The Challenges of Marking Art at Home
SOPHIE BLUE, INTERNET MARKETING INTERN AT MORE CANVAS
At More Canvas Consulting, we have witnessed first-hand the hardships that the pandemic has brought upon the artistic community. With more than half our staff straddling the arts and business sectors, we bring our personal commitment to the arts and direct experiences to our client base. Initially founded by artists for artists, we hope to help our clients be adaptable to changing market needs and grow their careers, from the viewpoint of a business owner and entrepreneur. We know what it takes to be an artist — the management skills no one taught you along the way.
One of the biggest challenges the arts had to overcome this past year was how to make art at home. As a dancer myself, other than a quick dance break in front of my bedroom mirror or some light stretching, I have never been expected to make art in my home space. My creation and engagement with dance has scarcely occurred in isolation from others before this moment.
Below, I break down the three largest sub-themes or top challenges to creating art at home and provide comprehensive career-driven solutions. While the world is beginning to transition back into in-person artistic practices, solidifying these creative solutions will help make all artists adaptable in the face of further uncertainty. Be adaptable and always be creative.
CHALLENGE #1: NO IN-PERSON PRACTICE →
Solution #1: Take Advantage of the Virtual Space and Reconvene In Small Groups When Safe
With strict safety restrictions in place, professional dance companies like American Ballet Theater and countless others have pivoted toward virtual rehearsals and company workshops. While Broadway may be shut down, art can still be made!
Explore the virtual world of creation by logging onto Zoom with some friends and make art together in your home. The physical limitations have — for many artists — opened up new worlds of creative possibilities.
Now we aren’t bound by our physical proximity! Go and attend some of the thousands of virtual art making opportunities from studios or professionals across the country. Here are a few:
Theater → McCarter Theater, Michelle Danner Acting Studio, Broadway Weekends at Home
Visual Arts → New Masters Academy, Art Production Fund, SmART School
CHALLENGE #2: YOUR BUSINESS AND CAREER FEEL STAGNANT →
Solution #2: Use the Time to Reinvent Your Business Model and Pockets of Involvement.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Can you teach classes online?
Can you create a workshop series with other professionals?
Can you update your website and social media platforms?
Find new ways to get ahead of the competition and solidify your customers in virtual opportunities.
Offer up collaborations with organizations and artists you are passionate about. Build connections and accessible offerings in this virtual landscape.
CHALLENGE #3: STAYING MOTIVATED →
Solution #3: Stay Inspired by engaging with Other Artists
Talk to your fellow artist friends and have discussions about how they are staying creative and empowered during COVID-19.
Attend as many virtual shows as possible. There is nothing like relishing the convenience of watching a Broadway show, international dance company or museum showing from the comfort of your living room couch.
As the vaccine rollout shows promise for a return to in-person artmaking in the near future, at every stage of the process, More Canvas is here to help! We see the value of artists as entrepreneurs and we help artists take the next step in expanding their digital presence and opportunities.
Additional Resources:
For Challenge #2
For Challenge #3