Did you miss FLOCK TALK last week? Never fear, after my NINE DAY VACATION, I'm back...
Feeling unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing.
Back from vacation.
Back from vacation.
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1. This Week's AI Video: Mostly Vibes... and a few monsters and robots.
16 short AI films from Panaviscope that contemplate love, hate, fear and redemption. But mostly vibes.
Bonus Episode: Last Week's AI Video. NINE DAY VACATION
2. Introducing Artacle, our newest sponsor.
Artacle.io has been the go-to data service for blue chip NFT analytics. Along with many of my fellow Flamingos, I've been using Artacle regularly to better understand trends, keep tabs on collections, and seek under-appreciated grails. Artacle offers both free and paid accounts, and also has some major new products coming to market very soon. I'm excited to share more next week.
3. Essay: Do Artists Need Marketers?
In 1974, my father, the sculptor Leroy Lamis, was in the prime of his artistic career when he decided that he no longer needed marketing. He dropped his gallery. Everything changed for him after that.
In 1962, Lamis began experimenting with Plexiglas, creating intricate cubes that played with perception and space. His meticulous craftsmanship and focus on technical perfection became hallmarks of his work.
In 1963, he sought gallery representation in New York and from 1965 to 1974, he was represented by Staempfli Gallery, where he had solo exhibitions in 1966, 1969, and 1973. His work also appeared at Felix Landau Gallery in Los Angeles, Gilman Galleries in Chicago, and Galerie Denise René in Paris.
Lamis's first major museum success came with his inclusion in the 1964 Whitney Museum annual exhibition of sculpture. He also participated in the Whitney’s annuals in 1966 and 1968. Notably, he was featured in The Museum of Modern Art’s The Responsive Eye in 1965 and Martha Jackson’s Vibrations 11.
His 1969 solo exhibition at Staempfli Gallery traveled to several museums, including the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Herron Museum (now the Indianapolis Museum of Art), Des Moines Art Center, and the La Jolla Museum of Art (now the Contemporary Art Museum of San Diego). In 1970, he had a solo exhibition at Dartmouth College following a 10-week term as Artist-in-Residence.
Commissions rolled in in the early 1970s. His art was featured in the "Plastics" spread in Playboy. He bought a few new cars. Following the success of his 1973 show, he tried to renegotiate the 50% commission his gallery was charging, and they refused. In frustration, he left Staempfli to go it alone.
He never sold another plexiglass sculpture, and through a decade of frustration, began producing digital art in 1982 (he would have loved Artblocks).
As a kid, I watched my dad's success unwind, and saw the anguish it brought him, and it provided some guidance for having a marketing and sales team that has your back as an artist, so you can focus on creation.
Lessons for Today
Some argue that true art does not need marketing to be appreciated. The notion that art should speak for itself and that commercial success should not be the primary goal resonates with many artists and collectors. There are numerous examples of artists who have achieved success purely through the quality of their work and the organic growth of their reputation.
But today's contemporary art scene including Web3 is even more competitive, with countless artists vying for attention. Marketing plays a crucial role in helping artists stand out. Social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok have become essential tools for artists to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and build a following. Digital platforms allow artists to reach a global audience, breaking down geographic barriers that once limited their exposure. My work developing Flamingo TV has specifically been to elevate AI artwork by creating new social channels and audiences beyond what a busy artist could create.
Galleries and art agents also play a significant role in an artist's marketing strategy. These professionals help artists navigate the market, promote their work, and build valuable connections. The traditional methods of marketing, such as participating in exhibitions and art fairs, remain important but are now complemented by digital strategies.
While marketing is important, maintaining artistic authenticity is crucial. Artists must find a balance between promoting their work and staying true to their vision. Over-commercialization can sometimes lead to a loss of credibility among art critics and collectors. Authentic storytelling and a genuine connection with the audience often enhance an artist's brand without compromising their integrity.
While it is possible for artists to achieve success without extensive marketing, the benefits of marketing in today's competitive art world are undeniable. Marketing helps artists gain visibility, connect with audiences, and ultimately achieve their career goals. However, it is essential for artists to balance marketing efforts with maintaining their authenticity and artistic integrity. By adopting a strategic and authentic approach to marketing, artists can enhance their chances of success without compromising their creative vision.
4. Further Readings
Keep an eye on the NFT lending space. There's value accruing to savvy lenders and borrowers regardless of market condition.
Another “sweep and borrow” batch.
5 Squiggles swept at 4.1 ETH, immediately borrowing 3 ETH each at 20% for 1 year.
A synthetic call: unlimited upside exposure to Squiggles for a year. With the downside limited to that 1.1 ETH.
5 Squiggles swept at 4.1 ETH, immediately borrowing 3 ETH each at 20% for 1 year.
A synthetic call: unlimited upside exposure to Squiggles for a year. With the downside limited to that 1.1 ETH.
Two of my favorite projects working together: Squiggles & Gondi.
And... Action! Showrunner has released an AI creation and workflow platform that basically lets you be the producer of your own private AI generated TV show.
ANNOUNCING SHOWRUNNERWe believe the future is a mix of game & movie.
Simulations powering 1000s of Truman Shows populated by interactive AI characters.
Welcome to Sim Francisco & Showrunner!SOUND ON!
Link to Signup in Bio
If You Can Dream It, You Can Do it. Ah a Journey Into the Imagination, sponsored by Kodak. I was an EPCOT kid and have that quote seared into my mind. It's never truer than today.
Oh and here's your bonus link to the back story on the quote.
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