Artists In Jackson: Jake Perry
“Art is the communication of feelings. If what you’re doing isn’t evoking a feeling, then what you did is arguably not art.”
Read Jake’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
jackson michigan
Some Advice (Not From Me)
In sharing my Artists In Jackson project, I reached out to some artists for feedback. What did they think? What can I do differently next time?
One artist in particular – raised in Jackson, went on to great success – gave me some really great advice. For one, he was worried about me producing a book. “Nobody buys books,” he wrote, “not even if you price them at $10 a piece.”
He, however, knew how to sell books. Case in point: a $500 book, limited to 50 editions, and he sold out of his print run in just a few weeks. This artist offered an experience, not just a book. It became a pride point to own one of his books.
“The book was only a bonus and personal brag piece to tell their friends the damn book cost $500,” he said. “It’s the experience, not the money.”
His experience was, he only printed 50 of them, and he included a personal sketch inside each one.
You can’t rely on friends and family to support your art, he told me. And people in the community who say they support the arts? They’re mostly fibbing. Few back up their support with actual dollars.
Some of this I wished I had heard before I started the project, though I doubt that would’ve dissuaded me. I wanted to make a quality book for people to buy, and I felt like I had enough of an audience to sell a decent amount.
Aside from the book, my main motivation was to brag about the artistic talent in Jackson, and to get to know some local artists. Take economics out of it, and I feel like my project was very successful.
Put economics back in, and I think the advice I received was pretty spot-on. My “experience” was a limited run of books signed by me, with a free eBook download and dibs on info like extra editions and events. I could do a lot more to up the “experience” level.
I don’t think that a high price tag would go over well in the community, however. Jackson is a pretty cheapskate kind of town.
Granted, this artist has a huge following, and sells work for thousands of dollars. He works on a totally different level than this local photographer with a super local project.
But for future projects, his advice is worthwhile.
Thanks Dominic!
Artists In Jackson: Audra Lockwood
“My favorite thing to hear is people laughing. As long as people are feeling something, then I’m doing something right. My work is quirky and a little bit out there.”
Read Audra’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
Artists In Jackson, the Magazine
Today, on Small Business Saturday, I’m launching part three of Artists In Jackson – the Magazine edition: 96 big, full-color pages, soft-bound and larger than the hardcover edition, and at an affordable price of only $35.
And here’s a deal: use the code CREATIVE40 until Dec. 1 at checkout for 40% off the price. Get yours at artistsinjackson.com/book.
Hardcovers are also still available! Use the code art517 for $9 off the price.
Artists In Jackson: Ashley Smith
“Every little snapshot reminds me of something. It reminds me of the music playing that day, or something we did earlier. It helps me remember and relive my life. It’s a sensory thing.”
Read Ashley’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
Artists In Jackson: Andrew Hall
“I don’t want to be a ‘company.’ I want to be underground.”
Read Andrew’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
Artists In Jackson: Justine Melville
“Putting the energy into my work – dying fabric, taking the color out, ice dying – there’s a lot to it. The process is a good focus for me. It helps calm me. And I really enjoy the product I get.”
Read Justine’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
Artists In Jackson: David Flack
“It’s a good outlet for depression. I’ve always been able to show myself something solid and tell myself, ‘You’re not a bad person. Look at what you can do.’”
Read David’s profile at Artists In Jackson.
Here Are the Artists In Jackson
Here they are: the 15 featured creatives in my Artists In Jackson portrait project.
They are 15 people that are making my hometown of Jackson, Michigan, a more beautiful place to live. And so generous with their time and attention – I can’t thank them enough for participating in this project.
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