What the heck are ‘demographics’ and why do they matter to you as an artist?
When I was an illustration student, I always wanted to know who the job was for. Was it a cool magazine where I could do my edgiest work, or a more staid one, where I would be myself – always – but rein in the edges? As a working illustrator, I loved knowing who the client was. Was it the New York Times or Vogue? A Japanese travel magazine or an American cosmetics company? It informed my art.
You want to understand the type of client you’re making art for. It’s NOT that you alter your very being. Rather, it’s about getting a feel for things. Is it very feminine? Is it for kids? Is it very intellectual? Is it for foodies or techies?
When you make client pieces, you want to know who their demographic is. When you make personal pieces, you want to know who YOUR demographic is! You want to communicate YOUR brand to YOUR people. For the Global Talent Search, you want to show who you are. You want to reflect, in essence, your own personal demographic.
Most demographic research for huge companies involves things like income, marital status, geographic region. Let’s be cooler than that and have some fun discovering your personal demographic.
Mini assignment 5: Demographics
If you are stuck trying to understand your personal demographic, it can be good to start by understanding your own quirks, as birds of a feather often flock together. Today’s exercise is written, not drawn, but could be the most important of all this week’s minis in helping you understand who you are creating for (other than yourself of course).
Fill in the following sentences and post your responses in the comments of this blog post or on social media.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a ______________ (job/role) in ___________________ (place).
For some reason, I tend to collect _____________________(objects).
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is ________________________.
Something quirky not many people know about me is ___________________________.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is _________________________ (describe).
Apart from sharing in the comments, you can also share on social media if you like, including the hashtags #mygtsprep #demographic. To make sure I see it, please include the following:
- If sharing on Twitter #mygtsprep #demographic @artthatsells
- If sharing on Facebook #mygtsprep #demographic @makeartthatsells
- If sharing on Instagram #mygtsprep #demographic @lillarogers
So that brings us to the end of our mini series of mini assignments. I hope you have had fun this week, whilst challenging yourself to try something new.
You are now ready to participate in our hugely popular Global Talent Search. Not only is the competition loads of fun, you’ll also create marketable and cool personal pieces. And of course, you might just win two years’ art representation with my agency, Lilla Rogers Studio, along with a host of licensing deals and other fabulous prizes. If you have not yet registered, book your place here but hurry, registration closes at 11.59pm (UK time) on August 12. Someone has to win and it might just be you!
I’m rooting for you!
Xo
Lilla
Deadline to sign up: 3:59pm PDT / 6:59pm EDT / 11:59pm BST (UK)
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a painter in Korea. For some reason, I tend to collect magazines and type designs. An adjective NEVER used to describe me is normal.
Something quirky not many people know about me is my love of clouds.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is very diverse, ranging from traditional paintings to complex and intricate designs.
I get the feeling that I was a teacher in a former life in the area of Napa Valley. For some reason I tend to collect (fragments of) Delft Ceramics and tiles.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is dull.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I still have an old Nokia and no smartphone. Yeah, I’m a very weird woman!
If the people who like my art like me, the kind of art they like is whimsical and with lots of colors and lots of little funny details
get the feeling that I had a past life as a scientist (job/role) in the amazon with apes (place).
For some reason, I tend to collect dishes.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is boring.
Something quirky not many people know about me is although I am short (5’2″), a distant relative on my dad’s side was in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the tallest woman alive.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is based in nature with some brightness and boldness splashed in.
I get the feeling I had a past life as a seamstress in Victorian England.
For some reason I seem to collect vintage Nick naks.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is NASTY. something quirky not many people know about me is I love steam fairs to look at all the old machinery.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is; quirky, celebrates nature, reflective of my life, thoughts or dreams with amazing colour.
I love reading everyone’s posts! Confirms my desire to pursue making art and to be part of such a creative group! Thank you Lilla for the special Mini treats!
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a witch who made halloween costumes and decor in a haunted house.
For some reason, I tend to collect buddhas.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is: morning person.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I love Garfield the cat and we have a lot in common.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is fun and colorful.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a doctor in Ireland. For some reason, I tend to collect angels. An adjective NEVER used to describe is passive. Something quirky that not many people know about me is that I wanted to be a singer. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is eclectic.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a gardener at an old farm.
For some reason, I tend to collect old, vintage items.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is minimalist.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I love to can food, jams, and jellies!
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is whimsical, colorful, playful, fun, floral patterns and art.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a homesteader in the midwest. For some reason, I tend to collect nature. An adjective never used to describe me is tidy. Something quirky not many people know about me is that I was a debutante. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is sketchy, medallions and mandalas, nature inspired, colorful
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a CAT in a big country mansion.
For some reason, I tend to collect inspiring PICTURES.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is LAZY.
Something quirky not many people know about me is: I’m a mean BASSIST.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is TRUE and from the HEART.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a medievil scribe ina small town in the north of Spain called Molinaseca.
For some reason, I tend to collect books, mainly art and interiors but lots of them.
An adjective never used to describe me is unflexible.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I would like to retire in a mountain cabin and tend to a herd of goats, walking the mountain valley each day and painting my watercolors.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is full of soul, wit and personality, also delicate, intricate and unique.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a GARDEN SNAIL in BLOOMSBURY.
For some reason, I tend to collect SUNGLASSES.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is RESERVED.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I CAN PLAY THE TUBA.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is FULL OF HEART AND WONDER.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an aristocratic British cat who hated getting her paws wet, who loved being pampered and spent her free time sleeping by the fire.
For some reason I tend to collect picture books from all over the world.
An adjective NEVER to describe me is STILL.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I can start singing or dancing any moment if I hear good music.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is colourful, happy and lively.
Here’s my assignment #5.Sorry it’s not as glamorously presented but I’m a simple gal (uhum).
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a Queen in Armenia.
For some reason, I tend to collect art materials and books-oy vey!
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is “lazy” and “shy”.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I can’t stand the sight and sound of anyone chewing gum or eating seeds. It gives me great anxiety and now that you know this, you will be on my X file if you do it in front of me. You’ve been warned.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is inky and watercolor washy. It makes my heart pound!
I get the feeling that I had a past life living on the coast of Ireland or maybe as a gypsy fortune teller.
For some reason, I tend to collect baskets, bags, and any kind of little puka boxes, or even large hat boxes. If it’s a cute container that I can stash things in, I like it!
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is, Bold.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I can wiggle my ears.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is a little funky or edgy and colorful.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a goat herder in the Swiss Alps.
For some reason, I tend to collect vintage pennants and camp memorabilia.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is one dimensional.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I own over 20 potted plants and they all have names.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is witty and full of personality.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a nurse in a hospital.
For some reason, I tend washi tape.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is lazy.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I love dancing in the kitchen.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is colourful and fun.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a __horticulturist (job/role) in the Amazon (place).
For some reason, I tend to collect thimbles and tatting shuttles__(objects).
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is _boring
Something quirky not many people know about me is I love the banjo and am teaching myself to play..
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is unique, whimsical, illustrative and colorful. (describe).
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an archaeologist digging for artifacts in Egypt.
For some reason, I tend to collect books from anywhere I travel, on anything I love,fiction or non-fiction. I also have a staggering collection of Children’s picture books I am constantly forcing on my children hoping they will love them like i do.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is aggressive or competitive. I am someone who loves to encourage others on in their goals, not beat them, especially if it’s over a similar interest,
Something quirky not many people know about me is I have a deep and nerdy love for Greek Mythology and for Frank Sinatra’s music, going back to when I was a little girl.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is delicate and inspiring,subtle but bold in subject or color or composition. I also like a bit of mystery,when an image draws me in and makes me want to know more about just what is going on in it.
I get the feeling I had a past life as a private detective in Japan.
I tend to collect all sorts of things that I may make something from at some point. I love to organize and categorize them and go through them from time to time.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is bored.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I pick up the handwritten shopping lists that people leave behing in the basket in the grocery store. They tell such stories!
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like show signs of care, confidence and joy.
Oops! I forgot the quirky one…
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I like to make little ceramic birds.
I have a feeling that I had a past life as a coxswain on a long & narrow wooden skiff exploring an ancient ocean.
For some reason, I tend to collect small objects. An adjective never used to describe me is unreliable. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is cozy, expansive & sometimes funny.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a civil war soldier in Pennsylvania (I know it is weird but true!)
For some reason, I tend to collect small cast iron antiques.
An adjective never used to describe me is ‘mainstream’.
Something quirky that not many people know about me is that I collect spherical shapes of all kinds.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art the like is conceptual, curious, mystical and whimsical.
I have a feeling that I had a past life as an artist in America. Best friend of Audrey Hepburn.
For some reason , I tend to collect all sorts of things ranging from antique items , materials to pebbles .
An adjective I’ve never used to describe me is boring. Something quirky not many people know about me is that I’m trying to learn Chinese through internet by myself and I love to imagine lives of people that pass me walking in the city. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is emotionally warm, positive and colorful. Art that makes you feel at home.
I have a feeling that I had a past life as an artist in America .
For some reason , I tend to collect all sorts of things ranging from antique items , materials to pebbles .
An adjective I’ve never used to describe me is boring. Something quirky not many people know about me is that I’m trying to learn Chinese through internet by myself and I love to imagine lives of people that pass me walking in the city. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is emotionally warm, positive and colorful. Art that makes you feel at home.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an entomologist, still in England but nestled in the long grasses of the countryside.
For some reason, I tend to collect lichen coated twigs, pine cones, seed pods and other little curiosities of nature.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is selfish.
Something quirky not many people know about me is when I’m alone in the house I dance around in my underwear pretending to be a sexy rock star.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is meticulously detailed, to the point of approaching realism. Anything appreciating the phenomenal beauty of the natural world. Anything with buried meaning.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an animator for Disney.
For some reason, I tend to collect things I find at the beach and the Forest.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is ordinary.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I organize my books and clothes by color.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind if art they like is abstract mixed with realism with bright sections of color and contrast, many layers and textures, usually of nature.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a baker of fine pastries in a French boulangerie.
For some reason, I tend to collect found photographs, belt buckles and acorn shells.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is loud.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I have always wanted to be a farmer.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is poetic, feminine, gentle and thoughtful.
I was a sheep farmer in Australia. I collect electric line insulators, love the sound of cicadas, and would never be described as passionless. I have been an ice rink lifeguard and a museum tour guide, and my art resonates with those who enjoy cute, quirky, thoughtful and humorous thinking. I’m really enjoying the process so far, thank you, Lilla!
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an Alchemist / Mineralogist / Inventor/ Deviser / Designer in 17th C. Prague.
For some reason, I tend to collect exotic, decorative, often handmade, objets d’art & objet trouvé, richly imbued with a mysterious history.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is a whirlwind of methodical tidiness.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that much of my art begins with a poetic turn of phrase; I usually have the title of a piece in mind before the piece becomes a reality. Therefore, I guess a quirky thing about me is that I believe that leaving a piece untitled, is lazy, and cheats the viewer.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is Generous, Lush, True, Spiritual, Rich but Subtle, Intelligent, Witty, Excellent, Thoughtful, Engaging, & Lifting.
This has been a great experience participating I the #mygtsprep! Looking forward to more play with you all in the Global Talent Search Contest By the way…above typo…not “last and boring,” should read “lazy and boring,” not!
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a Priestess of beauty, truth, and inspiration in a glistening underwater city that sparkled in it’s own protective bubble with amazing color, joy and peace.
For some reason, I tend to collect many sketchbooks and portfolios of my Art over the years.
After consulting several people who know me well…an adjective NEVER used to describe me is “last and boring,” and “stupid,” and “ugly and superficial,” and “ditzy or shallowish,” and “boring, passive, weak.”
Something quirky not many people know about me is lately…I have been developing quite a friendship with the pear tree in my front yard! It is amazing to watch it go from frozen twigs, to blooms, to pears getting larger as hummingbirds, butterflies and bees visit.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is full of complex color relationships and movement, pattern, often polka dots interwoven, can appear simple and looks easy at first glance…yet can inspire deeper introspection.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a toy creator from Amsterdam.
For some reason, I tend to collect quirky colorful things that brighten up everyday life.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is “sad”.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that kids TV programs are still my favorite.
I love the fact that everything will be oké at the end!
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is colorful, silly and uplifting, with the aim to positively inspire people to be more playful.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a actress/singer in Hollywood.
For some reason, I tend to collect cute kawaii items.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is quiet.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I know the whole dance moves for Tina Turners “Rolling” Song.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is very cute, silly, fun, colorful, and sweet.
These mini assignments have been fabulous! It has brought back memories of being in uni and I’ve loved seeing how other creatives have responded to the briefs. Also, I’ve met some lovely people along the way :)
Can’t wait to get started on the last mini assignment. I’ll most likely add this one, including the other four assignments on my blog – https://www.emmajayne-designs.co.uk
Thank you Lilla Rogers,
Emma Jayne x
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a mechanical engineer in Paris. For some reason, I tend to collect folk art. An adjective NEVER used to describe me is dull. Something quirky not many people know about me is I study Okinowan karate. If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is lyrical, quirky and asymmetrical.
i just want to say that i had a blast working on these mini”s!! i am sad they are over. every morning i would eagerly await 7am so i could get to work on my new assignment. i am so excited to get going on the bew assignments next week!!!!! i can hardly wait :)
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a contrabass musician in Berlin who was a magnificent hairdresser too.
For some reason, I tend to collect tea pots and birdy sculptures.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is hasty.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that i often make poems and sing them at home, they are mostly about our cats or about my husband.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is naive.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a…
bush pilot in africa
For some reason, I tend to collect…
i find myself picking up beautiful stones when i’m out adventuring around. while we’re on the subject, the first thing i thought of, before i noticed the “objects”
classification, was to say words/quotes/phrases – the good ones :) i’m obsessed.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is…
on time
Something quirky not many people know about me is…
that i’m messy…oh, wait — i think everyone knows that!
so let’s go with my extreme particularness about my bedtime routine, from getting ready for bed to the sleeping in total darkness with MY pillow.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is…
touching, meaningful, inspirational, uplifting, personal and deeply colorful.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an activist, probably doing illegal things but only to help people be themselves, probably born somewhere in Europe traveling everywhere to do what I could for people who where not able to be themselves.
For some reason, I tend to collect vintage objects related to film, cameras and things made to create art.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is: boring.
Something quirky not many people know about me is: I’m a night owl and I don’t like sleeping nor do I need much sleep to function. Really, my brain and creativity are at their best from 9 pm to 6 am, and I don’t need to sleep more than 5 hours a day.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is: edgy and alternative but with a bohemian core. It’s big and whenever possible covers the whole working area. It’s colorful and bright when it can, but it can also be soft and muted in a whimsical feminine way.
Just want to say thank you so much for this mini assignments! It was fun and I hope it prepared us a little bit for what’s coming, can’t wait! Thanks!
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a chocolate taster in Switzerland.
For some reason, I tend to collect shoes.Hundreds of them . Just ask my husband .A new pair of shoes day is always the best kind of day .
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is tidy ! I am the messiest person you will ever meet .
Something quirky not many people know about me is that the Queen of England once had one of my Christmas cards on her Royal Desk.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is colourful , decorative, and whimsical .
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a lady-in-waiting in France.
For some reason, I tend to wishbones.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is minimalist.
Something quirky not many people know about me is that I used to drag around a rather large painted oil portrait of my grandmother when I was a toddler. It was my security blanket.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is lush and quirky.
I get the feeling that I had a past life as an archeologist traveling the globe studying ancient civilizations.
For some reason, I tend to collect artifacts, and fabric from different places.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is lazy.
Something quirky not many people know about me is I like reading books about time travel and the universe.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is colorful intricate art.
Loving this GTS prep! I’m glued to Instagram watching what you all do. How about you write, letter, type or draw your answers and post on social media? Xo
I get the feeling that I had a past life as a cook in Paris.
For some reason, I tend to collect books and things that remind me of a place I have been like small stones or shells.
An adjective NEVER used to describe me is “PLAIN”
Something quirky not many people know about me is I love to read biographies and really learn about other peoples lives. I love to know what people collect and what makes them who they are.
If the people who like my art are like me, the kind of art they like is inspiring and floral and a little quirky as well.