There are a lot of opportunities to buy great art if you live in New Orleans or plan to visit the city during the holidays. YA/YA has a new Creative Glass Studio worth checking out. It right there next to Rouse’s in Carrollton ot just visit http://www.yayainc.com! Also, M. Francis Gallery has a holiday sale of original art for great deals! for more info: http://www.mfrancisgallery.com….

So, You’re contemplating your next novel and want to be a bit more creative or artistic with your book cover?

Over the past few years, I have noticed a rather troubling trend particularly with self-published authors who are looking to create that book cover using original art. By “original,” I mean art created uniquely for the author that effectively tells the story of the book.  Just the act of approaching an artist, implies that there’s an added value in using an artist’s work.  Keyword — “added value.”  Or does it mean something else?

If you are looking for an artist to paint your idea, expect to pay more before making the call.  If you are taking a different “artistic” approach to your book but have not considered an upgrade in your budget, communicate what you have allotted in your budget upfront. Don’t rely on the artist to “figure out” your budget.  Many artist are business men and women with set prices — not all artists are willing to sacrifice a low paying gig for another attempt at “exposure.” There are tons of novels that use stock art or stock photos for covers. They look great and usually cost significantly less to produce than original artwork.

The lack of understanding of this point, can not be overstated.  There are a lot new authors with good intentions but do not realize that when it comes down to working with a “traditional” artist,  time and originality gets left out of the equation leaving dissapointment and loss on both ends.  Negotiating with an artist  is always an option, but don’t assume the artist can read your budget’s mind.   It can take hours and days to complete an original piece art and if you break the fees down by hours, days,  complexity and style of the art,  it’s not cheap….it’s a luxury!  For many artists, creating book cover art goes outside their normal realm of work thus it can take away alot their time.  So if you are looking to be adventurious on your next book with a “real” artist, be prepared to pay more for it.

Something to Consider if you are looking to hire an artist for your next creative project. 

http://www.sharikamahdi.com

Is it just me….. I could care less about Murdoch as if we are surprised.  I mean, with all that power and lack of control it was inevitable?  Deviance reaks Chaos and Power!   …..my transgression.

A few tips I received from the Art Licensing Expo in Vegas in June this year.  It was insightful at best.  It was my first time in Vegas and attending a Licensing  Show was new to me.   Lots of big name characters like transformers, Hello Kitty, Monsters, Ugly Doll and some classics like Strawberry Short Cake and  Precious Moments.  I gathered some insights one one of the classes I attended  that I’d like to share in my own words for those artist looking to license your art.

In a NutShell:

- If you’re not willing to change your art/ style to meet the demands of  the client or manufacturer… in other words, sell out a lil,  don’t bother getting into the business!

- Most companies who want your work, could care a less about YOU the artist, but more so about pleasing their customers – DONT TAKE IT PERSONAL

- If you want to live like a rock star and have royalty checks from license deals gone good… BE Patient….. and always do you own research!

- When present to Licensee/Manufacturer,  less is more and more of the same is best! Meaning: stick with one character, one style and present in different ways.  Companies will not hesitate to throw away a portfolio with 10 styles and 9 characters.

- The market of Art Licensing is significantly slow these day (go figure!) so be prepared to wait a while so in the meantime,  get yourself out there!

Are you feeling inspired to take a chance on licensing… is the bug crawling toward you?  Don’t be scared… Food for thought:  If you think about doing something more than 4 times …. ACT!   I like the number 4. 

Being an Artist has its advantages and disadvantages. For the purpose of my first blog, I’ll select “advantages” as my prodominent angle for now.

Are you one of the millions of people working a dead end job and living with mantras like, “I gotta pay the bills,” “damn I hate these people,” “they took WHAT out my check!”  But yet, something in the back of your mind is itching to come out…. I mean, that creative bug,  yet unfortunately,  our debt driven society is a force that keeps us at bay and thankful for your paycheck.  The only problem is – the bug keeps knawing at you!!  whenever you see people using their creative skills, flourishing and looking so happy.  In the back of your mind, you’re wishing and beaming with envy.  Your thoughts become,  ”Where the hell do I start?” or I got mouths to feed” or “nobody’s buying THAT much art.”  The swirls of cynism cascade over your brain and before you know it, you’re clocking into work thinking the lawd for your job.

Well, my precious people, let me reiterate what you’ve probably already heard– IT WILL NOT GET ANY BETTER IF YOU DON’T KILL THE BUG  itching in your brain… Get it out!  How? Stay tuned……lol!