5 things I have learned from MATS and how the experience has earned me several artistic career “wins.”

Today, we have a lovely guest post from Make Art That Sells alumni Dawn Gonzales

Here is a summary of the top 5 things I have learned from MATS and how the experience has earned me several artistic career “wins.”

1. Create/Sell your joy: Once I started this, I knew I was on to something. My very first MATS assignment was to create a design for an iPhone. I love drawing characters, and so I created my design around a self conscious squirrel and his birdhouse friend. I uploaded my designs to Redbubble.com and sold several cases! This design is still one of my favorites. Additionally, My nautical wall art project from June 2014 has become a best seller in my shop. People love whales!

2. Create art everyday. Upon Lilla’s advice, I made a morning studio practice a priority in my daily life. Not only have my skills and confidence improved, but I have created an abundance of portfolio work by challenging myself daily. You know what else? I generated enough quality work to feel comfortable pitching myself for representation. In July 2015, I signed on with Parcai Designs out of Dallas. I hope to go to Surtex with them this Spring, a dream come true. The crustacean designs from our May 2015 assignment caught the eye of my now agent!

3. Use cheap paper: Oh wow. The best advice ever! Bits and scraps of paper make the best playground. I lost all inhibitions and began creating some of my best work from these “minis.” As my sketches evolved from tight, preciously planned drawings to loose, expressive abstractions, I suddenly found my niche and have recently completed a series of pattern designs for a local apparel company. And, I am now officially in love with abstracts.

4. Talk, talk, talk / network: The MATS community has been the best forum for someone like me who is a bit of an introvert. Not only have I learned so much, received and given support to my fellow artists, and become privy to “hot topics” and events as they arise, I’ve learned how to talk about my art without sounding like a narcissist (I think?). Eventually, I became confident enough to share my work with the world outside of MATS, and through one of my posts on social media, I snagged an awesome contract designing eight typographic t-shirts for a major retailer! I am so excited for this collection to debut in 2017. Stay tuned!

5. Never stop learning. Continue to evolve your talents: Goodness. My world has opened so much since I’ve been practicing this lil’ nugget of MATS advice. I love that Lilla’s artists continue to take MATS classes, and practice new skills. I like drawing, but to borrow a line from Lilla: “I Just like to make things!” Inspired by the many creative prompts in Lilla’s videos and exercises, I decided to try my hand at collage, an art form that I have not dabbled in since college.

Not only has this new direction been extremely cathartic for me, it’s opened up opportunities that I had never thought about before. My collage efforts turned into a series of story book dioramas. And I found that I enjoy making these miniature worlds so much, that this winter, I will be teaching a Mixed Media Cigar Box Diorama class at our community art center! This pirate diorama created from repurposed and dimensionalized MATS “mini” sketches is what sold my pitch to the Educational Director.

Two years ago, I never would have imagined myself as an “art teacher.” But, I have worked very hard to set goals, challenge and immerse myself in the art world with which I have so fallen back in love. I am proud to say that MATS has been a huge catalyst for helping me find my inspiration. It feels great to be living a creative life again.

Lastly, one of my measures of success that my practicing these learnings is working, is that I have actually made an income this year from diversifying my artistic interests and creating art! Of course, it’s not THE measure of success, but it’s certainly amazing to me that I accomplished this in two years. Thank you, Lilla Rogers and Make Art That Sells!

Connect with Dawn here: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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If you want this for YOUR art career, join us here for the next round of Make Art That Sells.

The next session will take place Monday 19th October 2015, registration is open here! This is the last time that Lilla will be providing live feedback, so join us now to be in with a chance of having your work reviewed in class!