Welcome to SylviaPaints Blog!
In 2019, I decided that I would prioritize the goal of living as an artist - supporting myself completely (or at least mostly) through business ventures utilizing my own talents. If that sounds vague, it’s only because it is.
I’m still building my vision and purpose.There are many things I don’t have figured out. I am enveloped in learning as much as I can. All I know is that I don’t want to work for someone else until I die knowing that I was blessed with talent and strengths that I COULD have earned income from.
Prior to this decision, however, I have frequently played with the idea of starting a blog. So naturally when I began the groundwork for this goal I recognized all the topics that I could write about that just might help other budding artists - or at minimum serve as great documentation for my journey!
Therefore my focus here will be my path in striving to live as an “Artrepreneur” with tips, links and insight on what I’m learning along the way. As a disclaimer, all information and ideas are presented here with an open mind and welcome to any correction or advice - Any commentary is appreciated.
This journey has also helped me focus (a little bit) on what I want my mission to be as an artist. In this digital age I want to use my art to help heal our community and encourage people to revert back to a more personal engaged way of living. Therefore, this Blog will also be about community events, activities, personal practices and lifestyle changes that can help with that. While I figure it all out thank you for your time, patience, and interest!
May we all learn to live in our passion!
Sylvia Sykes
What I’ve Learned from an Oil Painting Class
10 Things I have learned in jus 3 Oil painting Classes
Homegrown Show - My Pieces Explained
A background of the 3 pieces by Sylvia Sykes included in the Homegrown show and why the small body of work really mattered to her.
Using Docusign for Art Commission Contracts
If you offer commissioned artwork as an artist then having a contract is essential. This was my experience using DocuSign for a Commission Contract and my recommendation for other users.
Why Artists Often Get Annoyed with Logo Requests
The Blunt Truth: Not every artist wants to, or CAN, make you a Logo and here's why it's annoying that you asked. A detailed summary on why Logo Designing is different than other art forms.
Self Employed-ish : Job Seeking during Entrepreneurship
Do Entrepreneurs make bad job candidates? A recap of a recent experience I had interviewing for a job and the questionable advice that the recruiter offered me.
Sample Artist Commission Contract
Commissioned artwork is custom art that is created specifically for the unique request of a customer. These are the terms&policies that I require commissioned inquiries abide by.
MyTeenageDreamWas
On this day, a trending topic on Twitter was #MyTeenageDreamWas . Although brief, the trend inspired me to think deeper about the meaning and importance of our dreams. This was my reflection on that topic.
Books and Websites for Beginning a Career as an Artist
I’m a huge fan of just googling the solutions to small problems or unknowns as an artist. But sometimes you need something more substantial. These are some recommended guides that have helped me.
Celebrating Juneteenth at Work
SylviaPaints aims to promote more engagement and improved “people moments”. This was my choppy experience at work attempting to raise awareness on a minority oriented holiday and how the adversity of the situation helped me a grow and see a new perspective on change.
Starting a Career as an Artist
This article is about my initial takeaways on the beginning groundwork of establishing art as my career. These are impressions I’ve had so far and the major cultural aspects I’ve learned about the art world.