http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/ Interviews, editorials and images for the creative minded en matt@12grainstudio.com Copyright 2009 2009-04-15T17:05:37-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/design_killers/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/design_killers/#When:17:05:37Z In the last few months I have seen some trends that spark some fear for my profession. I believe some of the following practices and/or trends may be leading to the dilution and even destruction of our profession. Business, Web 2009-04-15T17:05:37-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/creative_success_with_multiple_skills/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/creative_success_with_multiple_skills/#When:17:04:45Z In this sea of everyday web designers, artists and writers, finding out where you fit in may be the hardest task. As I watch the news every night with much trepidation, it seems like unemployment and closing businesses are on the rise.  If there is one thing to take away from this, it’s ‘don’t limit yourself’ - learn a second, or even third, skill. Having multiple tools in your tool belt will allow for additional avenues of income and potential success where you least expect. It all depends on what you are doing with your time. Artwork, Business 2009-04-06T17:04:45-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/unc_art_business_seminar/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/unc_art_business_seminar/#When:14:43:07Z We’ll be speaking today at UNC’s Arts & Business Seminar with Michelle Bordner, Artistic Coordinator for Carolina Performing Arts, Chris Wimberley of Nightsound Studios, Alexis MastroMichalis of Nightlight and Jim Dennis of Music Loft on the subject of “So Your Want To Open A Studio?” (Local professionals with backgrounds in Music, Studio Art, Design, and Dance come together to share and compare their experiences managing a small business and pursuing their artistic careers.) Our plan is to be open, honest and careful not to sugar coat the gory details of entrepreneurship. These are the questions they’ve asked us to prepare for… Around Town, Business, News 2009-03-26T14:43:07-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/music_in_art/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/music_in_art/#When:21:11:57Z Seems like all the latest fashion trends include some sort of grunge graphics or dirty script lettering. This actually came from many of the earlier hardcore bands. You could trace it through their posters, CD artwork and especially their t-shirts. Many hardcore and punk stylings have had a great influence on the design world. Even much of the old hip-hop graphics and music are seen prevalently in today’s TV ads and fashion. Just watch the next phone or car commercial and you’ll quickly match a music style with the graphics used. 2009-03-05T21:11:57-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/motivation/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/motivation/#When:17:42:35Z In a moment of self-reflection I’ve complied a few ideas that might help artists stay motivated. Art Makes Great Gifts - It is the holidays so what better way to get some new work done than to give a gift to your loved ones. In most cases your family or friends desire one of your masterful creations, but just cannot afford it. Here is an opportunity to do something nice and hopefully it will have been a portfolio-worthy piece as well. Whether it is for the New Year, for your valentine or just a birthday, it is a good way to have a solid deadline and stick to it. Artwork, Business 2009-03-05T17:42:35-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/learn_fonts/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/learn_fonts/#When:15:36:56Z Call yourself a Designer? This game challenges your ability to decipher fonts during target practice! 2009-02-26T15:36:56-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/inspirational_links/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/inspirational_links/#When:18:44:58Z Everyone always asks artists about their inspiration; where does it come from, who inspires them, why do they create the way they do. Some of these questions will continually go unanswered, many will receive a pretentious artist’s explanation and only a few may come down to the very specific reason why. Each artist that I have met has been inspired and motivated quite differently but there is one consistent factor, and that’s the unquenchable desire to create. Artwork, Business, Web 2009-02-19T18:44:58-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/controversial_artists/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/controversial_artists/#When:18:36:07Z All “controversial” artists have some type of message. This message is usually something you’ve heard before, either from a Christian conservative or maybe a man-hating lesbian or animal rights activist, but never the less, a voice that is represented visually. The voice they speak is one that touches each of our nerves and the imagery is striking. In some cases their motivation is purely shock value to force you to run away crying. At other times the artists are asking you think about the concept with new eyes and consider the other side. Artwork, Business, Web 2009-02-19T18:36:07-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/how_to_market_yourself/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/how_to_market_yourself/#When:23:14:12Z As an artist I can only speak from experience, getting noticed and recognized is quite the daunting task. Taking on the life of an artist or freelancer is never easy and here are a few tips on how to get noticed. Around Town, Artwork, Business, Web 2009-02-17T23:14:12-05:00 http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/where_to_find_inspiration/ http://www.12grainstudio.com/granary/index.php/site/where_to_find_inspiration/#When:23:02:05Z Artists are too often lacking their creative muse, their inspiration, ideas that pay the bills. Art is reactionary work, not very often do you wake up ready to create something great and original. Creating something from nothing is harder work than say, your average day at the auditing house or security detail. There are no guarantees that what you put down, put out will be well received - unless what you’re putting out is your body. Around Town, Artwork, Business 2009-02-17T23:02:05-05:00