I know as a non-subscriber I can’t vote, but FWIW my vote goes to the sketched version of the two of you - it’s beautiful. You are both doing something different and yet it’s so clear that you are together. It’s a great image. I think I said that already, but really, it’s one of those images that speaks 1000 words.
And about not being a subscriber, I just got here, so to speak, and Im feeling my way around before committing. But I think I’ll be coming back ☺️.
Thank you Sara for adding your 2 cents is much appreciated and I’m delighted you’ve found your way over here to this cosy corner of the internet 🙏🏼 please do not feel rushed! I hope you’ll enjoy what I write down the road too - you’re also warmly invited to have a browse through the archive 🥰💞
Hi! I don't think I have set expectations. I follow my gut, really, rather than look for something specific. When I created my Substack about two weeks ago I did search for similar publications to the one I am trying to create, to see what was here already. But otherwise, I am hoping to be surprised, like I was today, for example, by Paul's poem (Paul's Substack, not sure how to link it here). I am also curious about what you write and will browse :).
Both my daughter and her husband are full time artists. I’ve found that the thing they are Both terrible at is marketing. Period.
I’m off to subscribe so I can vote in your poll (I surely thought I already had done this but…)
From a strictly marketing viewpoint, cover number two (the close up of just you) WILL sell the most.
Many people will fall in love with your work. The truth about why they BUY it is because they can imagine themselves being you. Only cover number two does that in the close up of you. The others are marketing being a couple, or yes, the first looks like a craft book. And you’re not selling how to make crafts.
So… there’s my unasked for two (or 200 cents).
Market the topic of your book. Making a living as artists. Your story will bring in that this is also about him. No worries. And everyone will fall in love with the supportive roles you have in each other’s lives. They can only imagine being one artist at a time.
PS. In case you wonder where my insight comes from, I managed a 4000 square foot original art gallery on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco many years ago. And This is how we sold all the original art. (Average original price between $500-$40,000). We were very successful. I taught my staff to connect the buyer with the artist to the degree that they can imagine being the artist as they consider making the purchase… if they have the $$, they’ll buy it every single time. Everyone wishes they could be an original artist 🤗
You put the finger on exactly the reason why my first thought was to make the cover of me alone, deliberately NOT looking at the camera to make it feel more intimate and the artist seeing themselves in me…
You confirmed everything I thought so I’m incredibly grateful for your thousands worth of insight!
Is it looking from the insight out or outside in… inside out will sell more and it’s what most never manage to do and you’re right, the couple pic is more flat and a story of something “over there” “for them”, which frankly isn’t representative of the intimate way it’s written… I think what’s more needed is perhaps a rephrase again of the subtitle! Have tried multiple and I’m still lingering on it.
Thanks again, this was priceless and the most comforting for my intuition 🙏🏼
You being intimately observed while you create is perfect. They are catching a sneak peek of the private you and it’s enticing. It invites your audience in.
Spot on intuition. As your audience intimately observes you, the more they want to be you, and will buy the book because they believe they could be you.
Share something intimate in the subtitle maybe consider whatever the magical elixir is that pulls you into art for a living. (? Just a thought) you’ve got this!
That's a brilliant prompt.... I am definitely going to think about it! Considering that the book will (for now) only be available as digital copy it means the cover needs to work well in a small format as well, whereas I'm afraid that the sketch would be harder to see in small format - but could potentially be lovely in a hardcopy where there could be textural elements added too (another parameter to think about). Regardless, I hugely value your input! Have a wonderful end of the weekend, Elin
I love the idea of the sketch, but I think Teyani has a great point. I am drawn to the photo of you. And you make a good point about the embroidery might not be the best medium for the e-book.
Also, you can always change it later and I know you probably didn’t account for spending all that time doing an embroidery for it, let alone stitching two people, which can sometimes be hit and miss.
Thanks Mika for contributing to the conversation! Indeed I can always change it (which is only one of the things I love about self-publishing and being in charge of the full process!! There's always wiggle room <3) Appreicate you xx
Thank you Mat. That’s exactly what it was. And when my daughter was mostly doing watercolor painting and she would go to art walk shows, I would be the marketing/ spokes person, and I would have her sit near the display and paint. People would stop and just watch her, enthralled.
Maybe if they want to add a couple, they could have Elin embroidering the drawing of them together (the sketch) in Close Up of Elin V2. That way it has both in a non intrusive way. And here are my unasked for 2 cents, although I doubt they are even worth that much. This is just my gut feeling.
This is a very good idea thank you so much! I will have a think about it! As I mentioned above in another comment, the book will currently be available as digital copy only which has an impact on the cover too - the hand sketch could be more effective in a hard-copy that would be on display in a physical bookshop..
I hate the idea of sharing my writing, its so personal and vulnerable. It feels like I'm giving a piece of me away and I don't want that to be the case, especially for those who don't deserve my vulnerability. BUTTT, I need to get over it. I want to show people the things I write, I want to express boldly that I love writing and would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you for the great piece!
BTW: For your book title, I love the picture of both you and your husband.
Thank you for sharing this vulnerably Padra! It’s really not an easy feat! And thanks for your vote - working on a piece that will reveal the final…. 💫
Hmm, great question! I've published a couple things on here and would probably share the story that feels the most personal story to friends if they ask. I put a lot of work and thought into it and editing that piece was super fun. So, even if it's scary to share, I think I would get a lot out of doing that, like good input or better yet, some people connecting with the story (which is what I really want!) :)
Loved this piece Elin! And the honesty. Yes! It feels like giving up your baby when you try to sell your art. Personally, it is always a tussle with my favorite pieces of writing. Do I want them to be seen by so many people or do I want to hide them behind paywall so that only a few people who might appreciate it more will see it!
Maybe that is exactly why it is hard to make a living as an artist! We get vulnerable with our art not with people who might buy it.
Yes so well put; maybe we get more vulnerable with our art than the people who might buy it 🙏🏼👏 it’s really a tricky balance to navigate and no one straight forward answer because sometimes, if we’re true to ourselves, some pieces we don’t want to reach the masses whereas other we want it spread… maybe there’s a place for both?
Yes, it is so difficult to find that space of middle ground. One of my teachers told me that Arthur Doyle was disappointed with the fact that the work he wanted the masses to read was not well received while Sherlock went off the charts.
I feel like this too and even more so because I know I am not a writer, but I came here for connection and so it’s important. Balancing the vulnerability and lack of writing craft with the urge to speak to like-minded souls is something I'm attempting to navigate. Good luck with your writing.
sharing my work (especially the work i’m particularly proud of) has always scared me but i think it’s time to rethink my perspective. thank you for this
It is scary and always will be to some extent! But to lean into the process and find whatever reframes that allow you to move forward will be hugely helpful 🥰
This is a great piece. I agree that attachment to our art is a huge road block in selling, whether it's tangible art or something like movement arts or any sort of class we teach or space we create. What I've realized over the past couple years is how this fear prevents us from building the marketing skills and confidence we need to actually sell.
Lately I've started to think of selling like this. "Hey, do you want this?" and learning how to be super clear about what it is i'm offering and why someone might want it. Making that into another art form.
I think you pinpoint it very well here! That the fear blocks us from learning the skills needed in the first place. It makes us deliberately put our heads in the sand.. I certainly did!
Clarity is everything and it’s an art form in itself indeed. Looking at it as an art I’ve come to enjoy it much more 🥰🙏🏼
Oops meant to choose D but clicked C by accident + I cannot seem to unclick. Love the concept of the embroidery of the sketch - so creative and unique.
Loved reading this Elin. My initial reaction, was no! I'm not too attached to my paintings I want to sell them! But as I read further down I really started to recognise the feelings and thoughts you describe.... and then thought, she has a point! And then finally, the part about making it about them was really beautiful. Your reference to your book was the prefect illustration. Now to turn this thinking around for my art. Thank you!
Thank you so much Susan for sharing your experience of the text! It makes me very happy to hear the evolvement and that something clicked at the end. Personally it was an absolute revelation when I realised this and it took me a long time to admit my attachment..
Looking forward to hear the development in some time if you've seen results x
Thanks Elin, I will re-read this and absorb! I'm taking a break from painting, marketing etc for a couple of weeks and hope to come back refreshed. I've been piling too much pressure on myself lately. The place I love to be though is here on Substack. There is no pressure, just enjoyment!
I agree!! And I just adore the Instagram frame around the photo giving a little peek into how the business was launched. Its just such a great photo! Maybe the text could be a less bold font and maybe pull a color from the colorful art supplies on the table. Love to see this progression, Elin! Great work!!
Thank you Rebecca for your encouragement! Yeah I'm not a fan of the text, really made it quickly to get the visual idea across a bit better... I'm still contemplating on whether it becomes too much of "someone else's story" compared to inviting the reader to reflect on their own journey in relation to the text. It's quite an intimate piece of writing... OOh so much to think about haha, Thanks for being here cheering me on! xx
I have often thought how hard it must be for a street artist. I saw Trojan Women on a wall in downtown LA years back and wondered how long before someone painted over it.
Yeah for sure! Street artists often involve another level of “addiction to adrenaline” as most tagging and street art is illegal.
It’s an interesting space that starts to get more recognized with time, but the balance with criminality is tuff. I’ve seen some street artists doing really well on social media which has lead to eventually being commission by different cities to come and do “legal street art” where they once illegally tagged.. fascinating!
I love the second because I feel connected even though I dont know you but because you're so close. Cozy. I'm curious about the art! That said, the font feels off and maybe it's me but the color palette feels off too. Try all caps for the title. Your name should be bold too! Congrats! Writing a book is huge.
I've learned to treat my art as if it's not too precious.
Thank you so much Maureen for these added reflections! It’s exactly these reason why I thought of this cover to start with… agree on the color of the font! These are not final versions so any feedback is much appreciated 🥰🙏🏼
I had to laugh out so loud because my aunt bought a sculpture from an artist recently who has a very hard time letting go. So he needed several weeks (!) to do whatever with the sculpture before she was allowed to pick it up 😅
Can you do the photo of you and the embroidery version on front and back?
Looool that’s it isn’t it!! What do you need weeks for? Though good for him that your aunt still went ahead haha maybe some are attracted to the “hard to get” style too 🤣
🤣 I have no clue what departing rituals from his art he has but she said everyone knows that when they pick a sculpture they can’t take it back home with them the same day and need to wait until the artist is ready lol. Guess “be so good your buyers follow your rules” is what this case is all about.
When it comes to my digital art, I don't think much about it.
But my traditional ones... Well it is very hard it to let go of it. Good thing I making art at the daily activities, because they can take it and sell it. Hard to see them go. But some one else might be happy with it 😊 And really good training for me in the process 🤣
Haha yes it’s definitely a difference between the physical and digital isn’t it! I’ve felt this too, but then realized that the artworks will have a better life enjoyed on someone else’s wall (or pillow or clothes or whatever) than all fighting for the same little space at my home
Yes, I used a sketch of our town hall and embroidered it with black running stitch. I quite liked it and it was fun to do. But I love your much more complex ones!
Thanks Lisa! They’re not that complex actually, it just looks more advanced when using single stranded backstitch instead of running stitch so you could do it too one day 🤗 ❣️
You're right. Art does feel personal, which is why I have a hard time sharing my poems. I feel exposed! Thanks for seeing me.
I know exactly how you feel <3 I hope you'll take courage and share them when you feel ready - it's a liberating experience! xx
I know as a non-subscriber I can’t vote, but FWIW my vote goes to the sketched version of the two of you - it’s beautiful. You are both doing something different and yet it’s so clear that you are together. It’s a great image. I think I said that already, but really, it’s one of those images that speaks 1000 words.
And about not being a subscriber, I just got here, so to speak, and Im feeling my way around before committing. But I think I’ll be coming back ☺️.
Thank you Sara for adding your 2 cents is much appreciated and I’m delighted you’ve found your way over here to this cosy corner of the internet 🙏🏼 please do not feel rushed! I hope you’ll enjoy what I write down the road too - you’re also warmly invited to have a browse through the archive 🥰💞
Hi! I don't think I have set expectations. I follow my gut, really, rather than look for something specific. When I created my Substack about two weeks ago I did search for similar publications to the one I am trying to create, to see what was here already. But otherwise, I am hoping to be surprised, like I was today, for example, by Paul's poem (Paul's Substack, not sure how to link it here). I am also curious about what you write and will browse :).
Both my daughter and her husband are full time artists. I’ve found that the thing they are Both terrible at is marketing. Period.
I’m off to subscribe so I can vote in your poll (I surely thought I already had done this but…)
From a strictly marketing viewpoint, cover number two (the close up of just you) WILL sell the most.
Many people will fall in love with your work. The truth about why they BUY it is because they can imagine themselves being you. Only cover number two does that in the close up of you. The others are marketing being a couple, or yes, the first looks like a craft book. And you’re not selling how to make crafts.
So… there’s my unasked for two (or 200 cents).
Market the topic of your book. Making a living as artists. Your story will bring in that this is also about him. No worries. And everyone will fall in love with the supportive roles you have in each other’s lives. They can only imagine being one artist at a time.
PS. In case you wonder where my insight comes from, I managed a 4000 square foot original art gallery on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco many years ago. And This is how we sold all the original art. (Average original price between $500-$40,000). We were very successful. I taught my staff to connect the buyer with the artist to the degree that they can imagine being the artist as they consider making the purchase… if they have the $$, they’ll buy it every single time. Everyone wishes they could be an original artist 🤗
You put the finger on exactly the reason why my first thought was to make the cover of me alone, deliberately NOT looking at the camera to make it feel more intimate and the artist seeing themselves in me…
You confirmed everything I thought so I’m incredibly grateful for your thousands worth of insight!
Is it looking from the insight out or outside in… inside out will sell more and it’s what most never manage to do and you’re right, the couple pic is more flat and a story of something “over there” “for them”, which frankly isn’t representative of the intimate way it’s written… I think what’s more needed is perhaps a rephrase again of the subtitle! Have tried multiple and I’m still lingering on it.
Thanks again, this was priceless and the most comforting for my intuition 🙏🏼
You being intimately observed while you create is perfect. They are catching a sneak peek of the private you and it’s enticing. It invites your audience in.
Spot on intuition. As your audience intimately observes you, the more they want to be you, and will buy the book because they believe they could be you.
Share something intimate in the subtitle maybe consider whatever the magical elixir is that pulls you into art for a living. (? Just a thought) you’ve got this!
That's a brilliant prompt.... I am definitely going to think about it! Considering that the book will (for now) only be available as digital copy it means the cover needs to work well in a small format as well, whereas I'm afraid that the sketch would be harder to see in small format - but could potentially be lovely in a hardcopy where there could be textural elements added too (another parameter to think about). Regardless, I hugely value your input! Have a wonderful end of the weekend, Elin
I love the idea of the sketch, but I think Teyani has a great point. I am drawn to the photo of you. And you make a good point about the embroidery might not be the best medium for the e-book.
Also, you can always change it later and I know you probably didn’t account for spending all that time doing an embroidery for it, let alone stitching two people, which can sometimes be hit and miss.
Thanks Mika for contributing to the conversation! Indeed I can always change it (which is only one of the things I love about self-publishing and being in charge of the full process!! There's always wiggle room <3) Appreicate you xx
Thank you Mat. That’s exactly what it was. And when my daughter was mostly doing watercolor painting and she would go to art walk shows, I would be the marketing/ spokes person, and I would have her sit near the display and paint. People would stop and just watch her, enthralled.
Maybe if they want to add a couple, they could have Elin embroidering the drawing of them together (the sketch) in Close Up of Elin V2. That way it has both in a non intrusive way. And here are my unasked for 2 cents, although I doubt they are even worth that much. This is just my gut feeling.
This is a very good idea thank you so much! I will have a think about it! As I mentioned above in another comment, the book will currently be available as digital copy only which has an impact on the cover too - the hand sketch could be more effective in a hard-copy that would be on display in a physical bookshop..
I hate the idea of sharing my writing, its so personal and vulnerable. It feels like I'm giving a piece of me away and I don't want that to be the case, especially for those who don't deserve my vulnerability. BUTTT, I need to get over it. I want to show people the things I write, I want to express boldly that I love writing and would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thank you for the great piece!
BTW: For your book title, I love the picture of both you and your husband.
Thank you for sharing this vulnerably Padra! It’s really not an easy feat! And thanks for your vote - working on a piece that will reveal the final…. 💫
Hmm, great question! I've published a couple things on here and would probably share the story that feels the most personal story to friends if they ask. I put a lot of work and thought into it and editing that piece was super fun. So, even if it's scary to share, I think I would get a lot out of doing that, like good input or better yet, some people connecting with the story (which is what I really want!) :)
Loved this piece Elin! And the honesty. Yes! It feels like giving up your baby when you try to sell your art. Personally, it is always a tussle with my favorite pieces of writing. Do I want them to be seen by so many people or do I want to hide them behind paywall so that only a few people who might appreciate it more will see it!
Maybe that is exactly why it is hard to make a living as an artist! We get vulnerable with our art not with people who might buy it.
Yes so well put; maybe we get more vulnerable with our art than the people who might buy it 🙏🏼👏 it’s really a tricky balance to navigate and no one straight forward answer because sometimes, if we’re true to ourselves, some pieces we don’t want to reach the masses whereas other we want it spread… maybe there’s a place for both?
Yes, it is so difficult to find that space of middle ground. One of my teachers told me that Arthur Doyle was disappointed with the fact that the work he wanted the masses to read was not well received while Sherlock went off the charts.
Haha yeah it’s interesting indeed, and this reflects the reality that you never know what will truly resonate with people I suppose!
😂True. The ones you think will not work always gets more appreciation by the readers.
I find it very difficult. I think it is also because of the fear of being judged for my most vulnerable pieces.
I feel like this too and even more so because I know I am not a writer, but I came here for connection and so it’s important. Balancing the vulnerability and lack of writing craft with the urge to speak to like-minded souls is something I'm attempting to navigate. Good luck with your writing.
Thank you!
sharing my work (especially the work i’m particularly proud of) has always scared me but i think it’s time to rethink my perspective. thank you for this
It is scary and always will be to some extent! But to lean into the process and find whatever reframes that allow you to move forward will be hugely helpful 🥰
This is a great piece. I agree that attachment to our art is a huge road block in selling, whether it's tangible art or something like movement arts or any sort of class we teach or space we create. What I've realized over the past couple years is how this fear prevents us from building the marketing skills and confidence we need to actually sell.
Lately I've started to think of selling like this. "Hey, do you want this?" and learning how to be super clear about what it is i'm offering and why someone might want it. Making that into another art form.
I think you pinpoint it very well here! That the fear blocks us from learning the skills needed in the first place. It makes us deliberately put our heads in the sand.. I certainly did!
Clarity is everything and it’s an art form in itself indeed. Looking at it as an art I’ve come to enjoy it much more 🥰🙏🏼
❤️❤️❤️ Yes! art knows no boundaries!
exactly! "hey, wanna play with me?"
Oops meant to choose D but clicked C by accident + I cannot seem to unclick. Love the concept of the embroidery of the sketch - so creative and unique.
Thanks Monica for your added input 🥰🙏🏼
Loved reading this Elin. My initial reaction, was no! I'm not too attached to my paintings I want to sell them! But as I read further down I really started to recognise the feelings and thoughts you describe.... and then thought, she has a point! And then finally, the part about making it about them was really beautiful. Your reference to your book was the prefect illustration. Now to turn this thinking around for my art. Thank you!
Thank you so much Susan for sharing your experience of the text! It makes me very happy to hear the evolvement and that something clicked at the end. Personally it was an absolute revelation when I realised this and it took me a long time to admit my attachment..
Looking forward to hear the development in some time if you've seen results x
Thanks Elin, I will re-read this and absorb! I'm taking a break from painting, marketing etc for a couple of weeks and hope to come back refreshed. I've been piling too much pressure on myself lately. The place I love to be though is here on Substack. There is no pressure, just enjoyment!
Take the time you need 🥰 xx
Lovely Elin 💓
Chose B, but I see D is winning ... Vox populi, vox Dei.
Since the subtopic talks of a "case study of a young couple..." let's see them - both of them.
Thanks Patrick!! Im considering to change the subtitle though to be more fitting with B… so many options haha
I agree!! And I just adore the Instagram frame around the photo giving a little peek into how the business was launched. Its just such a great photo! Maybe the text could be a less bold font and maybe pull a color from the colorful art supplies on the table. Love to see this progression, Elin! Great work!!
Thank you Rebecca for your encouragement! Yeah I'm not a fan of the text, really made it quickly to get the visual idea across a bit better... I'm still contemplating on whether it becomes too much of "someone else's story" compared to inviting the reader to reflect on their own journey in relation to the text. It's quite an intimate piece of writing... OOh so much to think about haha, Thanks for being here cheering me on! xx
I have often thought how hard it must be for a street artist. I saw Trojan Women on a wall in downtown LA years back and wondered how long before someone painted over it.
Yeah for sure! Street artists often involve another level of “addiction to adrenaline” as most tagging and street art is illegal.
It’s an interesting space that starts to get more recognized with time, but the balance with criminality is tuff. I’ve seen some street artists doing really well on social media which has lead to eventually being commission by different cities to come and do “legal street art” where they once illegally tagged.. fascinating!
I love the second because I feel connected even though I dont know you but because you're so close. Cozy. I'm curious about the art! That said, the font feels off and maybe it's me but the color palette feels off too. Try all caps for the title. Your name should be bold too! Congrats! Writing a book is huge.
I've learned to treat my art as if it's not too precious.
Thank you so much Maureen for these added reflections! It’s exactly these reason why I thought of this cover to start with… agree on the color of the font! These are not final versions so any feedback is much appreciated 🥰🙏🏼
I had to laugh out so loud because my aunt bought a sculpture from an artist recently who has a very hard time letting go. So he needed several weeks (!) to do whatever with the sculpture before she was allowed to pick it up 😅
Can you do the photo of you and the embroidery version on front and back?
Looool that’s it isn’t it!! What do you need weeks for? Though good for him that your aunt still went ahead haha maybe some are attracted to the “hard to get” style too 🤣
🤣 I have no clue what departing rituals from his art he has but she said everyone knows that when they pick a sculpture they can’t take it back home with them the same day and need to wait until the artist is ready lol. Guess “be so good your buyers follow your rules” is what this case is all about.
I think it goes beyond artists actually. Haha we’re all attached to what we create. Kids, art… 😅
When it comes to my digital art, I don't think much about it.
But my traditional ones... Well it is very hard it to let go of it. Good thing I making art at the daily activities, because they can take it and sell it. Hard to see them go. But some one else might be happy with it 😊 And really good training for me in the process 🤣
Haha yes it’s definitely a difference between the physical and digital isn’t it! I’ve felt this too, but then realized that the artworks will have a better life enjoyed on someone else’s wall (or pillow or clothes or whatever) than all fighting for the same little space at my home
Dont get me wrong, every brush stroke in digital programs is the same way. Only different is one I can hold, the other not.
And thank you for your kind words 😊
Sketch version of you both for sure 🧡 can’t wait to read it !
I hope you’ll love it 🥰 coming out Friday ❣️
Brilliant thoughts and embroidery. That's taken me back to my GCSE project (but much better!) I actually like the original cover best!
Oh you did embroidery for your GCSE project? 🥰
Yes, I used a sketch of our town hall and embroidered it with black running stitch. I quite liked it and it was fun to do. But I love your much more complex ones!
Thanks Lisa! They’re not that complex actually, it just looks more advanced when using single stranded backstitch instead of running stitch so you could do it too one day 🤗 ❣️