Introduction
In order to
achieve my long term ambition to become a Fine Artist, it is imperative that I
have a realistic and constructive exit plan to focus and provide myself with
objectives and goals once I have graduated.
This report
takes an in depth look at my experiences to date and examines their outcomes
and how I can apply them to my aspirations.
It will
examine 3 exit paths that I am considering taking after graduation: these are
my immediate plan, a five year and ten year plan, along with the awareness of
having a backup plan in the event that circumstances change.
Section 1: Analysing my experiences
to date
Objective: Exploring my career path post-Graduation by
exhibiting and visiting galleries to gain an invaluable insight into the Art
World.
Actions: (Summer of 2014)
v Organised the “New Light through old
windows” exhibition at The Powerhouse, Llandysul; with 3 other students. (Appendix 1)
v Took part in the Big draw at St
Davids, with The One Show (Appendix 2 )
v Joined four art societies- Cardigan
Art Society, Ceredigion Art Society, Fishguard Art Society, SEA Society. (Appendix 3)
v Entered competitions. (Appendix 8)
v Displayed my work in several
galleries as well as visiting galleries.
v Liaised with local businesses to
display and sell my artwork. These were Bon Apetito Llandysul, Only Pets &
Horses, Sue Hair dDressers, Cardigan Castle, Emlyn Dog Grooming, Chapman
Framing and Gallery.
v The autumn of 2014 saw my work being
accepted in an Open Drawing Competition in the Gas Gallery, Aberystwyth. My two
sketches were displayed in a prominent place in the exhibition and were greatly
received. (Appendix 5)
v January 2015 I held a solo exhibition
at the Green space Gallery in Carmarthen, the result of taking first prize with my photograph ‘Take a
Deeper Look’, at an exhibition held in January 2014. (Appendix 6)
Evaluation and outcomes:
My intention
was to meet my contemporaries to get an understanding of the art industry, pick
up advice, and to get my work seen. Having spoken with Valerie Price West in
the King Street Gallery Carmarthen, this confirmed my belief that you need to
get out there, be seen as much as possible to get yourself noticed and
eventually be taken seriously.
These
experiences taught me a range of skills required to gain success and an artist,
these are:
· Project Planning - Powerhouse was
useful experience where I realised my ability to work with others.
· Team Work - working with others
presented challenges; where compromise and communication was key to resolving
issues.
· Problem Solving - dealing effectively
with issues in a timely manner.
· Entrepreneurship – managing the
business aspect of my art career, presenting a professional approach.
· Marketing - Posters, flyers, press
release.
· Curating - ‘The New Light through Old
Windows’ Exhibition as well as Ceredigion Art Society Annual Exhibition.
· Invigilating - the Ceredigion Art
Society Annual exhibition having the responsibility to open and lock up.
· Submitting Press Releases - contacting
newspapers and magazines found it difficult to get something printed;
perseverance is needed.
· Presenting Workshops
· - at The Powerhouse to individuals of
all ages, very rewarding and received excellent feedback.
· Meeting and Greeting Visitors – a
great confidence booster.
· A willingness to discuss my work with
individuals- taking people around the exhibition
· Creating art in challenging environments
- BBC The One Show drawing the public’s portraits.
· Time management-making sure thing
arrived on time was challenging an also making sure all the work was finished.
· Take on constructive criticism – found
that the public gave a lot of feedback and advice which I valued.
These experiences gave me an insight
into the running of galleries and their varied procedures. It made me aware to
prepare and negotiate with galleries to understand their requirements, for
which I have prepared a ‘To Do’ list (Appendix 4) to ensure I have discussed
all aspects required to hold an exhibition/display work effectively and successfully.
Communication is key and a clear understanding of the galleries and my
requirements; ensuring flexibility to adapt as each gallery has a different
approach. Nevertheless each of the skills I practiced during the summer are
skills I can continue to improve upon and can apply in the future in all
aspects of my career.
To quote
Austin Kleon from his book ‘Show your Work’, ‘If you want to be noticed, you
have to notice.’
Section 2: My immediate plan after
graduation
Objective: Have a plan of action for the First
Year after graduating to establish a foundation on which to develop my career
as a Fine Artist.
Planned Activities:
v Group Exhibition at the Truman
Gallery, London (See Appendix 7 – Post Card/Poster/Invitation/and Press
Release for Exhibition)
v Take a break Post Graduation in the summer
of 2015 to prepare myself for the year ahead.
v Enter Open Art Competitions to optimise my Profile as an emerging Fine
Artist–
o
Horse
in Art 2015
o
CRIC
Gallery - two pieces accepted
o
GAS
Gallery
o
Gate
Gallery
o
MOMA
Gallery
(Appendix 8 Examples of Application Forms and Exhibition Details)
v Exhibit with the art societies with
whom I am currently a Member
v September 2015 I will be taking part
in a Culture exchange trip to Ireland to work with The Art Hand - a Fact
Finding Mission to investigate how I can establish workshops in the Powerhouse.
Thus encouraging more people to become involved in the Powerhouse.
v Investigate the possibility of
becoming the Artist in Residence at the Powerhouse Llandysul – This will
develop my personal skills and provides the Powerhouse to offer more
opportunities and in turn succeed commercially. I will need to contact the Arts
Council Wales to apply for funding.
v Concentrate on my Internet Presence -
Internet Presence is of the upmost importance in today’s progressive market.
The internet has made art more accessible an opportunity that needs to be
utilised to its full potential. My intention it to ensure my blog, Facebook,
LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts as well as my website are updated on a regular
basis; including my CV to include my
achievements and exhibitions. (Appendix 9
Internet Presence Evidence)
v Commence a Masters Degree in Fine
Art. The reason for me to do a Masters Degree is to:
· Enhance my skills by gaining a deeper
understanding of methods and techniques.
· Increase my employment possibilities
in the future.
· Provide me with intellectual reward
· Enhance my CV
· Open up career opportunities
· Increase my self confidence
· Provide me with opportunities to
network within the industry and open new doors.
(See:
Appendix 10 SWOT
Analysis to determine what I do Post Graduation.
Appendix 11 DECISION
MATRIX ANALYSIS to determine which MA Degree Course I chose to apply For
Appendix 12 Application for MA Degree Course)
v Gain Part Time Employment - At
present there is no help in funding the Masters Degree therefore it will be
necessary to be in part time employment to help fund my expenses; this is
evidentin my 3 year Financial Forecast (Portfolio Evidence??). Research
demonstrates that 5% of Post Graduate Fine Artists are Studying and in
employment. By living at home and travelling to the University to study enables
me to save money and being able to use my own studio at home. My Studio provides
me with ample room to work, considering the average cost of studio space is
£1800 per annum, this reduces my overheads considerably.
Analysis: Being actively involved in the art
world is a valuable exercise to build a relationship and an understanding of
the protocols of each gallery; along with gaining feedback and utilising
constructive criticism. It will provide
me with valuable knowledge for my additional studies.
Section 3: My 5 Year Plan
Objective: Continue with my Art Practice to
strengthen and develop my skills as an emerging Artist.
Actions:
v Complete the Masters Degree, this
will demonstrate that I have:
§ Self Determination and Motivation
§ The ability to research and study to gain a
high level of knowledge.
§ Have good communication,
organizational and time management skills.
§ Demonstrate an ability to achieve a high level of
Independent thinking, exhibiting my conceptual perception.
§ Carry out Project Management to a
high standard.
v Set Up a Pop Up Gallery
v Enter Competitions:
§ Royal Society of Fine Arts Summer
Exhibition
§ Threadwell
§ National Eisteddfod – young artist
scholarship, Ivor Davies Award, Tony Goble Award
v Submitting Cold Submissions of my
work to galleries
o
I
need to ensure these submissions need
to be gallery specific. Need to make them look!!! Follow up and ask for
feedback!!!Ensure I send a CV, Artist Statement, Images, work Titles with dates,
dimensions and media details.
(See Appendix 13 Cold Submission Evidence)
v Join Degree Art in London to enable
my work to be represented in numerous galleries and art fairs, furthering my
recognition.
v At the end of my 5 year plan I will
analyse whether or not I need to rebrand, to revitalize and broaden both my
appeal and audience. I am aware that it is necessary to keep one step ahead,
looking at the market, monitoring trends and being innovative. (See appendix 14 Current Logo)
v Continue to work - The percentage of Artists entirely self-employed has fallen in
recent years, as the majority of artists only generate a small amount of income
through their art, this is why it will be necessary for me to continue to work
as well as my art practice.
Analysis: Starting out after my MA degree
course will be just as daunting as finishing the Fine Art Degree, however
whilst studying all spare time must be used constructively to establish a
customer base and a reputation to be able to exhibit work and sell privately to
generate an income.
Section 4: My 10 Year Plan
Objective: To become an Established Artist having
spent the previous five years working diligently to maximise my potential
Activities:
v Enter Prestigious Art Competitions
such as
v Gain the majority of my income from
my artwork, if required I will be willing to work to supplement my income,
however being able to concentrate on my art fulltime, will enable me to
develop, experiment and show a maturity in my work which will give it depth and
an understanding
Analysis: By continuing to work hard and
maintaining a presence is essential to reach my goals.
Section 5: Back Up Plan
Objective: To ensure I have a back-up plan is
some of my other objectives fail to come to fruition.
Having evaluated
other career opportunities available to me, and by keeping an open mind
throughout my career I am sure the skills I will have learnt and developed will
give me the necessary requirements to enter a different career path than I
initially intended.
Currently I have two back up plans
these are:
v Complete a PGCE at Swansea
University; although being a practicing artist should I enter education as a
career my preference would be to teach in Further and Higher Education. I have
been offered a work experience placement at St Davids School this opportunity
will give me an insight to help me determine if this is something I wish to
pursue. (See Appendix 15 PGCE Course
Research)
v My Own Gallery/Tea and Gift Shop.
Renovate an old school or bank into a gallery, possibly tea and gift shop. My
main interest would be the art gallery, in particular providing a gateway for
emerging artist and students. The tea
and gift shop would be required to maximize revenue to make the enterprise
commercially successful. It could possibly provide units or workshops to lease
out to other businesses; and be a venue for studio spaces to rent. (See
Appendix 16 Example of a Business Plan for Setting up an Art Gallery)
Analysis: Be flexible and demonstrate a
willingness to adapt when required.
Section 6: Conclusion
As an
established Artist my Objectives will be:
· To produce art that is inspiring.
· Generate art that connects with
people.
· Demonstrate my own sense of culture
and heritage
· Demonstrate integrity within my work
and as I engage myself as an artist.
· Maintaining openness to new
influences and concepts.
The majority
of Fine Artists enter varying professions, some by choice some by
circumstance. My main ambition is to
become a famous Fine Artist where I will be able to support myself ensuring my
work does not become commercialised. Having undertaken this study I am fully
aware of the difficulties and pitfalls, however to enable me to reach my
potential having these plans will ensure I am focussed, and with my determination
and experience this will provide me with the tools to enable me to achieve some
of my goals.
Summer Open Exhibition at The Powerhouse 
