Message Board Topic: Motivation

In lieu of the last few weeks, we have discussed and participated in various activities which promote the monetary aspect of commercial art. Artists often struggle with a balance of making money and being free and creative. Studies have shown across all careers (not just the arts) that people work for two reasons: 1) the monetary reward and 2) encouragement/praise and recognition.

What motivates you? What is a stronger factor in your life; reward or praise? What about your art?

Message Board Topic: Free Market

Like last week’s message board topic, this week offers another opportunity concerning commercial art, competition and contests. At http://www.converse.com/ you can design your own Chuck Taylor’s. Although not exactly like the Threadless Contest, you now have a voice by personalizing your wear. 

The free market system is based on the “best products” competing to survive. In a way this is very much like “survival of the fittest” or “democracy” in which the people “vote” by purchasing the products they think they are best (at least this is the theory).

Do you think this works? Do you think Converse is trying to subvert the free market system by allowing its customers to design their own products? Do you think this is a good idea?

Message Board Topic: T-Shirt Submission

The purpose of commercial art is to generate income from your artwork. Threadless is a graphic t-shirt company looking for new designs. You can find information concerning Threadless contests and submissions, here: http://www.threadless.com/submit. Choose one of your t-shirt designs and follow the submission process. Then reflect on this experience.

Do you think this is a good opportunity? Why or why not?