Jesus Marquez shares his insights about Printmaking

6 months ago

The Artist’s Corner Episode 10

Watch the tenth Artist’s Corner episode now.

In this episode of The Artist’s Corner we take a tour through the FinerWorks print fulfillment facility and sit down with their owner James Theopistos.

FinerWorks has been in business for over 20 years and works with 8,000 artists and photographers on an annual basis. They are a shining example of a print fulfillment company that understands the craft of printing and the needs of their customers.

That pursuit of quality is why Breathing Color is excited to partner with FinerWorks as the first print fulfillment partner for the up and coming Artist’s Corner website.

As one of the worlds largest inkjet media manufacturers Breathing Color acts as a hub for the art world. As that hub we are excited to build an ecosystem that bridges the gap between Artists and the education, resources, and partners like FinerWorks that are necessary to succeed at the business of art.

We hope you’ll join us in this collaborative pursuit as we launch this ecosystem right here, on The Artists Corner.

Podcast

6 months ago

#AskBC Podcast: Interview with Artist Denise Fulton

PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Our first podcast interview in 7 years! In this episode, Demetrius has the honor of sitting down with Austin’s own Denise Fulton to talk about inspiration and the importance of networking in the artist community. Denise is a trained traditional artist who co-founded one of Austin’s fastest-growing realist art schools, Atelier Dojo. Denise shares her insight on the importance of “doing the work” or scheduling time to actively invest in your creative passion. As Pablo Picasso puts it “inspiration exists, but it has to find you working”. Make sure to check out Denise’s work on her website & social media by clicking the icons below. Be sure to continue tagging Breathing Color on social media and as always share your current projects with us and submit a comment or question below for a chance to be featured! We love seeing what you can accomplish with our media! Keep creating and I hope this finds you in positive spirits.

AskBC Podcast

7 months ago

#AskBC Podcast Through The Years

We’d like to take a walk with you through the #AskBC podcast series and re-visit the helpful tips & techniques covered in our previous 14 episodes.

If there are questions or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future, or if you’d like to be featured in an upcoming #AskBC podcast episode please feel free to fill out the form at the end of this blog post.

#AskBC Episode 1:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about printing with matte black ink & photo black ink when your printer can only accept one or the other. You’ll find out why you should care & how you can save some money!

#AskBC Episode 2:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about a question we get frequently, have you ever wanted to display your photo paper prints without the glass? Listen to the entire episode to find out what to do, what not to do, & everything in between.

#AskBC Episode 3:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about troubleshooting the Epson Stylus 9900 & 7900 with special guest and expert Ron Ardito. Make sure to listen to the entire episode to learn how to keep your printer(s) running smoothly.

#AskBC Episode 4:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about the Epson Stylus 9890 & 7880 with special guest and expert Ron Ardito. Make sure to listen to the entire episode to learn how to keep your printer(s) running smoothly.

#AskBC Episode 5:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about how to buy a used printer with special guest and expert Ron Ardito. You’ll learn what to look for, what to do, and what not to do when looking for a used printer.

#AskBC Episode 6:

In this episode of #AskBC we will talk about RIP software & whether or not you can achieve better or more accurate colors using RIP software vs Photoshop or/& Lightroom. Listen to the entire episode for insider knowledge!

#AskBC Episode 7:

In this episode of #AskBC we interview expert Epson technician Ron Ardito & talk about the Epson 4900. Who is this machine ideal for? How do you set it up, & what are some common issues in operating the Epson 4900.

#AskBC Episode 8:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk about print mounting adhesive & varnishing embellished print techniques!

#AskBC Episode 9:

In this episode of #AskBC expert Epson technician Ron Ardito is back to answer your questions on printer maintenance, cleaning, & storage. What type of environment should your printer live in? is canned air ok to use for cleaning & the age-old question: is it better to leave your printer on or turn it off between each use?

#AskBC Episode 10:

In this episode of #AskBC Epson technician Ron Ardito helps us battle a trio of unfortunately common printer problems. Ron offers expert tips & advice on printer lubrication, dealing with a clogged nozzle, & making adjustments for canvas shrinkage.

#AskBC Episode 11:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk to professional photographer & printmaker Renee Besta ^ we discuss how to select the right paper types, what rendering intents do, & how long to dry your prints before varnishing.

#AskBC Episode 12:

In this episode of #AskBC we discuss listener-submitted questions on printing with missing or clogged colors, bypassing the page width sensor, maximizing Epson print length & more with Epson technician Ron Ardito.

#AskBC Episode 13:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk with color management with expert Kevin O’Conner about color workflow, topics include prepping files for print labs, working within specific color spaces, & comparing gamuts of various printers.

#AskBC Episode 14:

In this episode of #AskBC we talk with Epson technician Ron Ardito to discuss a few printer errors that seemingly happen out of nowhere. we take the mystery out of these unexplained malfunctions to reveal what’s really happening to your printer and what you can do to fix it.

Submit your questions or comments below

Podcast

7 months ago

Breathing Color – #AskBC Podcast: Varnish

In this episode of the AskBC podcast, Demetrius covers the intricacies of varnishing an archival fine art reproduction. Join us for an in-depth discussion on both the Timeless and the Glamour 2 varnishes as we discuss the who, what, where, when, and why of varnish. Demetrius takes a moment to clarify what Breathing Color classifies as an archival varnish and why as leaders in the fine art industry we choose to make this distinction. Details matter. We are also bringing back the “Artist Spotlight” segment on the podcast in which we will highlight an artist/print shop using Breathing Color media and the unique work they produce. Be sure to tag us on social media if you’d like to be considered for the “Artist Spotlight” or just want to share some of your work.

If you’d like to contribute to the podcast or the Artist Corner, please feel free to reach out and let us know by filling out the form below.

Artist's Corner

8 months ago

The Artist’s Corner Episode 9

Watch the ninth Artist’s Corner episode now.

In this episode of The Artist’s Corner Julz pays a visit to her new print fulfillment partner FinerWorks in San Antonio, Texas.

By partnering with FinerWorks for printing and fulfillment Julz is leaving herself more time to focus on creating original art and building her brand.

As a growing artist you too will need to choose whether to outsource your printing/fulfillment or to do it yourself.

If you outsource finding the right partner is essential to ensuring high quality reproductions and satisfied customers. This is why we highly recommend using the Breathing Color Creative Services Directory to connect with a fulfillment company like FinerWorks that is experienced at reproducing and shipping fine art.

In our next episode we’ll take you on a tour of the Finerworks facility and talk with their founder about what it takes to be a great print shop.

We hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to seeing you next time on The Artist’s Corner.

Artist's Corner

9 months ago

The Artist’s Corner Episode 8

Watch the eighth Artist’s Corner episode now.

For Years Tim Wakefield and Soundwaves Art have generated substantial donations for their partner charities. For artists as well as charities, healthy partnerships depend on having an aligned mission and values.

Canon, Soundwaves Art’s newest sponsor, shares Tim’s vision of creating a harmonious future through creativity and collaboration. The art that Tim Creates and that Canon helps him to print inspires reflection on community stories and creates connections that transcend differences. These stories help connect people more deeply to the places they live and to each other.

As artists finding the right partners is integral to building a strong business and community. As you’ll see, Tim’s example is a great one to model your efforts after.

We hope that you’ll join Tim and the rest of our artists on this journey of constant discovery and look forward to seeing you next time on The Artists Corner.

Featured

9 months ago

How to Make Money as a Print Maker in 2022

13 Ways to Make Money as an Artist in 2022 (Proven Methods)

As an artist the creative process likely comes naturally to you. You have an idea, you gather up the necessary components, and then turn your imagination into reality. For a lot of artists however, making money from that creation can be challenging as the world of business is a far different craft.

At Breathing Color we know that being an artist and a business person is difficult which is why we do our best to simplify the business side of art for you. In this article we’ll cover some of the various methods you can use to make money from your art.

Not every method will work for your situation but some will, so give them a try and see what happens. The more success you have the more resources will be at your disposal, and the easier it will be to spend time doing what you love. Let’s take a look at these money making methods.

1. Sell Your Original Work

If you’re an artist, this is the obvious first step. The simplest way to get paid for your art is by selling your original works.

Websites like Etsy and Fine Art America are great places to sell your originals online. If you use social media, try promoting your original art with a few posts. Your network is a powerful sales tool. If you’re looking to sell your art in person try setting up a booth at a local art show or event. Talking with local coffee shops and restaurants about displaying your art on their walls is another great way to get your original work noticed.

The more clearly you can communicate your story and the story of your artwork the more likely you are to sell it through these channels.

The best thing about selling your own work is that you get to keep 100% of the profits.

2. Sell Reproductions

Printed reproductions are a great way to create residual income without having to spend time creating a new piece every time someone wants to purchase art from you. By digitally capturing your original art you can the sell the reproductions as limited edition prints (250 signed pieces) or open editions (unlimited print runs). Printed art also allows you to sell art through any platform (art shows, online marketplaces, galleries, etc) while holding on to the original piece. By creating demand for your art with prints you can increase the value of the original work and wait until you are able to sell it for it’s true value to you.

Without residual income making it as an artist can be challenging which is why we encourage you to capture every piece of art you create. Check out our (BC Directory) for businesses that can capture your art for you and (Artzip) if you’d like a less expensive option that allows you to create high quality digital capture using your phone camera.

3. Host an Art Show

Art shows can be a great source of income for artists who have finished their collections and want to sell their work in person. They’re also a fantastic way for new artists to gain exposure and make sales, especially if they’re just starting out in the business.

There are many different types of art shows, from local craft fairs to gallery openings and everything in between.

4. License your Artwork

If you want to earn money from selling copies of your artwork but don’t necessarily want to go through the hassle of setting up a print shop or hosting an art show, licensing is another option that could be worth considering.

When you license your artwork, you grant someone else the legal rights to reproduce it on products like T-shirts, greeting cards, coffee mugs, and other items.

You’ll be paid a commission for each sale that’s made, with the exact amount depending on the product, who you license your work to and any special deals you may have negotiated.

For more info on licensing check out https://graphicartistsguild.org/license-it/

5. Teach Private Art Lessons or Classes

Teaching private lessons or classes is a great way to make money as an artist, but you don’t have to be an expert to teach. In fact, many people start out teaching with no experience at all and go on to make a full-time living from it.

Teaching private lessons or classes can be a great way to earn extra income because it’s flexible and allows you to work around your schedule. You can also choose what days and times work best for you — whether that’s weekday mornings or evenings after work.

6. Open a Gallery

You can open your own gallery as it is a perfect place for artists to display their work.

All you need is a space and some art that people will want to buy. People come to the gallery, see your work and can purchase it directly.

What’s more, if you do this right, you can rent out the space to other artists or even other organizations for use as a venue.

7. Do Commissioned Work

Commissioned work is when someone comes to you, looking for a specific piece of art. They give you a description of what they want and then pay you once it’s completed.

If you’re a good artist, this can be a great source of income. But it’s not easy to get started with this type of business. You need to have experience and be able to produce quality work on demand. If you can do that, though, there’s no reason why commissioned work shouldn’t be an important part of your business plan.

8. Freelance for other Artists & Businesses

If you’re a painter, graphic designer or illustrator, you can help other artists and businesses with their creative needs. For example, if someone needs a logo designed, they could hire you to do that.

Or if someone wants a painting of their place of business, you could create one for them. This can be a great way to earn some extra cash on the side.

9. Sell on Stock Sites

If you have an account with a stock site, you can sell your artwork there. Many stock sites also allow you to set up a profile page where you can display your work and tell people about yourself.

Sites like Shutterstock and iStockphoto are geared towards photographers, but they also accept images from other types of artists as well. If you’re not sure whether your work fits into their categories, contact the site first before signing up for an account. You’ll typically make more money on these sites than on other platforms.

10. Become an Influencer on Social Media

One of the best ways for artists to make money is by building a fan base that supports their work.

A great way to build your fan base is by using social media. Social media offers artists the opportunity to interact with their fans in real time, which is an extremely effect method of seeling art. But social media also provides opportunities to make money as an artist beyond just selling your art directly.

If you have a large enough following on social media, then you can begin making money as an influencer. This means that brands will pay you to promote their products or services on your channel. You can also use social media platforms like YouTube or Instagram to sell digital goods such as e-books or online courses.

11. Create & Sell an eBook

If you’re a writer, artist or photographer, you can turn your skills into cash with an eBook. An eBook is a book that is published in digital format and sold on the Internet.

Most eBooks are created using a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Apple Pages, but some authors use desktop publishing programs or software designed specifically for creating eBooks.

The first step to writing an eBook is deciding what type of book you want to write.

Do you have a collection of short stories or do you want to write an educational manual? Once you have determined the subject matter, you can begin writing and designing your book.

12. Launch Tutorials & Courses

If you’re an artist with a large following, it’s easy to create a tutorial on how to use a specific tool in your workflow or how to do something specific.

Your followers will be thrilled to learn from you and will often buy your course or product as well. If you’d like to partner with Breathing Color in creating and selling an educational course send us an email hello@breathingcolor.com

13. Start a YouTube Channel

Finally, if you want to take things a step further then you can launch a YouTube channel.

This does require some serious commitment. It’s not like it was even a few years ago when anyone could throw up a video and make money off of it. Nowadays, the competition is fierce and it’s harder than ever before to make a living off of content creation.
But don’t let that discourage you! If you’re passionate about something and believe in yourself, there is no limit to what you can achieve in life (and this includes making money off of YouTube).

Final Words

As an artist, figuring out how to make money isn’t always exactly straightforward.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there, even if they’re not always the most obvious. Between those options, you can figure out what works best for you and your art.

Just remember that making money isn’t the only thing that matters—after all, true creative freedom is priceless.

Podcast

9 months ago

Breathing Color – Introducing Our New Podcast

Listen to our new and improved podcast now.

Breathing Color would like to introduce you to our new podcast host Demetrius Judkins. He will be re-launching our highly informational and highly entertaining podcast discussing all things fine art.

Demetrius is a 32-year-old photographer, content creator, and account manager here at Breathing Color. He has 5 years’ experience in the print & design field, 10 years of experience as a professional photographer, and a brief stint as an amateur stand-up comedian. Over the years he’s worked alongside some very knowledgeable artists and tech people and is looking forward to sharing what he’s learned along the way.

Bringing back the podcast monthly is part of a larger effort to re-vamp and re-establish Breathing Color as the well of knowledge it has always been. Our first initiative, The Artists Corner, is a great resource for artists wanting to follow the journey of other artists, who are learning to build a brand around their art at varying stages of their careers.

The Podcast is the second part of that initiative, and we are working on a few different ways in which you, the listener, can reach Demetrius with your comments, questions, and suggestions. The best way currently is to leave a comment, or message by filling out the form below. He will be checking those messages periodically and some of the more interesting questions will make their way into an episode. If you’d like to contribute to the podcast or the Artist Corner, please feel free to reach out and let us know.

We hope you enjoy our first podcast episode in 7 years and look forward to collaborating with you in making the business of art better for everyone.

Artist's Corner

10 months ago

The Artist’s Corner Episode 7

Watch the seventh Artist’s Corner episode now.

In this episode of The Artists Corner we’ll be checking back in with Uloang.

Since its inception Something Cool Studios has focused on its involvement with the community. By hosting educational workshops, art jams, gallery exhibitions, and collaborating with corporate brands it has become a focal point of the Austin art scene.

With the studio’s success, and his blossoming art career, Uloang has found himself launched into a leadership position. This type of success can be disconcerting for artists who are typically used to working as individuals. Growing a business such as this requires building a strong team, and a sense of community which Uloang is thriving at.

As an artist and business owner if you find yourself stepping into a leadership role there are several important questions to ask yourself. Why are we doing this? What do we hope to accomplish? And how will we get there?

If you find yourself struggling to answer these questions the Breathing Color podcast is here to help. In our upcoming 6/24/2022 relaunch of the BC podcast our new host Demetrius Judkins will be diving deeper into art, inspiration, community, and leadership.

We hope you’ll join us there and look forward to seeing you the next time on The Artist’s Corner.

Artist's Corner

10 months ago

The Artist’s Corner Episode 6

Watch the sixth Artist’s Corner episode now.

As an artist, being creative while dealing with the day-to-day necessities of running a business can present a significant challenge. Getting caught up in building and maintaining your business can take away from time spent creating the art that drives it. This imbalance can inhibit an artist’s growth and is something The Artist’s Corner is here to help address.

In this episode of The Artist’s Corner Julz deals with her first challenge on her way to becoming a fulltime artist. With help from PSA Prints Julz overcame two significant obstacles to growing her business that she had been avoiding for some time. She digitally captured some of her paintings and used those images to create fine art prints using Elegance Velvet. Amazingly while getting her prints made someone saw them and purchased them as they were being printed. Before she even left the print shop the cost of her digital capture and prints had been covered.

With the overhead of the capture and printing costs taken care of the print sales from her next show built momentum that Julz can now use to build her website. With a website, Julz can further establish her brand as an artist and sell prints even when she’s not working. That ability to generate residual income from a single piece of art is what makes the art business so powerful when implemented well, and why we recommend digitally capturing every original piece of art you create.

We look forward to following Julz as she continues to navigate building her business here on The Artist’s Corner and we hope that her example encourages you to take the next steps towards becoming a full time artist.

If you need help on your journey please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable reps and we’ll be happy to help. If you’ve been wanting to create digital prints of your originals but weren’t sure how to do it, reach out to a professional near you by visiting our Creative Service Directory.