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Years ago, a retirement adviser suggested I diversify my portfolio. “The secret to success,” he said, “is to avoid putting all your assets into one basket.”
He was right. It still didn’t stop me from losing money when the tech bubble burst. My mutual funds were heavily invested in technology. And it didn’t stop me from losing money when my AOL stock tanked. His advice did teach me a valuable lesson: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
It works for artists, too. We must diversify our portfolio and adapt to market changes. A recent visit to some art galleries and consignment stores underscored the need to stay abreast of the changing tastes of a younger upscale market; one that is being pinched by the current economic climate.
I saw smaller pieces, smaller canvases, and artwork being applied to craft items: Magnets, plates, glasses, boxes. And jewelry was plentiful. Tourists who must fly back home are looking for gift items that will tuck easily into a suitcase. Artists must adapt and make these “bread and butter” items in order to bring needed cash into their resource bank.
Recycled items were numerous: Palm fronds elaborately painted with shiny enamel to look like fish, jewelry made with seeds and natural items, Paper Mache sculpture, etc. I saw an Indonesian artist online creating wonderful artwork on Styrofoam cups, probably for lack of money for supplies. Extraordinary skill and talent cannot be kept down, even by money.
I force myself to paint “pretty little things” when what I’d really like to paint is serious, controversial paintings with possible political undertones; but who buys that? Still, if we paint what we love, eventually someone else will love it, too; or so I’ve been told.
I don’t know about you, but when I get discouraged, I’m less creative. When I try to “make myself” create, I come up against a wall. When I stay positive and stay busy, I’m more likely to come up with more ideas than I can use. Don’t give up. Adapt, change and find new avenues for your artwork and your creativity.
