Entry 004

Entry 004

Choosing a different path in 2022 for my Artistry.

I’ve recently discovered that this year my artistry’s focus has changed compared to last year. And the crazy thing is, the pivot has been just as fulfilling for my career as an artist. It’s a great learning experience to know that I can change up my course as an artist and still be able to provide for myself along with growing in my career.

So let me break it down for you.

Last year in 2021, I focused on doing product based campaigns with a year long project I presented to the world. More specifically, I released a plethora of products on a monthly schedule to my customer base. From t-shirts, to pillows, I used this model to run my business for the most part. This method proved to be effective because I had a schedule of outlook on revenue/expense figures for each month of the calendar year. On top of that, I was able to provide my audience with fresh, new artwork each month. It kept them interested and excited for what was to come in the future. I didn’t focus on much commission work, which contributes to a good portion of my income as an artist. So, taking that path was risky, but showed that I have OPTIONS of how to operate as an artist.

Fast-forwarding to 2022, I completely changed my business model for this year. I knew I was taking on a huge project with painting the Basketball courts at Patterson Park, so I had to really focus on time management. From designing & raising capital, to scheduling, I wasn’t sure how much time actually goes into a project like that, but I’ve learned it is pretty intensive. Having that on my plate, I focused on doing more commission work and fine art projects. I haven’t cranked out any product based artwork concepts this year (yet). Doing commission work for the likes of Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens, selling some of my original artwork to my collectors, and securing a brand deal for TVOne & CleoTV (shouts to my guy Cook) has been a huge benefit for me.

Operating in this mode has allowed me to focus more on client based projects, which is a breath of fresh air. It unlocks a different part of my brain that disconnects from the personal side of creating my own artwork. Artists, read that sentence again. Sometimes you have to step aside from doing your own artwork to give your creativity a rest. It’s vital, because burnout is real. Once you get to that point, it’s too late.

We’re now over the hump and more than halfway through 2022. Here in July, I have made the same profit this year that I’ve made in all of 2021. I’m learning how to cut my expenses to operate more efficiently as a business owner. This is a great point because I have to often remind myself that even though I’m an artist I still have to be the CEO and run this business as efficiently as possible (if you are an artist, I highly recommend Quickbooks to keep your accounting books in order).

My outlook for the rest of 2022?

I’m itching to pop back out with my personal artwork. I’m currently working on a piece now that will have an entire rollout, products and maybe an activation. I’m excited for this one, as it will be my first personal painting this year. I can’t wait to reveal what it will be. Stay tuned, because I won’t disappoint.

We’ll get up soon,

JLaw