YRAC BLOGS

From the first humanoid cave drawings to pop art's Warhol, artists have stirred emotions in both positive and negative ways, but the one goal all artists strive for is recognition. The best form of recognition of course is when an buyer purchases your work, or buys a ticket to watch you perform.

As the artist begins his or her journey towards exposure, it will seem like an uphill battle. Gone are the days of creating for yourself. You've had the taste of responsive energy from a family members, friends or dare I say, a patron or two.

You now realize that to sustain that excitement, you must promote yourself, and you will to the best of your abilities, use whatever tools are put before you. First, you join a like-minded group, second you build a website or brochure, third, mass communicate using the internet with email, Facebook, Twitter and other online sources. You enter art shows and volunteer with arts groups. You are almost at the peak of the rainbow. Sales begin to happen. But as you are about to cross the threshold you open your eyes to see the competition that's accompanying you. How do you stand out? What makes you different? How can you attract more buyers?

By reading these blogs you'll come to see that you are not alone. Talk to us. Collaborate and learn. You'll appreciate that the end of the rainbow evolves into a spiritual unity of creativeness. Oh sure, the "pot of gold" is always at the back of your mind and hopefully someday you'll dip into it, but for now, bask in the knowledge and camaraderie of your peers, because here, a new rainbow rises and with it, new directions.

As an art lover, be it visual, performing, literary or heritage, you have an opportunity to build on your community's culture status by acknowledging and supporting the arts sector. By reading this blog, you've made the first step. Thank you.

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Franklin Beecham is a practicing graphic designer and emerging visual artist.
Website: www.beechamcanada.com, Weblog: www.markhamartist.com