Communicate Your Creativity: An Artists’ Marketing Panel 

By Katie McLaughlin

On Friday, September 25th, ArtsForce hosted a panel event over Zoom where arts professionals discussed networking and brand development for artists. The online format replaced the typical ArtsForce workshops. While students love the in-person events, the participants said the virtual panel was both informative and collaborative.

CFA students, administrators, career coaches, and professional artists attended the Marketing Panel Event. The session included questions for each panelist, an interactive Q&A session, and breakout rooms to bond the CFA community together. Students and panelists alike appreciated the kernels of wisdom shared and the time to reflect on career building.

Participants applauded (virtually) when she reminded us that “you deserve a spot at the table, and you are an artist no matter what job you are doing.”

First up was William Hagen, internationally performing professional violinist. He talked about the importance for musicians to create a high-quality audio and video recording of your playing to get your name out there. Across the arts, William advised, “show up in order to be an artist, a good human, and to grow your career.”

Creative director and designer Julia Lapine next spoke about the importance of following your heart and intuition, remaining ravenous to learn. As an employer, she looks for “humble, smart, and hungry” new hires. While in school, it is essential not only to hone your craft to create your best portfolio, but also to nurture your friendships, which will contribute to your success in the short and long term.

Elyse Jost advised to maintain old relationships that might resurface in later years. A CFA alum, Fine Arts Ambassador, dancer, and teacher, Elyse applauded the benefits of teaching, including a flexible schedule and a stable source of income in between gigs and projects. Participants applauded (virtually) when she reminded us that “you deserve a spot at the table, and you are an artist no matter what job you are doing.”

Stay tuned for upcoming ArtsForce video posts highlighting some “a-ha” moments from the event!

*Author Katie McLaughlin is an ArtsForce Emerging Leaders Intern and an instrumental music education major in the U School of Music

Your Craft In Action: An Artists' Entrepreneurship Panel

By Benjamin Drysdale

As odd as this transition to online events has been, the second ArtsForce panel went off without a hitch. This panel echoing the form and function of our first event in September, focused more on the entrepreneurial aspects of our careers. Each panelist spoke about their experiences, whether that was money management, the struggle of starting a company, or the difficulties of finding venues to display their art. 

An entrepreneur is someone that organizes and operates a business or businesses often putting their own capital into their projects. In general, entrepreneurship is stereotyped as “risky” and “low profit”. But that is not true for the arts, because unlike the world of entrepreneurial businessmen, the arts have always been a self-driven industry. Our product is our art and it is marketable because no one artist produces the same thing.

First Kirstin Chavez, a vocalist and associate professor in the School of Music gave us insights into the gig economy. With her experience as a financial advisor, she is uniquely qualified to advise within the arts. The biggest takeaway is not to live from gig to gig, (gallery to gallery, project to project) but to maintain a larger perspective and learn to create a lifestyle you’ll love.

Next was David Lecheminant, an influential local artist and a founder of the Wasatch Studio Tour. He spoke to what it is like to enter the industry dry with no roots, having changed his career from advertising into fine art. In his experience, it proves to show that effort and reward are not always equal, however the process still yields results. Putting yourself out there is hard, but it is necessary and creating your network is essential.

The biggest takeaway is not to live from gig to gig, (gallery to gallery, project to project) but to maintain a larger perspective and learn to create a lifestyle you’ll love.

Last but not least is Jared Ruga, an Emmy award-winning director, whose film "Quiet Heroes" was a smashing success at the Sundance Film Festival, and subsequently, the Emmy Awards. He not only is a director, but also a producer. The origin of his production company started with many smaller projects. As the projects became more ambitious, they felt confident in setting out on their own, and Vavani Productions was born. We shouldn’t think that there is only one way to do what we love, just keep creating and the opportunities present themselves.

These events are great opportunities to meet with influential artists and to meet with other CFA students. Your network begins here and the connections you make can last a lifetime.

Be on the lookout for future ArtsForce events and be sure to check the website and Canvas page for more opportunities.

*Author Benjamin Drysdale is an ArtsForce Emerging Leaders Intern and a cello performance major in the U School of Music.