When I was in art school, no one ever mentioned branding in relation to my art career. It wasn’t even on the radar. Later, when I took marketing classes and spent 15 years working in advertising, I knew a lot about branding from a corporate perspective. But I didn’t connect it to my life as an artist. They felt like two completely different worlds.

That changed the moment I had to step into the real world as a professional artist—promoting my name, showing my work, and knocking on doors. That’s when I realized branding wasn’t just for businesses. It was something I needed to embrace as an artist. And at the core of branding? It’s simply your reputation.

Branding Is About How People See and Remember You

I know branding can feel like a dirty word. For many artists, it feels like something corporate, something outside the art world. But the truth is, branding is everywhere, even if we don’t like calling it that. Whether we realize it or not,...

I still remember the day I got the keys to my first art studio like it was yesterday. I was just a college student, and near my house, there was this old school building that was renting out classrooms to artists for next to nothing. My friend and I scraped together what little money we had and rented one of those rooms. It was big and empty, with high ceilings, its own water faucet, and massive windows along one wall that flooded the room with light. That place was pure magic.

It was in that studio that I first believed I could really be an artist. It was the first time I felt like I was growing into the person I dreamed of becoming.

The Evolution of Studio Spaces

Fast forward about 30 years, and I’ve worked in all kinds of spaces. From tiny kitchen tables to large industrial warehouses, basement corners to beautifully lit lofts, I’ve seen it all. Some studios felt like a dream come true, while others were far from glamorous. But if there’s one thing I’ve...

Have you ever experienced that moment when opportunity knocks, but the way you ask could either open the door wide or leave it barely ajar? Let me share a personal anecdote from my own gallery, a tale of a direct plea that captured attention but lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal.

The Bold Card and the Missed Connection

Picture this: I walk into my gallery to find a card on my desk, a message proclaiming, "Dear Mr. Gomez, here's my art, let's make lots of money." A straight-shooter, no doubt. It caught my eye, but here's the twist—it didn't land the positive response the artist sought. Why? The art of asking goes beyond being bold; it's about understanding how, when, and why.

In the realm of the artist's plea, the what was there, but the how fell short. Asking isn't just about you; it's about considering the person on the other side. What's in it for them? Timing is everything, and the approach matters. Unfortunately, this artist missed those crucial nuances, leaving...

Hey, fellow creatives! Let's talk about the magic that unfolds when you decide to reshape your mornings. Your art career deserves more than a caffeine-fueled dash into the chaos of the day. I get it because I've been there – immersed in the news and scrolling through social media before my eyes fully adjusted to daylight. But guess what? It was like sprinting before tying my shoelaces – disastrous and exhausting.

The Morning Reset That Transformed My Art Career

Remember those days when NPR news headlines were the first notes of your day's symphony? Or perhaps, like me, you found yourself knee-deep in the world of Facebook and Instagram updates before even grabbing breakfast. It was my routine, but it left me feeling like I was perpetually playing catch-up. I realized I needed to shift the narrative.

I waved goodbye to my morning news rituals and bid adieu to the endless scroll. Instead, I started prioritizing what truly mattered – nurturing my spiritual and mental...

Unveiling the Power of Your First Thoughts

Hey there, fellow creatives! Let's dive into a game-changing concept that's been a game-changer for me in navigating the twists and turns of my artistic journey – The Big Idea Revolution.

Every Season, A Creative Gift: Life is a series of seasons, each offering a unique gift – the chance to explore something new, a dazzling excuse to ward off the looming shadow of boredom. Why not seize this opportunity to revitalize your artistic spirit?

In Bed with Ideas: Picture this: the clock strikes 5 or 6 am, and you're still cozied up in bed. Instead of reaching for your phone, let your mind wander. Before the world bombards you with its challenges, think about the main idea for your day. This simple ritual has been my compass, leading me to discover the big ideas that fuel my creative fire.

From Bed to Canvas: Imagine if your first thoughts of the day were a positive force, steering you away from the chaos that awaits. What if your day...

 If you've been following with my journey, you know about the game-changing Artist Brand Framework I've been talking about. Today, let's dive into a crucial facet that turns your artistry into a powerhouse: discovering your values.

The Artist Brand Framework: Elevating Your Art

Remember those moments of artistic block, where you felt like you're stuck in a creative maze? The Artist Brand Framework is your escape route, and at its core lies the magic of identifying your values as an artist. In the Art NXT Level coaching program, I delve deep into this transformative process.

Unlock Your North Star: Identifying Your Values

Ever asked yourself, "What truly moves me?" or "What compels me to the studio?" That's your soul whispering about your values. These aren't just random preferences; they are the heartbeat of your creativity. Once you grasp these values, you've struck gold – a perpetual source of content for your artistic journey.

The Values-Work Connection: Unveiling the...

Ever felt the magnetic pull of mystery in your art? I sure have. It's like the secret sauce that makes our work truly enchanting. In a world demanding every ounce of our creative secrets, it's time to talk about the allure of the unspoken, the unexplained – the mystery that makes art, well, ART.

The Art of Not Saying It All

You know the drill. Social media screams, "Spill it all!" But hold up, imagine if we spilled every drop of info about our creations. The why, when, where – the whole shebang. Picture this: a painting where you know the entire backstory. Exciting? Not really. It's the hush-hush, the untold tales that keep us hooked.

Here's the scoop: as artists, our gig isn't to give a play-by-play of our work. When we over-explain, we snatch away the thrill of discovery from our audience. It's about leaving trails, opening doors, and letting them be the art detectives. Let the wonder unfold naturally.

Puzzlemasters

I've been there – the temptation to turn into...

Have you ever stepped into your studio and felt a nagging doubt about your abilities, your artistic vision, or your experience as an artist? I know I have. It's those moments when the creative journey can seem daunting, like I've suddenly forgotten everything that got me here. But, let me assure you, it's okay. Every artist faces these moments of self-doubt. It's part of the journey.

Embracing the Roller Coaster of Confidence

Confidence in our artistic abilities can be a roller coaster, especially when things aren't going as planned. Picture this: you're in your studio, and your artwork seems to be fighting back, stubbornly resisting your efforts. You find yourself at a creative impasse, and your confidence takes a nosedive. I've been there, too, and I understand the frustration.

However, it's precisely in these challenging moments that we must remember what brought us to where we are today. Think about the countless hours spent immersed in the world of art, studying, practicing,...

Today, I want to share something close to my heart, a message that's all about unlocking your potential and finding opportunities you never thought possible. Let's dive in and discover how you can take your art career to the next level.

Giving People a Chance - The Art of Possibilities

We've all been there, right? That moment when we hesitate to approach someone we admire, whether it's a gallery owner, collector, or curator. We're gripped by the fear of rejection, the fear that they'll say no or, even worse, slam the door right in our faces.

I've been there too. Countless times, I've had these incredible ideas for art shows I wanted to curate in specific places, but my own self-doubt held me back. In my mind, I was certain they would reject my proposal.

But here's the thing: more often than not, the story we create in our heads doesn't match reality. We assume the worst, but we never truly give these individuals a chance to respond. We shouldn't be writing their responses for them...