new class at MCC

Hi. It's been a while. I'm teaching a new class this summer about the business of art, called, of course, 'Banquet for the Starving Artist'. So, I've been spending a lot more time, reading and brainstorming ways to help artists.

I read a very good article in Art Calendar magazine by Jack White where he lists 12 ways artists hurt their own careers. It's called "12 Reasons Artists Fail". It's a very good article, although I agree with about 90% of it - I copied it for all of my students.

He lists: 1. No one can find you. 2. Lack of artistic focus. 3. Distractions. 4. Lack of business knowledge. 5. Jealousy. 6. Pricing. 7. No Goals. 8. Attitude. 9. The art doesn't 'connect'. 10. Failure to produce. 11. Not having fun. 12. Artistic Suicide. I think it's very good, practical advice - Jack, to me, is kind of like the Dr. Phil of the art world. Hey, and they're both from Texas! I say 90% because I think some of it is very generalized, which can be good for a very beginner, but I always believe in exceptions to the rule.

By the way, I can't say enough good about Art Calendar magazine. Anyone trying to make money on their art needs a subscription. Or you can check it out first at Borders.