Hey all you FITMAs—
I have come into a bit of a dilemma, which most of you may have thought about at one point or another. Though I never applied the idea to myself, I now find I am doing just that. I'm curious what you guys think about this issue. PLEASE RESPOND.
Here's the deal—
My painting is moving in a direction I'm really happy with. The latest piece was posted just a few days ago, on 1/1. (to give those of you who don't know me some idea what I do). I also create a lot of books on 19th century painting, and early 20th century illustration. This goes pretty well with my own painting...
Occasionally, I, been known to put out a coloring book, or some stickers, or even a glow-in-the dark tattoo book if the topic suits me. HEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM.
Some years ago in undergrad the talk was "working in variant styles could be poison to a career, it was fine to do, but you should really consider using a pen-name for your second style".
I'm beginning to feel that if someone was to want to hire me for a serious painting job, or to talk to me about a book, but then a search reveals all this light-weight material- you see what I'm getting at? Is this still a problem?
I have a House-of Horrors Tattoo book going to press in the next day or so, and I'm really thinking, the pen-name might not be a bad idea.
Thoughts?
Thanks-
Jeff
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3 comments:
We have been having some really interesting topics come up on our blog lately. I'm curious to see what people have to say about this one myself. Maybe bring it up at our meeting Wed.?
I'm not sure about this one Jeff. These days it seems as though the art is in survival and you have to do what ever you can get your hands on, so with that in mind having multiple styles should not matter. On the other hand what could it hurt if you have two styles and two names.
I don't think it's a crucial point. I'm still thinking though and it will give us something to discuss over back and tan and potato skins tonight.
Oh gosh I've wondered about this too. I think it's true that an identifiable style and subject matter does help an artist gain popularity in the marketplace.
As an illustrator, though, it could be an advantage to have more of a range instead of being stuck in a certain rut... er, niche. Maybe ask your publishers sometime?
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