Okay, seriously long title, but it's true! Okay, maybe not everything... If you've ever sat and watched Project Runway (and believe me, I do
religiously), you can pick up some seriously great tips from the judges and the contestants on how to run a successful wearable art business, because contrary to what Nina said last week, fashion is art! It's definitely more practical art because you gotta wear it, but it's art! So, what have I learned?
You can't just make excessively artistic pieces. You also need to make some ready to wear stuff.
Oh, Laura Kathleen.... No, but really. I can make tons of art pieces, but these only cater to a certain clientele. Most people can't afford to drop $300 on the reg for a necklace... So what do I do? I make ready to wear pieces that compliment the expensive art pieces. And yea, you'll get people who will tell you that your wearable art is "just a craft," but who cares?? Most of these people are just mad because they don't understand that painting is not the only form of art. Okay, I'll stop ranting about my personal beef....
You have to defend your work. If you love it, even in the face of other people hating it, it shows you are a true artist with passion.
Hell, someone, somewhere will like it just as much as you do! Maybe even more-so. If you love what you produce, who cares what Nina says? Michelle, my personal favorite from this season is kicking butt! Nina told her over and over again how horrible she was and then she goes and turns around and makes this:
Like it or not, this girl's got skillz. She had to defend many pieces on the runway this season, but she's showing at fashion week and there's not doubting that she has talent. She has a vision and I personally love her style. Some people won't. Whatever! There are some people in this world that you will NEVER be able to sell to. Don't worry about them!
Sometimes, you need to take a step back and say, "who would even wear that?!?!"
Even though my stuff it's art, it's
wearable art. If no one would be willing to put it on and walk around in it, it ain't leaving my shelf. Like this...
These remind me of dinosaur plates for some reason... Who would let anyone walk out of the house in that outfit??
Some people will never understand your vision...
But some people won't care if they never understand your vision. Some of them just find you interesting!
Like Patricia! The judges don't get her at all!!
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I don't always get her stuff either, but I love her spunk! |
Somehow, even though they don't get her aesthetic, they (and I mean Zach and Heidi, Nina, you're just mean) think she's interesting. They don't know if they like her stuff, but they're
interested!
Be original!
No one wants to see you copying other people's work. Maybe a nod here and there, but if you directly copy someone else's work, no one will really respect you. You have to have a consistent voice that shows who you are as an artist, even if it's a crazy voice (Santino, I'm talking to you even though I love you!)
What places do you take life lessons from?
