Blogging may seem like an art form of years gone by, replaced entirely by the quick and simple posts of Facebook or Instagram, but my guest today has proved that nurturing a blog can be one of the most beneficial and rewarding outlets that an artist can pursue, both personally and professionally. Lisa Call dove headfirst into the blogging world years ago and created such an excellent blog that I have referenced it many times both on my website and in the first three editions of my book. Unfortunately, her blog went up in flames before I could mention it in my fourth edition, but that major set back hasn’t stopped Lisa from continuing to create what I consider one of the best corners of the art blogging world.

Lisa makes textile-based art and uses hand dyed fabric to create large abstract compositions. She uses her blog not for marketing her work but as a place where she can share her opinions about art and learn more about herself and her work. In fact, Lisa credits her blog as the single greatest factor in her success as an artist.

In our conversation, she shares the benefits of blogging and why she decided to revive her blog after all those posts disappeared. We also go over some of the steps she’s taking to republish old posts and how her blog has led her to opportunities that she otherwise never would have imagined. Of course, blogging isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy writing and sharing insights about your life as an artist, this is an episode you are going to want to listen to.

Highlights

• Lisa shares the evolution of her textile-based abstract compositions. (2:21)

• Why blog? Lisa offers insights into the value of blogging as a way to unite the artist community, share opinions and increase marketing. (4:08)

• Structuring blog posts in a meaningful way. (8:40)

• Recovering a broken website, republising missing posts, and discovering yourself along the way. (10:10)

• Lisa’s method for categorizing her current blog posts. (19:00)

• Defining your purpose in blogging and setting boundaries within your posts. (24:53)

• Details of the Make Big Art blog and juggling the ins and outs of SEO for two blogs. (27:25)

• The benefits and accountability that come with blogging about art. (33:50)

• How to find the balance between blogging, Facebook posts and email lists. (35:30)

• Lisa’s advice for successfully blogging about your art. (40:06)

• A glimpse inside Lisa’s current project. (44:32)

 

Mentioned

• Lisa Call

• Lisa’s Blog

• Make Big Art Blog

• Lisa Call on Instagram

• Online Workshops

Resources

• Art Biz Success Community

• Intro and outro music by Wildermiss

 

Introducing yourself as an artist is a topic I never could have dreamed up while I was working in art museums. It wouldn’t have occurred to me that artists would have a hard time introducing themselves. It seems like all you have to do is say, “I’m an artist” and the conversation opens wide.

But what I’ve learned in the years since working in the museum bubble is that it isn’t always that easy to say “I’m an artist”. Then, when the words finally do come out, what do you say after that? If you’ve found yourself struggling to confidently introduce yourself as an artist, know that you are not alone. A well-crafted introduction should seem effortless but it also has the potential to change the course of a conversation and connect you with people who can have a great impact on your work.

Let’s examine why introducing yourself as an artist can be such a struggle, why you should care about confidently introducing yourself as an artist, and what you can do today to master the art of introducing yourself as an artist.

 

Highlights

 

• Why is introducing yourself as an artist so difficult? (1:34)

 

• Why you should care about introducing yourself as an artist. (4:38)

 

• Take advantage of introductions as a starting point (6:26)

 

• Tips for refining your informal introduction. (7:37)

 

• What your informal introduction isn’t going to do for you. (10:17)

 

• Where to go next — preparing powerful yet natural follow-up statements. (11:35)

 

Mentioned

 

• ArtBizConnection.com

 

Resources

 

• Art Biz Success

 

• Intro and outro music provided by Wildermiss