AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE
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The front cover of the magazine was a piece of work done by Jessica Morin from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has been airbrushing for the last 12years. She has always been artist of one kind or another. She specializes in portraits and murals. She can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CreationJmjessicamorin/
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AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE Greetings, Well as we entered into the last 3 months of the year let’s keep a positive outlook as we go into 2021. I understand that some have lost loved ones and business as usual was shut down for a while and we all are trying to keep afloat. That is why I put in 12 hours per day promoting other artists of forms and genres to help others. We are trying to fulfill our mission statement to help artist everywhere to help them what they need to grow, including collaboration tools, advanced analytics, and the ability to get exposure for their artwork. And our readers are rewarded with the absolute best experience possible — regardless of device or platform. Feel free to join us at www.airbrushdojo/com to get up to date news and to be included so we can help you grow, We pledge a commitment to the success, personal well-being and the positive survival of the artist that we represent. This is not an option for us, but something we insist upon achieving. To also let people in the Arts field to know that Airbrush Artist are more than just t-shirts and commercial art. We are here to create, improve, inspiring the generation of artist. We will critic and offer solutions on improving our skills as artist, business and entrepreneurs. My mission is to change the art industry views on airbrush we are fine artist, portrait artist, naturalist yet we are the least respected in the art industry. Published and Distributed by Airbrush Dojo Magazine 1600 Dr Arlington, Texas 76013 Issn print
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Issn online
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 EDITION
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE
FEATURED AIRBRUSH ARTIST JEFFREY MARTINEZ I was born February 25th 1966 in NYC. I started drawing as a small child. I was unruly and my mother figured out early that a sheet of paper and some crayons would keep me out of her hair. But drew all throughout school and started painting in 7th grade art class. The first time I picked up an airbrush was in 1988. I graduated high school and went immediately to the Art Students League in NYC. I studied traditional painting and life drawing there for 2 years under master Illustrator , Earl Mayan who was a contemporary and fellow Saturday Evening Post illustrator alongside Norman Rockwell who was himself also a student at the Art Students League. Then from 86-88 I took continuing Ed. Courses at School of Visual Arts. Where I studied painting, drawing, illustration, composition among other elected classes. I enjoyed the art program and methods from SVA. It remains one of the more prestigious Art institutions in NYC. I first began to airbrush at what was at the time one of the trendiest stores in the village, “Unique Boutique” I landed a job there in the spring of 1988 in the art wave department as it was known. There I started painting denim jackets leather jackets and t shirts. It was there that I started to learn the art of airbrushing. The Artist that I will credit as having the biggest influence on me getting started was Mike Colón aka “Airbrush Wres”. He was my friend, workmate, and original unique Boutique artist. He is still very active and rather well known in the groups.
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I have always used Iwata. My very first airbrush was an Iwata HP-BC which I still consider to be the best. I have 2 which I like for Black and White. But the majority of all my work is now done mostly with the Iwata eclipse. Siphon feeds are the most practical for me. It’s just a quick
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I’ve recently relocated to South America been here a bit more than a year now and reside in a small place so my airbrush set up as of now is a rather humble little corner in the main room but I can work rather comfortably.
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE change of a bottle for a different color. There was a time when I airbrushes publically and in my own business in Puerto Rico where I airbrushes 8 hours a day 5 days a week. But now after my move and trying to establish here my output is far less. Perhaps once a week. It’ll change once I set up shop again. Those plans are in the works. Social Media has absolutely helped me. I’m rather well known in the community and have made friends with the best in the world so for sure it’s helped. My tips would be to stay grounded in self-promotion or educational posts. Stay away from personal views, politics, and religion. That can alienate you. Your services are for everyone not only for people who agree with your personal views. If you post personal, volatile, or negative things you risk alienating yourself. Facebook can make you or break you. It’s a great tool if used properly. Your image is always the most important thing as are first impressions. So impress. The world is watching. As for favorite artist on social media there’s just far too many for me to be able to fairly mention a few. I’m always amazed at work from those who are well known as often as I am from newcomers to the scene. I’d recommend watching you for sure, Leon Kennedy, Ken Johnson, I’m sure there are so many others. But I myself don’t watch many videos since I’m always pulled from errand to errand. But it’s rather easy to spot good quality videos. As of favorite thing to airbrush I enjoy leather, t-shirts, canvas. Those are the surfaces I paint most. The toughest thing for me to airbrush I would say are curved surfaces. That’s a lot more challenging and tedious. The most surprising thing I learned about the business is how attractive it is to the impulse buyer and how relatively easy it is to make money with very little overhead. People enjoy talent and a good show. So give them a show.
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As for where I see airbrush taking me, I’ve been doing it 32 years now. It’s taken me through great experiences and accomplishments, I presently have plans to set up a booth again. Hopefully within this year. The best way to contact me is through messenger (if we are connected) or through email Jeffm4art@gmail.com.
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Advice to the beginner is firstly, be honest with yourself! Be critical with yourself. Ask yourself when you finish a piece if it is something you would buy. Don’t cut corners. Pay attention, study your references. And try to be original. Reach outside the lines and focus on composition. Not just copying something. Be creative. And don’t be defensive! Accept criticism use it to your advantage! Don’t get your feelings hurt it’s good for you and it’s to help you grow.
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AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 EDITION
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE -------------------------------------------------------------BEY'S STRAIGHT TALK MARKETING TIPS -------------------------------------------------------------It's Okay to Fail as Long as You Don't Quit! A Personal History Lesson Some experts say that over 95% of all home businesses fail within their first 90 days. Back in 1991 when I first got started in my home based mail order business, these people were called "90 Day Wonders" by those in the mail order business. Before the Internet, there were several home business monthly magazines. Most of these publications were targeted to people who wanted to make extra money from home. And most of the people who read these magazines had low wage paying jobs, were already in debt, and were looking for a way to ease their financial pain. The ads in these magazines told people what they wanted to hear - that there was a quick fix to all of their money problems... People sent in their money for these money making opportunities such as work at home jobs, envelope stuffing offers, chain letter programs and any number of other money making schemes. It would only take those about 90 days to lose their small investment, get disappointed, and give up. There's another group of opportunity seekers who don't stop. They go on to seek out another wealth building plan that they think will make them rich. Most of these opportunity seekers will go on for years bouncing from program to program, doing the same thing and making the same mistakes over and over again, hoping against hope that they will find some get-rich-opportunity that is just right for them. But they never seem to hit the mark. There's a third group of opportunity seekers. They are a small percentage of people who fail also, but they learn from their experiences, and don't make the same mistakes again. In fact they will fail many times - but they don't let it discourage them. They pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and use what they have learned to move themselves closer to success...
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There's an old saying, "Experience is the Best Teacher" I have found it to be true for me. It took me years to understand that for the most part, there is no such thing as overnight success. There is no quick fix. When I studied successful entrepreneurs I found that they all had many failures on their road to success. I learned that you can't win if you don't stay in the game. The longer you stay in the game, the better your chances of winning.
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As one who has failed many times I know how hard it can be to keep pushing ahead regardless of what your friends, co-workers or family may say about you. Leverage Your Failures into success when you learn from your failures, and avoid making the same mistakes you've made in the past, you WILL move closer to success.
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE Use Failure to Push Yourself toward Your Goals If I had stopped and given up when I failed the first time, I would never have gained the knowledge and experience I have today. I have accomplished things that I thought I never could do. I have accomplished these things because I didn't let failure hold me back or cause me to stop. However, I couldn't have done these things without help from many other people I met along the way. If I had quit, I never would have met these people. And I wouldn't have gotten the help I needed to reach the point that I am now. The help I've received from others has inspired me to in turn help others who might benefit from what I have learned over the past twenty plus years. So you see, failure is merely a learning tool. And you can use it to your advantage. It can bring you closer to success as long as you don't give up. Until next time, Happy Marketing. Greg Bye ______________________________________________________________________________
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https://www.facebook.com/WickedImagesCustomArt/
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 EDITION
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE The 10 Best Sites For Selling Your Art in 2020 John Thatch As time goes by we are increasingly moving into a more digitalized environment, and the art world is no exception to this rule unfortunately. This can be a good or bad thing depending on how you made your art sales before. Auction houses and private sales are moving online, and even galleries are seeing more than half of their sales happen via websites in some cases. This trend shows no sign of slowing, and online sales are increasing year after year. Whether you sell reproduced prints, high priced paintings, or you like to see your art printed on apparel, there’s guaranteed to be the perfect place available for you to sell your work online. But, with so many options out there, it’s important to find the right websites for your brand. Here is a list of the 10 best websites to sell your art online. They are not in any particular order.
10. Art lode Created in 2014, this site is designed for galleries and art dealers to buy and sell, as well as for artists and private customers. With an estimated inventory of over $10 million currently for sale, you’ll face stiff competition but you’ll be reaching a network of potential buyers from over 40 countries around the world. Artplode lists all kinds of artwork, from sculptures and paintings to photography and digital art, and they require a $60 flat fee per listing rather than a commission when the piece is sold. So, as long as you manage to sell your artwork, this is a great deal. You can also choose whether you’re happy to cover the cost of shipping on your sold pieces, or pass it on to your customers. And, if you’re new to the world of art selling, Artplode can match you with a specialist art consultant who will ensure that you’re targeting the right market and selling your piece for the correct price.
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If you already have a strong following, you may just want to sell directly from your own website instead of via a third party vendor. Shopify is a great choice for e-commerce software, and is flexible and easy to use. It can also be fully integrated into your website, so customers won’t be able to tell that you’re using Shopify.
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9. Shopify
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AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE There’s no limit on the number of products you can list on your site, so you can start small and (hopefully) expand year on year. There are currently over 600,000 businesses using Shopify technology, and over 1 million active users resulting in a total of $55 billion in sales, so you know you’re in experienced hands with this software. 8. Artfinder With offices in London and Miami, Artfinder displays work from over 10,000 artists in over 100 countries. Every one of the 400,000 pieces of art is original, and there are no posters or reproduction prints allowed. In terms of the mediums they’ll accept, a broad range is covered, including collage, printmaking and digital art. This site, which was founded in 2011, is fairly exclusive, and there is a selection process before you are allowed to join. Simply submit your best work and a supporting statement, and if you’re accepted you can set up your online shop. If you get in, you’ll love the company’s focus on authenticity and community. Artfinder goes by the ethos that buying and selling art doesn’t have to be a pompous affair, and they deliver a truly refreshing take on the art market. 7. Saatchi Art Having the opportunity to sell your art on a website under one of the biggest names in the art world might seem like an impossible feat, but it absolutely isn’t. The site was founded by Charles Saatchi’s company, and although they sold it in 2014, it still bears the name and the accompanying credibility. Their audience is huge, and they have over 1 million followers on social media. Add to that another 1 million people that receive their printed catalogue, and you’ve got a lot of potential eyes on you creations. You can set up a shop for free on the site and can list originals and prints. Pieces listed on the site range from artwork under $500 to one off pieces priced at over $10,000. The downside is that Saatchi Art will take a pretty significant 35% cut of your sale, but they will arrange a courier to collect your piece and will ship it for you in return for the fee.
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Artnet markets itself as a modern way to collect contemporary art, so if you work in that field then this site might be for you. Artnet was founded in 1989 with a mission to improve communication between buyers and sellers of art, and they added their online services in 2008.
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6. Artnet
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE The company now has the largest database of art sales, so this is a must have resource for serious artists who want to sell their work for a serious price. Art can be put up for auction on the site with guide prices, for a fresh take on the classic auction house vibe. Potential buyers can also contact dealers and galleries directly, which creates a more human experience than some of the other sites on our list. Artnet also provides useful additional paid services such as the Price Database, which is a fantastic art market research tool that lists prices for over 1,700 auctions dating back to 1985. This is designed to help sellers and buyers determine the worth of art, so you can ensure your pricing is on point. 5. Amazon You probably haven’t considered Amazon for art selling, since that’s not what it’s predominantly known for. But, since the world’s biggest e-commerce site opened its Amazon Art section in 2013, it’s a legitimate way for artists to get their work out there. The guest curators give the site more of a gallery feel, and the homepage is helpfully sectioned up into several searchable categories including main color and medium. If you want to sell on Amazon Art there is a preapproval process, and it’s worth noting that only certain mediums are permitted to be sold. 3D art is prohibited, so sculptors will need to find an alternative method of selling their art. It costs $39.99 per month for your online shop and there are additional selling fees, but the reach of this retail giant is unparalleled so you can potentially make a lot of sales from their site. 4. Society6 If you’re looking to see your artwork printed on lots of different products, Society6 is one of the easiest ways to do so.
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Your items can also be selected to feature in the site’s main shop, which means that customers have more chance of discovering your designs without searching specifically for your shop. Order fulfilment is all covered by the site, so you don’t need to worry about dealing with customer service which is great if you’re a hobbyist and don’t want that hassle.
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You can set your own royalties on art prints and canvases, so you decide how much money you make on top of the flat selling price that’s provided by Society6. For any other items, they set the profit, which can range from $1.50 up to $13.90.
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE Some big artists choose to use Society6, including Andreas Lie and Evie Seo, which gives the site real credibility. It also means you’ll be facing some stiff competition, so it’s probably worth listing your art on several sites until you start growing your own following here. 3. Redbubble This Australian company was founded in 2006 and is another print on demand service like Society6. The free online marketplace connects artists with an international client base via an incredibly simple to use website. As well as printing your artwork on a huge range of products, you can also create reproduction pieces which is great if you want to keep hold of your original artwork for the time being (or sell it on another site in our list). You can set your own profit margins on your sales, so you can decide how much you make. The average margin is 17%, but you can increase or decrease that according to factors like the time of year and the traffic your product pages are receiving. Like Society6, Redbubble covers payment, printing and delivery, so it’s completely hassle free for you. In-depth traffic analytics are great for artists who are running their shops as a business rather than a hobby, but you can use this tool as much or as little as you want to. 2. Pixapp This app-based selling platform is a cross between Redbubble and Instagram, and allows users to follow artists that they like. Artists keep 90% of what they make on each sale, but it’s free to sign up and list your art, so it’s worth having it on there. Artists can upload their designs onto various products sold by Pixapp, including t-shirts, mugs and canvases, and customers can then order directly from the free app. Once your product has sold Pixapp takes care of everything for you, from production to shipping and customer services. This is a low maintenance and cost free way of getting your art out there, so is ideal for hobbyists as well as professionals. With 5,000 downloads on Google Store alone, this new app is slowly growing in popularity so get in there now before it becomes oversaturated. There’s also a website coming soon, if you don’t love working from an app. 1. ArtFire
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ArtFire is designed to take the hassle out of building a selling website, and the site is incredibly easy add your products to. They also have great customer service, should you be new to selling and need some assistance. They also put emphasis on creating connections with other artists so
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Similar to Etsy, this staple art selling site has been operating for around ten years and has almost 300,000 unique monthly visitors.
AIRBRUSH DOJO MAGAZINE that you can learn and share skills with other people working in your field, which is especially handy if you’re new to the art selling world. SEO is taken care of too, and ArtFire ensures that your creations are shared to all the major search engines. They take care of the API’s, and every shop on their site is designed to rank well so you can focus on creating more art instead of trying to work out how to get it seen. If you open a standard shop you’ll pay $4.95 per month and 23 cents per listing, but there are other packages designed for larger and busier online stores, so the site will grow with you.
KC Cajun www.kansascitycajun.com
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816-337-0207
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