My journey with Emily Jefford’s Share the Work continues with more deep exploration of the threads of influences that intertwine my work with those who enjoy the art I create. Again, this was challenging for me because I created the Birthstone Goddesses for me and my particular set of tastes first before I figured out the kind of person who might buy them. I just assumed folks like me were out there and that I’d find them eventually! Making that connection wasn’t done with as much intention as it should have been from the start of the project.
Now, I need to figure out why other folks might enjoy this series for reasons I might not have thought of. If you’re out there, Birthstone Goddess fans, let me know what about this series resonates with you and help me solve the great mystery of humans who enjoy my art!
Day 2 Challenge Worksheet
Sharing Your Vision With Your Audience
What makes your work unique?
My work channels the awe-inspiring beauty of the decorative art of Mucha re-imagined with the primal allure of folklore, fantasy, and my own dark elegant aesthetic.
Where do you find inspiration?
From vintage art movements such as Art Nouveau, the Symbolists, etc, holiday traditions, folklore, haute couture fashion, and history.
What stories does your work tell?
My Birthstone Goddesses speak of rituals and blessings, harkening back to real-world traditions retold via original imagery in a liminal fantasy space. They explore the journey of the soul, rituals of death and grieving, fertility, etc. This narrative started to formulate more consistently during the Goddesses of Autumn, while the goddesses I created earlier on weren’t as intentional with their narrative.
Define who your ideal customer is and where they feel most comfortable:
My ideal customer controls their own living space as a home owner (or apartment) and has an appreciation for folklore, history, nature, and feminine empowerment. They also enjoy diverse human beauty in all its forms and may also appreciate or practice pagan or new age spirituality. They are most comfortable surrounded by elegant beautiful things that bring them a sense of peace, mystic awe, and tranquility that also nurtures their own creativity. They are usually women 25 or older.
How can you use empathy to share your work effectively?
By understanding that there is a lack of diversity in Art Nouveau that I didn’t realize until I interacted more with my customers at conventions who loved my work, but didn’t see themselves in it in a way that I was perfectly capable of obliging. After this experience, I realized that I also want my art to look like my own family which spans the gamut from dark to light in so many beautiful ways. I want to bring diverse images of goddesses to all kinds of people, especially women, who want to to feel empowered when they see the goddess that represents their birth month.
What is one way I make buying my work a little more effortless?
I could start by actually updating my shops with all the stuff I’ve been making, but just haven’t had time to properly add yet. I also have a bad habit of just sharing art once and never again because it feels like people will think it’s ‘old news’ and everyone will be bored of seeing it again.
Are my photographs conveying the value of my work?
I either only show the art and not the frame/context or the images of my framed pieces are shown without any lifestyle context. I feel like I could do better to make them feel more posh and magical!
Is my “highest work” being communicated?
Probably not. I only have a small amount of originals posted to my shop because I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share them.
Tomorrow’s challenge, How Do You Know if Your Art is Worth Selling?