Refining Your Artistic Identity: Part 1

Honing Your Voice

Web3 is a vast Metaverse, with artists of all shapes and sizes carving out their niche. And the journey to refine one's artistic vision can often feel overwhelming. Below, I offer tools I used earlier this year and found them both enlightening and transformative.

Deep Diving into Your Portfolio

There are many frameworks and approaches to take a critical look at artwork, but one common method is called formal analysis. This involves breaking down the visual elements of the artwork, such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition, and analyzing how they work together to create meaning and impact.

Additionally, you could consider the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which the artwork was created and how it fits into larger conversations within the art world.

Another approach is to seek feedback and critique from others, including peers, mentors, and potential collectors, and use that feedback to refine and improve your work.

Ultimately, the goal is to develop a deeper understanding of your own artistic vision, strengths, and weaknesses, and use that understanding to create meaningful and impactful artwork going forward.

Identify Your Perspective

Standing out requires a distinct voice. This voice, or unique perspective, is an artist's individual way of interpreting the world, influenced by personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions. It's what sets each artist apart. This perspective can manifest in various ways:

1. Subject Matter: Some artists focus on themes or subjects that are not commonly addressed in their medium. For example, an artist may choose to explore social issues, cultural heritage, or personal experiences that aren't commonly depicted in their art form.

2. Style: The artist may have a particular style that sets them apart, such as a unique way of using color, texture, form, or technique. This can range from innovative methods in traditional mediums, like painting or sculpture, to unique uses of digital mediums, collage, or mixed media.

3. Interpretation: An artist's unique perspective often shines through in their interpretation of common subjects or themes. Two artists could create a work based on the same subject, but their pieces may look completely different based on their individual interpretations. We see this manifest in the Crypto Art Friday challenge.

4. Conceptual Approach: Some artists may have a unique perspective in the way they conceive of and approach their work. This might involve challenging traditional notions of what art is, or exploring innovative formats or presentations.

5. Narrative or Message: An artist's unique perspective can be seen in the narrative or message they express in their work. This might involve telling stories that are overlooked in mainstream culture, or expressing viewpoints that challenge dominant ideologies.

It's essential to remember that having a unique perspective isn't about being contrarian. It's about authenticity and staying true to one's experiences and vision. For example, I tend to show up and play with the conceptual approach most but I do consider each of the areas above in my practice.

Experiment

Artistic growth often comes from pushing boundaries. Experimenting with new techniques, mediums, or even blending traditional and modern methods can lead to unexpected and groundbreaking results. It's about stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing the unknown, allowing for innovation to take the lead.

Collaborate

Art, while often a solitary endeavor, can flourish in collaboration. Partnering with other artists introduces fresh styles, techniques, and perspectives. These joint ventures, marked by open communication and mutual feedback, can lead to creations that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Be Aware of Trends

The art world is ever-evolving. New platforms emerge, techniques advance, and themes shift. By participating in social media, group chats, Discords, Telegram rooms, attending meetups, and participating in conventions, artists can stay at the forefront of this dynamic space, ensuring their work remains relevant and fresh.

The path to refining your artistic vision is a blend of introspection, innovation, and continuous learning. By embracing this journey with an open mind and heart, artists can ensure their work not only stands out but also resonates deeply with their audience.

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Quick Bytes

• The Missed Masters: The Cultural Tutor shared 14 paintings by famous artists you probably haven’t see yet. And the first one was a skull painting by van Gogh. Very enjoyable thread that also made me think about all the great art I miss because I’m just not aware of it.

• Memento Mori: Artist, Yorgis Kordonis, shared a delicate-looking two-faced gold ring from the late 17th century. There’s a cherubic face on one side and a skull on another (sensing a 💀 theme to here).

• A Short History of Money: I shared a somewhat snarky post about how money has been part of the human experience 2x longer than The Bible has been around. The comments suggested a couple of books on the subject and I added them to my to-read list. Thought I’d also share them with you: Debt, A Short History of Money by David Graeber and the open source Shelling Out: The Origins of Money by Nick Szabo.

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I hope I added value to your day. ☀️

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