The One Thing You Might Be Overlooking in Your Artist Brand

When it comes to building a strong artist brand, there's one essential element that often gets overlooked. Ironically, it's the most important part: the art itself.

Before we dive into marketing strategies, storytelling, or how to attract collectors, let’s focus on what truly makes your brand work—the art you create. I’ve seen too many people rush into marketing tactics, skipping over the art altogether. But without strong work at the center, everything else falls flat.

If you're an artist struggling to connect your brand with your true self, this might be the missing piece.

Why Your Art Should Be the Heart of Your Brand

In the branding framework I teach, we always start with your art at the core. It’s not just about creating a logo or figuring out your social media strategy—those are secondary. The truth is, your art carries the essence of your brand. It’s what speaks to people, connects with them emotionally, and builds...

As I sit here reflecting on the events of this past weekend, I’m reminded of how fragile life—and art—can be. Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, leaving devastation in its wake. The arts community wasn’t spared. Artists I know personally have lost everything—studios are destroyed, artwork is gone, and families are reeling from the chaos. Yet, amidst all this loss, one thing still remains: hope.

The Power of Hope in Times of Crisis

Hope is often the last thing we cling to. It’s the thread that keeps us moving forward, especially in the face of hardship. As artists, hope fuels our creativity. Each brushstroke, every drop of ink, paint, or pixel carries with it the potential for something beautiful, meaningful, and extraordinary. Even when our art doesn’t turn out the way we envisioned, hope keeps us trying again.

But hope isn’t just a quiet, internal feeling. It’s something we can give to others. Right now, our fellow artists in Asheville need that hope. They’ve lost their tools...

Join us on this exciting episode of the Artist Next Level Podcast as we sit down with the dynamic duo, Picardo and Marsha K Lucas, a creative couple who are determined to make waves in the worlds of art, fashion, music, and dance. Now based in Miami, Picardo and Marsha share their inspiring journey of collaboration and career growth in their new vibrant city.

Picardo, an Afro Caribbean multidisciplinary artist, mesmerizes with his drumming performances, spoken word storytelling, and rhythmically composed paintings. His work creates a powerful visual experience, engaging viewers through an expressive dialogue of color, gesture, and organic lines. Picardo shares his unique process of using art to express his emotions and experiences, revealing how visualization became his storytelling mechanism during his journey of learning English.

Marsha K Lucas, an abstract painter, branding model, dancer, and performer, brings her own creative flair to the partnership. As an independent artist ...

As artists, we constantly grapple with a timeless question: Should we dedicate ourselves to a single, distinctive style, or should we venture into the vast realm of diverse artistic expressions? This thought-provoking dilemma has been the focal point of many discussions within our artistic community, and I'm here to share insights that can empower you to embrace your full artistic potential. Join me on this inspiring journey.

The Dilemma: One Style or Many?

Picture this: you, the artist, standing at a crucial crossroads, your heart pulsating with the desire to create. The dilemma that often plagues us is whether to commit to one singular style or allow the wings of your creative spirit to carry you through a multitude of artistic paths. The truth is, there's no universal answer to this question, and that's where the beauty of your artistic journey lies.

The Easy Question: Can You Have Multiple Styles?

Let's begin with the easy part. You don't need anyone's approval to unleash your ...

Embracing Your Unique Gifts as an Artist

I'm not much of a superhero movie enthusiast, but my kids certainly are. From a young age, my son was captivated by the world of Marvel and DC Comics characters and their epic stories. He'd excitedly narrate every detail about each hero and their extraordinary superpowers. Even now, at over 21 years old, he's still as passionate as ever, sharing stories about what makes these heroes so special. And I must confess, while keeping track of all those tales isn't my strong suit, I genuinely enjoy his enthusiasm.

Now, you might be wondering how this relates to your journey as an artist. Well, let me tell you— I firmly believe that as artists, we possess our very own set of superpowers, waiting to be unleashed. No, we may not be saving the universe like the heroes in blockbuster movies, but we certainly have something extraordinary to offer the world.

Your First Superpower: The Gift of Creation

Your first superpower is that of creation. You've been...

How can I find inspiration and make progress in my art career amidst the chaos of daily life?

In the last few days, I've embarked on a journey of quiet reflection, and it's been nothing short of magical. You see, life has a way of getting loud – the endless notifications, daily chores, and the hustle and bustle can drown out the whispers of inspiration. But, guess what? Amidst this chaos, I found something extraordinary.

Silence, the Canvas of Imagination

When we intentionally embrace silence, it's like opening a door to a world of endless possibilities. I've realized that those moments of tranquility are when our minds can roam freely, conjuring up fresh ideas for paintings, projects, marketing, and beyond. It's where the magic truly happens!

Let's talk about your art career. It's a precious gem that deserves your time and commitment. In the frenzy of daily life and the ever-enticing world of social media, it's easy to lose track of where you're headed. But don't forget, your d...

How can celebrating small wins benefit my artistic journey?

We're all familiar with the feeling of accomplishment that comes from landing a major art show, making a sale, or receiving a coveted award. These are the moments that we eagerly share with the world, and rightfully so. They're the milestones that stand as a testament to our dedication and talent. But in our pursuit of these big wins, let's not overlook the quiet yet mighty force of small victories.

The Ripple Effect of Progress

Think about it – those little triumphs, the ones that might seem like mere blips on the radar, actually carry substantial weight. It's like saving up small change; before you know it, you've accumulated something substantial. Unlike those occasional big wins that make grand entrances, these small victories occur regularly, quietly building momentum beneath the surface.

The Danger of Neglecting the Small

It's tempting to dismiss these small successes in favor of holding out for the larger triump...

How can I expand my art career and tap into new opportunities beyond my comfort zone?

Today, I want to chat about something that's been on my mind as I've been journeying through the breathtaking landscapes of the South of Florida. Picture this: loads of brides spanning over serene seas, intricate canals, and tranquil lakes. These bridges, these magnificent structures, got me thinking about our artistic journeys and how they can benefit from a touch of bridge-building magic. So, grab your metaphorical hard hats, because we're diving into the world of building bridges in your art career.

Bridging the Gap, Artistically and Strategically

As I marveled at those bridges, I couldn't help but draw parallels to our artistic ventures. Just as those bridges connect separate pieces of land, our art needs its own connectors – bridges that span the gap between our creativity and the world. That's right, artists are more than just creators; we're bridge makers. Our art serves as a link between th...

Welcome to Episode 351 of the Next Level Podcast, where host Sergio Gomez engages in an enlightening conversation with Myztico Campo, a visionary shamanic artist and Senior Logistics Consultant for InXpress. In this episode, they dive into the art of shipping art itself, offering best practices and insights to help artists navigate the complexities of shipping, insurance, and timelines. Myztico's dual expertise in art and logistics empowers artists to confidently manage the challenges of shipping while also providing a captivating introduction to his own artistic journey.

Sergio Gomez skillfully guides the conversation, expertly navigating between the logistics of shipping art and the exploration of Myztico's artistic path. Together, they create a dynamic and engaging dialogue that leaves listeners enlightened and inspired. Whether you're an artist seeking guidance in shipping or simply curious about the intersection of art and logistics, this episode provides a wealth of invaluable i...

How can artists overcome doubts about the value of their art when potential buyers hesitate due to the price?

Here's a personal insight that I've gained over the years as an artist and gallery owner. It's a lesson that has shaped my approach to art and the way I engage with others in the creative realm. So grab a cup of coffee, find a cozy spot, and let's dive into this inspiring journey together.

The Futility of Convincing Closed Minds

You know, it's an interesting thing about art. Trying to convince someone who has already made up their mind about its value is like chasing after a mirage. Trust me, I've been there. We've all encountered individuals who simply cannot fathom the worth of art in their lives. And you know what? That's okay.

The Elusive Quest for Art Buyers

It can be disheartening when someone inquires about your art, seemingly interested, only to retreat once they hear the price. We've all experienced those moments of doubt, questioning our abilities and the value o...