It has been said that a personal brand are all of the experiences, knowledge, and impressions a person has about your work. It is the gut reaction that people associate with what you do.
The Artists Life: My Unique Story
I am participating in a writing assignment that is in the latest issue of Professional Artist magazine to assist me in determining how I want to be branded.
Question #1: Who are you and how do you want to be defined?
I'm sorry, but in my humble opinion, the first half of question #1 is a loaded question. To me, it's too personal. It's akin to asking someone not only what color underwear they're wearing, but if it's a thong or some other style. I'm feeling flushed... embarrassed. Moving forward onto the second part, however, is a matter of getting down to basics. I am a painter who loves color and movement - abstract expressionism in style. For example, my latest painting was done in oil paint using the spectrum (yellow, orange, red, green, blue and violet) as my color palette. What started as a design in circles, ended up with dabs and a three dimensional affect, complete with glitter acrylic enamel, also known as nail polish. I am currently using this work on the front of my business card.
Question #2: What is the inspiration behind your work?
The best answer to this at this juncture, is I am on a soul quest. To clarify further, I have studied the ancients where they found that our bodies are made up of different energy centers called Chakra's. They are composed of different colors of the spectrum. People radiate energy and have auras around each of us. Flowers and plants radiate energy as well. All this energy inspires me - call it a feeling inside. For example, I'll pick up a certain color and use it only if it "feels" right. The inspiration behind my work is my own energy force using natural, organic forms: discovering the beauty within.
Question #3: Create a short story from your biography that's unique to you.
Ironically, the game changer in my life happened when I was only 6 years old. My father passed away very unexpectedly from a motorcycle accident. Unlike today, back in the early 70's, there were no grief therapists to help young children through stages like this. I literally groped through the dark. My once bright finger paintings morphed into black charcoal drawings depicting landscapes in winter, fallen sails on a sailboat, or storms at sea. Very dark ideas for a child under the age of ten. For years, I missed my father terribly, my mother was grief stricken, and we did not get along.
I found comfort in one particular school teacher named Mrs. Pauline. She was always compassionate, helped me in so many ways, and help boost my confidence. Later that year, I convinced my mother to purchase a set of colored pastels. With these new tools, I changed my drawing subjects to things that were bright, colorful, and alive. My life was becoming more full because I had less time to brood.
This art in color became a life-long mantra for me. It also has helped me establish a strong connection with God. When I am deeply involved in a creative endeavor, I lose all sense of myself... God, my Higher Power, takes over. Love and color lead the way. Deeper into a trance I go. I am on a soul quest.
Making art is like mentally preparing for an event. I have to have a finely tuned mind. I must remove all blocks and distractions. I have to catch the energy - open myself to a new height in learning. Where will this quest take me? Who will I be at the journey's end?
Question #4: Putting it all together.
I'm a painter who uses multiple mediums covering many genres and subjects. This is one of the main reasons why I do not like being defined. Defining means rules and pigeon-holing. If I had to be defined, I'd say beauty and color define me. People have said that I have happy energy with the paintings I have on display in a local gallery. My paintings have been influenced by certain periods in my life - from finger paintings, to charcoal, to pastels. The same is true for how my subject matter has changed throughout my life. I've charged, evolved, and grown. I'm a painter who pulls from life experiences and I can create wherever I'm at giving myself extreme versatility. My painting "style" goes from here to infinity.
A simple brand: Beautiful Langdon Colors.
Until next time,
Jill
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