There is this romantic notion that being an artist is all about pure inspiration and creativity, which is partly true. But it is also a craft that you have to apply yourself to… everyday.
My artistic work life is less about waking up at 3am in a flash of inspiration, grabbing a bottle of vodka and painting for 3 days straight. More about turning up every day at 9am, to do a day’s (and often a late night’s) work.
Big sports clubs run a tight ship and require deadlines to be met or a project (and a licensing agreement) fails. Considerable resources are put in place to advertise, market and promote these Dream Scene projects, so if I don’t deliver on time… I am in trouble, both financially and reputation wise.
The past 2 months has involved working night and day to finish a big canvas for AFL club, the Richmond Tigers. 25 figures celebrating an AFL Premiership victory in the clubrooms. It has been midnights almost every night to get it done in time, including a 6.30 am finish on the last night only a few hours before the truck came to take the 3 x 1 metre canvas away.
No time to wait for poetic inspiration on this canvas, just nose to the grindstone.
During this time I’ve also devised a marketing plan and run a social media blitz to promote it.
At the moment I am in Singapore airport on the way to the Chelsea Licensing Show in London where I will present my work to several European Football Clubs.
The next UK Dream Scene in discussion is with Leeds United FC for their 100th Anniversary. I look forward to catching up with them in London.
In U.S. news, I’m talking to New York Yankees memorabilia giants, Steiner Sports in New York to produce a big Yankees Dream Scene featuring 30 Bronx Bombers from throughout the history of the club. Stay tuned for updates.
When get back home the whirlwind continues with 3 portraits for QLD cricket, finishing a private commission, then a family portrait and a big job for local Rugby League Club Melbourne Storm.
And in my spare time, my partner Jenn and our two young girls have been getting our home ready for sale!!!
So a 7 hour layover in Singapore seems like a nice rest from the craziness (the free booze is helping too).
I’m looking forward to a good sleep on the next 14 hour leg to London.