Jason Chatfield, a New York-based cartoonist and comedian, discusses the changing landscape of being an artist. Topics include treating oneself as a brand, seeking advice, redefining success, adapting to change in the cartooning industry, and the transition from drawing comics to creating sneaky art.
Adapting to the changing landscape of the art industry is crucial for sustained success as an artist.
Building a network and belonging to an organization or group of fellow artists is essential for personal and professional growth.
Artists need to embrace the business aspects of promoting and marketing their work in the digital age to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
Deep dives
The Value of Figuring Out the Business Side of Being an Artist
The podcast episode discusses the importance of understanding and navigating the business side of being an artist. While it may not be what artists initially signed up for, it is crucial for their sustained success. The episode highlights that being able to figure out the business aspects allows artists to continue being artists and pursue their passion. It emphasizes the need to adapt to the changing landscape of the art industry, including the transformation of platforms, consumption patterns, and the concept of art itself.
Taking Charge of Your Own Career and Building a Network
In this episode, the importance of taking control of one's career and building a network in the arts industry is discussed. The guest, Jason Chatfield, shares his experience and advice for aspiring artists. He talks about the significance of continuously learning and upskilling oneself, as well as the value of belonging to an organization or group of fellow artists. The conversation emphasizes the benefits of interacting with other artists, sharing insights, and seeking support from peers for personal and professional growth.
Adapting to the Changing Landscape of Art and the Role of Digital Platforms
The podcast delves into the rapid changes happening in the art world due to the evolution of digital platforms and technology. It highlights the shift in how art is consumed, shared, and monetized. The discussion explores the opportunities and challenges that come with these changes, including the importance of adapting to new formats and finding ways to stand out in a crowded digital landscape. It further emphasizes the need for artists to embrace the business aspects of promoting and marketing their work in the digital age.
Reshaping the Definition of Success and Redefining the Artist's Journey
The episode challenges traditional notions of success in the art industry and encourages artists to redefine their goals and aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of finding your own version of success and setting realistic goals while considering factors like financial stability and work-life balance. The conversation touches on the importance of being versatile and adaptable as an artist, as well as the need for professionalism, reliability, and consistency in one's work.
The Power of Drawing in Processing and Understanding the World
The speaker discusses the importance of drawing as a way to process and understand the world around them. Drawing allows them to work through thoughts, ideas, and stories, and see them on paper. It also helps them interpret and make sense of new environments and cultures, such as when they moved to New York and observed the differences between American and Indian cultures. Drawing served as a tool to filter and distill information, reaching the core of the human experience. Ultimately, drawing became a way to communicate ideas that transcend words and language.
The Evolution of Artistic Expression and the Loss of Faith in Words
The speaker reflects on their journey as an artist, starting with creating comics and web graphics with political themes. However, they became disillusioned when their political humor seemed powerless in the face of significant events, such as Donald Trump's rise to presidency. They questioned the impact of their art and whether they were merely catering to their audience's beliefs. This led to a shift away from comics and a focus on stand-up comedy, which provided immediate feedback. Over time, they discovered the power of drawing to convey profound messages without relying on words, leading to a new understanding of the artist's role and rendering words less relevant.
New York-based cartoonist and comedian Jason Chatfield talks about how the business of being an artist has changed over the last two decades. This episode is full of essential advice and our best ideas about sustaining an independent creative career. It is the conclusion of the conversation from Ep 67.
