This is just not who I am anymore
I gave myself more work (like I do) a couple of weeks ago by adding a second weekly FREE edition of The Hungry Artist. You might expect that was enough work for me for a bit, but you’d be wrong. I have a nutty idea to share, and if I’m right, some of you will pay me for the privilege.
The TL;DR
I’m moving on
The big idea
Ben Tallon is Tasty!
The spicy links (not that spicy)
No Going Backward
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been working on a new series of art that have redefined my art process. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve wanted to move into a more 3-dimensional direction, letting my chaotic collages move outward. I’m calling this latest series Outward because of how the work projects forward all up in your face.
This week, I received printed copies of my art zine, Mag Bash Vol. 1, which focuses on my recent creative self-discovery—my daily art journal practice. Because of that journal, the past year has been one positively disruptive and artistic moment after another, so much so that the work I did just a couple of years ago is almost unrecognizable compared to what I’m doing now.
Anyone who has followed my art journey for the past several years will tell you that I don’t spend a lot of time dwelling on where my art was before. Instead, I’m much more concerned about where it’s going next. And this puts me in a bit of a strange position.
Even though Mag Bash was a true-to-form representation of my aesthetic and mood last year, my new Outward pieces make my 2D work feel foreign and passé. I’m enjoying the sculptural nature of the new work so much that I have no desire to do any flat work right now.
That said, I’ve learned not to make rash predictions of my work because I could be hit with a wild impulse at any time on how to make the 2D work better based on lessons I learn from the 3D art. However, I think it will be a long while before I return to flat work, which also means I have no plans to follow up with Mag Bash with a 2nd volume.
Upward and outward, but never back.
The short story is that Mag Bash just got a lot more exclusive, and you should get yourself a copy before they’re gone.
What’s the Big Idea?
Ok, hear me out… literally.
I test and tune this newsletter often, and I believe it’s becoming something cool—a trustworthy resource for others and an outlet for all the random thoughts, ideas, and epiphanies that hit me daily. I legitimately believe that The Hungry Artist has the potential to become something much bigger than myself, and I’m moving steadily in that direction, head down, eyes forward.
Because this newsletter is in a state of growth, I’m also thinking about how to benefit those who support the newsletter by becoming paid members, which has always been challenging to cater to appropriately. Still, I think I’ve found a way.
The way I see it, people enjoy the links, stories, and commentary that I share, but they may not always get a chance to enjoy them all, but what if you could have Uncle Dave read you the stories so you could get all the goodness without the dedicated eye strain? What if The Starving Artist has a podcast exclusively for Makers that did precisely that; saved you time while feeding your creative impulses with information and entertainment?
Now, if you think all I’m going to do is read back the info I’ve already written, that’s just a silly thought. If you have seen my videos on YouTube or Instagram, you probably know how much of a pontificator I can be when a microphone is present. So instead, I’ll read the stories and info in the newsletter and add a little Daveness to the mix because who wouldn’t be better off with a little more of that in their lives?
It’ll be loose and fun; I’ll give you hot takes and try to make you laugh while giving you plenty to think about.
I’m probably nuts for even considering this idea. Still, I feel like this will be the thing that separates The Hungry Artist from any other art and creativity-inspired newsletter out there. So if you’re into that, stay tuned because I will test the theory soon and give everyone a taste. Plus, I’ve got this new microphone staring me in the face daily, begging to be utilized.
Makers: I’ll send you important exclusive information about this shift soon. I promise I’m not taking anything away. We’re just deepening the reward for being the most awesome support team ever.
Tasty: Ben Tallon
I’ve been a fan of British artist and illustrator Ben Tallon for some time. At one point, I wanted to dabble more in editorial art because of him. I never ended up going that way, which was probably a good plan, and it allowed me to continue to look at his work in awe.
Small Bites
We have only hit the very tip top of the iceberg when it comes to theft and appropriation with AI.
AI is coming for us all and will be integrated into many facets of our lives, but the question remains, how will we keep it ethical? More importantly, can it predict the Mega Lotto numbers?
Some of you will hate that I believe all artists should treat their work like a traditional brand. The trick is to take good advice and figure out how to apply it to you and your work.
I remember the days of popping into my local record store or coffee house and picking up a copy of the edgy print version of Vice Magazine. Now they’re bankrupt and owned by a hedge fund.
Wait, the art industry isn’t actually about art but money and grift? Get out!
If you live in Southern California, you might be interested to know I write for a different art Substack called Art Clout, which publishes twice a month and talks about local art happenings in Long Beach and LA.
I know you have creative friends that aren’t subscribed to this newsletter, so they’re missing out, right? So make sure to tell them about The Hungry Artist so they can be one of the cool people like you.
Dessert
This content moderator simulator game gave me anxiety, and I got fired almost immediately.