I had the privilege to speak at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) about how to market yourself in the art world.  I was surprised at the turn out both in numbers and the make up of the audience.  The group was small but I feel we had a more in depth and intimate discussion because of that, but who was in attendance surprised me.  The group was all graphic designers who dabbled in fine art on the side.

The surprise for me is that graphic designers overall have to be more involved from the start in the business side of things because it's the nature of the work, unless you work in-house for a big company.  There is an implied business sense with graphic designers as they venture out into the world of the entrepreneur.  I'm thrilled they were taking it seriously and I hope each of the attendees walked away with something concrete they could use the next day.

The dilemma for me is why weren't the fine arts students there?  If I were a parent paying $80,000 for an undergraduate education I'd certainly want my child to have some sense of how to support themselves when they got out without having to learn the phrase "do you want fries with that?"  Is it that while still a student the business of art hasn't entered their consciousness yet?  Are they waiting for some divine intervention that will save them from the harsh reality of life as a studio artist?  I'm not really sure but I intend to fine out.

In search of the answers...
Greg