization.  She brought to our attention the need to care not only for ourselves as individuals but for our community of artists as a whole.  If we personally fail to pay attention to our internal barometer we run the risk of burnout, the loss of vision and an overwhelming sense of overload.  It is no different for the community.

In the course of giving birth, there is a portion of time called the Transition.  According to the Birthing Naturally website, this is the period usually just prior to the birth of the baby that can be the most difficult for mothers.  They are most likely to give up during this time.  It can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, chills and shivers and a strong need for emotional support.

Welcome to the Real World where our personal transitions can be a lot like giving birth.  We face a major hurdle and it seems much easier to give up.  We get sick thinking about all the options before us, the risk of change and the fear of failure.  Support from our tribe is crucial to a healthy perspective of our path.

As ArtLoveMagic enters into this next phase of its life, I’m eagerly anticipating what will transpire in our circles.  The potential for impact is tremendous.  The doors that are opening are beyond amazing and the trail we’re blazing is burning with creative hearts and minds ready to make Dallas a much healthier place to be an artist.

So, what will that look like?  Stay tuned.

Post by Justin Nygren

Wow.  Look how fast this year has flown.  By the end of it, we’ll have over 30 events under our belts and in the books of Dallas’ history.  We’ve had everything from office parties, kid’s workshops, coffee shop shows, gallery shows, girlShow (!), to chill time, prep time, talk time and hackey-sack time. This year has been amazing and WE ARE NOT EVEN DONE.

We still have two more Art and Coffee’s at Saxby’s.  On November 7th, we have our first public Artist’s Workshop, a work of art pulled together by David Rodriguez.  And, December 11th, Amanda Davis is heading up a new partnership with It’s A Grind in Deep Ellum for an end-of-the year Art and Coffee, Deep Ellum style.  Oh, and did I mention the Holiday Party for the ArtLoveMagic Family?  Muahaha!

It is amazing to see the response to what we’re doing and it continues to reinforce my belief that what we are doing (and more importantly who we are) is ready for the cresting wave.  These are beautiful days to be participating in.

I’m thankful to be part of something that brings beauty to this world.  I’m thankful to be a part of something that opens doors.  I’m thankful to be a part of something much bigger than me.  And I can’t wait to get a peek at 2010.

Posted by Justin Nygren

A long time ago, on a blog far, far away, I posted a few insights into a time of transition on my life.  My wife and I were moving from roles and responsibilities that we had either outgrown or should never have been given and into places with wider horizons and unexplored territories.  While the future was one that was filled with seemingly endless possibilities, the days of the transition were filled with questions, doubts, soul searching and a general sense of frustration.  It is a beautiful thing to know that what is being left behind had its season and its purpose.  It is a wonderful day when dreams clarify, the future pours itself into your heart and you can be hopeful about things that are coming your way.  However, it is the transition that can bring you to your knees.

For those who do not know, one of Kelly’s deepest passions in life is helping mothers bring new lives from the womb and into the world with grace, strength and beauty.  She walks alongside these moms, gives them encouragement, helps communicate with the medical professionals, gives dads tips on how to help.  Her official title in this role is doula, and as a doula, as the greek roots imply, she is there to serve and tie herself to the mother and family to see that the transition of new life takes place the way it was intended.

All that leads me to one word: Transition.

(Part two coming soon…)

Posted by Justin Nygren

The execution of your creative idea can be a difficult part of the creative process, but if you’re prepared, things can be a little easier for you.  Think of all of your notes and sketches concerning your creative idea as a roadmap to where you’re going…now it’s just a matter of starting the journey and getting to your destination.  Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Keep your vision/goals in front of you.  Write down your goals on a large posterboard and put it in a prominent place in your creative work space.  This will help remind you and keep you focused.
2. Set Completion Dates.  It’s important to have an idea of how long you want to spend on a project, but make sure that your timeline is reasonable.  If you go beyond your deadline, that’s ok…the main thing is that you finished what you started.
3. Accountability Partners.  Tell one or two people what your plans are and ask them to follow up with you about your project(s) periodically. 
4. Prioritize your creative side and clear your schedule temporarily.  Take a sabbatical from the TV, bowling league, book club, etc. and devote that time to your project.  You can set up a temporary work schedule to help you meet your goals. 
5. Plan to reward yourself for a job well done.  This can be a night out on the town, small shopping spree, ice cream, etc. after you have completed your project.

- Michelle McSpadden

On Saturday, October 3rd ArtLoveMagic’s first infiltration of Fort Worth was unmistakably ArtLoveMagicy.  A photo collection of some of the night’s badasses:

Trayce Cochran

Elizabeth Trosper

Eddie Walker

Zach Scott Pohl

and of course, Riki Johnson

Riki Johnson, David & Nicole Rodriguez, and Keanna Pohl were the producers on this event, and they really kicked butt.  All the artists and musicians were happily creating and performing inside of a chill vibe and colorful atmosphere.  One of our newest volunteers, Sara Brown took the time to relate her experience to Keanna & me.  As one that has been involved with ArtLoveMagic for a couple of years now, I always find it refreshing when new folks come in and share their love with us.  Here were some of the cool things Sara experienced:

“The Goggle Event was my first real exposure to this type of creative outlet.  I love the honesty, caring and spontaneity of the artists.  Josh Dryk (right) was the highlight for me, as he showed us how painting with fire could be done.  I love the smell and feel of fire, as well as the visual effect!

I found this a healing experience for me, moving into this large city. It is so nice to know there is such angelic folks like you to make life feel so alive! It would benefit so many people that need to know they matter….”

Welcome, Sara.

I really dug the fire art, too.  Conor Muldoon (below) throwing pottery live is always one of my favorite’s, and there were plenty of people who agreed with me.  I had the honor of performing the classic “Four Women” by Nina Simone with Kelly Nygren at my side, and the entire main stage was hosted by Fort Worth’s own Mike Guinn.  National Spoken Word champion Nnambdi Orakpo (below) was the feature poet of the evening and when he spit his piece, “Play Pretend” my eyes couldn’t help but leak and my soul couldn’t stop it’s speak…as Malcolm Jamal-Warner of the Cosby Show said, “Nnambdi is pure fire.”  I was the greatful recipient of his new book, Avant-God, Vintage Poetry Collection, which he was kind enough to sign for me. The Texas Red Legs rocked me to the last drop at the end of the night with their smash hit, “Black Sky Growl”, and so much more lie in between, you had to have been there.  I do hope that we continue to do shows with our friends at Arts 5th Avenue.  What nice people!  Art on, Fort Worth.  We’ll be seeing you.

photo of Josh Dryk fire painting by Jenice Johnson, photo of Nnambdi Orakpo by Sondra Beamon, all other photo’s by Amber Nix Matthew’s.

photo by Sondra Beamon