And, we’re number one when it comes to the number of architects and designers per 10,000 people.

The study, “Artists in the Workforce: 1990-2005,” is considered the first of its kind and was compiled using US Census figures. The study is meant to show the “largely unrecognized role that artists play in the economy” and could be used “as a tool to argue for increased support for artists.”

In 2003-05 Massachusetts had 54,852 artists. Though this is below the totals in states like California, New York, and Texas, the ratio of artists in the entire state bumps us up to the ranking of number 3. Boston ranks fifth among US metropolitan areas (38,885 artists).

Over 49% of Massachusetts artists are women.

And Governor Deval Patrick this month appointed Jason Schupbach the country’s first Creative Economy Director, whose mission is to help everyone in the arts, from visual artists to videogame makers

According to Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, “we are on the road to recognizing the fact that they (artists) are a part of the economy, and the mere discussion of something called the creative economy, the recognition that it exists, is starting to elevate our artists into the economic discussion.”

So consider yourself elevated!

-Posted by Amy C.

When I start something new, I often have really grandiose ideas of what I want to do, and often get frustrated because I have not learned all the steps that I need to approach grandiosity. So let’s not do that this time. Let’s start simple and build on it.

Am I making things for me, or am I making things to sell? catch 22. We’ll see.

Brenda 

May 6th a fairy tile has made itself.

Here is what Alyson recommends to emerge from a slump.

1. Wallow; it is okay to wallow a little bit.  Honor your emotions.
2. Plan something with a deadline to get the juices flowing.
3. Get out of the studio; walk, run, go to a museum.
4. Talk to other people; meet friends, visit a gallery; goes hand in hand with #3.
5. Create an escape path; continue to make your art even if it isn’t great.
6. Write; journal about your emotions, your dreams, whatever is inside your head.
7. Read inspirational books or biographies about other artists.
8. Listen to CDs or audio downloads that motivate you.
9. Watch movies or documentaries to remind you of your connection to art and the art world.  (Don’t watch stuff that will depress you, make you sad, angry, etc.)
10. Purge and clear out stuff that you don’t need.  Lots of clutter = negative energy.  I’m a strong believer in this one.  When I have too much clutter in the studio, my muse practically disappears.  When I clear things out, the energy flow is much better.

 To read more of Alyson’s recommendations visit here.  To listen to her podcast on this topic, go here.

Posted by Amy C.