Life of the Digital Independent Artist
When picturing digital independence, we are quick to imagine someone with a laptop at a coffee shop, co-working space or the beach doing something like marketing, sales, design, accounting, consulting or technology.
While that image of the laptop-toting professional is certainly the case for many of us, there is a large group of the OGs who are working for themselves, solopreneur independents that have embraced the digital world and have a unique position in DI Life culture…
Artists.
We often associate their work with tactile and offline experiences.
A visual artist may use paints, pencils, textiles, steel and wood to create their works.
A potter spins their creations on a wheel using clay.
A musician cradles an instrument and performs to a live audience.
We all benefit from the fruits of their creative labour. We enjoy it, we consume it, and our lives are incomplete without it.
It’s from this perspective as a consumer that we can recognize and appreciate having digital access to these creators.
We fall in love with brushstrokes through a screen, leading us to visit the gallery and see their texture in person.
We purchase a handcrafted mug online and have it shipped to our door, later to meet the artist in person at the local market and make it a matching set.
We discover the unique sound of an artist and create a playlist around the mood of the music, only to check them out at a local venue on tour.
Artists have always had to also deal with the “business” end to allow them to spend time doing the work they love.
How can I provide a steady stream of money to sustain myself and family?
What can I really charge for that painting, mug, cartoon, song, book, sculpture, etc.?
How do I minimize administration and maximize the time I can spend to create or practise my craft?
How do I market my work to reach more people?
Making the move from hobby artist to professional can be intimidating, even more so when there may be a perception that one might not be able to make a career or living out of their passion. That fear is shared by independents across the board: financial security, consistency, and stability. The only difference between a creator and any other digital independent is the results of their work but the similarities include:
Using the internet to promote and support their work and lifestyle.
Taking advantage of digital opportunities for sales.
Expanding reach and impact around the world.
Desire to be independent of a specific location and boundaries.
To not “work” for someone or some organization.
We need to recognize and celebrate the creatives that live a DI Life and remind them they are not alone and are a valued member of this community.
In partnership with digital artist Brandon Hicks, we are introducing a series on Digital Independent Artists to offer encouragement and insight for those who made the leap and those considering it.
While the advice is artist-centric, many of the ideas transfer well to other DI professions and DI Life in general.
Each week, a new insight will be shared as original works from Brandon himself. You can follow Brandon on Instagram @brandonhickscomics.
Not all artists take naturally to technology. But, like every other sector, one has to learn how to optimize social channels, online tools and digital networks to promote and grow your brand.
