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.
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Aimee Hartogh
I am taking both Mats A and B, excited to take Boot Camp, I just finished Home Decor
I am submitting work for the Bolt Fabric market
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I have enjoyed every single thing about the class, it is impossible to choose just one.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
This class is helping me grow by giving me direction. I now know where to put my energy, painting and using Photoshop. My submission was done in illustrator.
What are you discovering about yourself?
Something I am discovering about myself is that I would rather work as an artist than in my current career.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
I would describe this class to a friend as magnificent!! I would be gushing for an hour or more and would completely dominate the conversation with all the fantastic details about what this class has to offer.
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Heather Powers
Which self-paced MATS class are you taking (A, B or both?)
MATS A
Which market is your submitted work for?
Fabric
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I’ve enjoyed the in-depth information for each market, the interviews and information on how to sell each type of work to buyers. I love the watching the reviews from each assignment, taking notes on how to improve my own artwork and I’m super excited about having access to the assignment bank for more inspiration.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
I feel like I’ve been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few weeks of taking MATS. Pushing myself to create art everyday has brought the greatest amount of growth since I started MATS. Learning to let go of perfectionism has also been a big plus for me!
What are you discovering about yourself?
I’m discovering through MATS that I love challenging myself with the new markets and that I really have a hunger and drive to learn everything I can to improve my illustration and work in each of these exciting markets – I love them all!
How would you describe the class to a friend?
This class covers everything you need to know to work in these 5 popular markets. From what to include in your portfolio and how to reach out to the buyers, Lilla covers it all. You’ll also learn how to deal with the common obstacles in a creative life. You’ll have a stronger portfolio and a new mission. I can’t even put into words everything I’ve learned in MATS and how each assignment has made me a better artist!
See more work here: Website | Blog | Instagram
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Leah Malmos
Which market is your submitted work for?
Bolt fabric. “Pasta Night”.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
The minis and assignments.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
The class is really pushing my work in new directions. I have had to learn more about technique, styles, and process in creating art.
What are you discovering about yourself?
That I need to keep making art and refining my style.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
An intensive creative workout that will help you create many portfolio pieces.
See more work here: Website
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Jan Tetsutani
I am taking MATS-A and above is my design for Bolt Fabric
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
The videos & Lilla’s feedback on the reviews
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
This class has helped me to be to be more focused (love the structure of the class), learn about the different markets, see what makes a strong work that art directors are looking for and to get out of my comfort zone. I normally paint watercolor or acrylic, but with this project tried digital drawing. Also, seeing the community of artists has been encouraging and inspiring. I appreciate how Lilla is so encouraging and focuses on the positive.
I have taken some art classes in high school and college. In college I was discouraged from doing art as a career. 4 years ago at age 40 when my passion for art was rekindled and hope to be an artist full-time. I am so happy for this opportunity to take this class and learn! I’ve always wanted to write & illustrate a children’s book so I’m looking forward to learning about this!
What are you discovering about yourself?
I like to use different medias like watercolor, pen & ink and acrylics. I have ‘heard’ its best to stick to one medium so people recognize your style so I’ve always felt ‘different’ because I like to use different mediums. I never heard of licensing until recently which is how I stumbled across Lilla’s Periscope.
After hearing Lilla share about people who license their artwork, I’m wondering if this is more up my alley than selling paintings. I’m still trying to get up to 10,000 hours and am looking forward to what I discover along the way.
I’m only on the first week, but so far it has been worth every penny! I’ve learned so much!
See more work here: Website | Facebook
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Mary Pousner
Which self-paced MATS class are you taking
I am taking the self-paced MATS A class,as well as Bootcamp.
Which market is your submitted work for?
The artwork is a mini for the Home Decor market.
What have you enjoyed most so far about the course?
I have enjoyed the new projects and communicating with other artists on Facebook.
How is the MATS class helping you grow?
Since it is a self-paced class, my challenge is to make sure the projects get completed
which helps with my planning/procrastination problems. I have to set deadlines for myself
as there is always a distraction or obligation.
What are you discovering about yourself?
I have discovered that I have good ideas and I am better at the technical side of the projects
than I first thought.
How would you describe the class to a friend?
I would tell a friend to take the class with an open mind and to be kind to themselves. I would describe the class as a learning and growing opportunity as well as a chance to find kindred spirits from around the globe.
See more work here: Website
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Would you like to Make Art That Sells? Registration is open here
Make Art That Sells is a unique combination of professional portfolio builder and ultimate insider’s guide to making art that sells. Graduates of this course have gone on to win work from clients such as Midwest CBK, Demdaco, Paperchase, John Lewis, Galison, Madison Park Greetings, Dot & Bo, Land of Nod, Quarry Books, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. This comprehensive course includes access to videos of Lilla Rogers reviewing over 500 pieces of art.
***STOP PRESS***
Uppercase publisher Janine Vangool to join Lilla for a LIVE REVIEW of a brand new MATS A assignment!
The art of at least one participant will be featured appear in a future Uppercase publication!
IMPORTANT: This brief has now gone live in the classrooms with a submission deadline of April 25, 2016. If you register for MATS A now you can still participate, but please be aware we are not able to offer any extensions to the submission deadline. Good luck!
