We are so proud of our wonderful Make Art That Sells alumni and are pleased to showcase a series of gorgeous work that is being produced in the Self-Paced MATS A and B classes.
Today, we have student work from MATS A which helps students build a professional portfolio to sell art in 5 of the most lucrative markets: bolt fabric, home décor, children’s books, wall art, gift.
***
Solvejg J Makaretz | Tröskö Design LLC
I am taking MATS A self=paced and this is my submission for the Bolt fabric assignment “Pasta & Pyrex”
Market: Bolt fabric
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
The section about style! I think we all admire a number of fabulous designers out there and wish we could draw as they do – however it’s two totally different things to like a style and to actually feel comfortable producing a style.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
It’s helping me to push myself in directions that I might not have chosen otherwise and it’s giving me a lot of useful information about the different markets.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering that I like having an assignment. Most of the time I draw patterns because I get the inspiration
from somewhere and that’s all good, however it’s also fun to get an assignment and knowing that it’s a relevant one!
How would you describe the class to a friend?
The class is great for anyone who wants to learn about a variety of aspects of making art for a living and follow assignment which will improve one’s art. The class is like a “market place” where you can shop for different things at different times and to different degrees- whatever you feel comfortable with.
The class contains a number of more or less challenging assignments which can be shared or not and there is an opportunity to see how other people solved assignments and also to learn facts from people in the industries.
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
***
Sarah Papworth
Which self-paced MATS class are you taking?
I’ve just started taking the self-paced Mats A at the moment.
Which market is your submitted work for?
Children books – the mini assignment.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I love that I can pick and choose what to start with, and that there is so much great information. Plus the Facebook group is active so it feels like you’re on the course all together like the live courses.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
I’ve only just started but already I feel I have learnt a lot about the Children’s book market and I’m excited about finishing the project. It’s also giving me something to work towards in my spare time, I can focus on the projects and have portfolio pieces at the end.
What are you discovering about yourself?
That I can draw a lot more than I gave myself credit for. And that by experimenting and trying new things I have found new paths to follow. And how important it is to create even just a little piece of art everyday.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
That Lilla is so inspiring and I love her teaching style and techniques, and that the course is packed with info, well laid out, and you can really grow if you dive right in.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
***
Sara Ardeleano | Sea Urchin Studio
Which self-paced MATS class are you taking?
MATS A
Which market is your submitted work for?
Bolt Fabric
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I’ve really enjoyed the video interviews with industry pros, it’s a wonderful opportunity to better understand what they are interested in seeing from artists.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
Being part of such an enthusiastic group of artists has been very inspiring. I love to see the different approaches everyone is taking, and the many interpretations that are possible. It is inspiring me to try new techniques and styles.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering that I really have to push myself to get through the assignments – the material is outside my comfort zone and it’s been a bit of a struggle. That said, I enjoy a challenge and look forward to learning new things!
How would you describe the class to a friend?
It is an intense course that not only covers lots of info on really relevant design markets, but also pushes my boundaries as an artist.
See more work here: Website | Facebook | Instagram
***
Nicole Golden | Pea Soup
Which self-paced MATS class are you taking?
Currently, I am enrolled in MATS A
Which market is your submitted work for?
Home Decor
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
SO many things! I love all of the information that I am gathering – in both my style evolution and also the information presented for each market – experts, tips, field experience and knowledge. I love how challenged I am by the assignments. I feel like I am stretching and growing as an artist. I work mostly with fiber so this has been a wonderful way to strengthen my love of drawing, painting and design. I find the artist interviews very insightful, all of the market insights from Lilla and fellow pros and all of the positive feedback from my fellow classmates. I have enjoyed every part of this process.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
This course has been a wonderful opportunity to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. It is causing me to look at and think about design and inspiration in a way that I never have before. I am trying new mediums. I am trying new palettes and styles of working. It is like a whole new world! And it is helping me learn about these markets that I know very little about. It is all really exciting. Also, it is exposing me to different styles of art and new artists and that has been really inspiring as well.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I love a creative challenge. I love being given a task and allowing myself to play and work it out and be inspired and daydream until what I want to say comes to fruition. I love drawing, I love pattern, I love all of the things that go into making a great piece of art – from start to finish.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
I have actually had to do this a few times so what I try to convey about the class, personally, is that it’s a really wonderful way of learning how to extend my vision of my work to markets that I have never considered. Learning how to apply my creativity to home décor, fabric, illustration, wall art and gifts is a dream come true and this course is allowing me to get my feet wet and see how things work. On a whole, It is a immersion into great art – art for art’s sake – and at the same time, it is lesson on how to apply being a successful artist in real world capacities.
See more work here: Website | Instagram
***
STARTS TOMORROW!
Watch this space as we will be launching a BIG SPRING SALE on Wednesday 6 April.
So does ‘Make Art That Sells’ actually work? Do artists who take the class actually sell more art? Well yes, they do. Students have since secured licensing deals in the gift, editorial, baby apparel, bolt fabric, wall art, greetings, home décor, paper and fashion markets, many have won competitions and a number have been signed for representation.
ALL of our classes will be on SALE.
