how do you view community supported art projects?

for example, i have recently been asked (for a very nominal fee) to create some designs to be used on the sides of public buses and in major transit stations. the city will pay for the materials, etc, all i have to do is contribute my ideas and cash my check. if i agree to do the project, the city will use my piece to promote the city-wide art projects (i.e. pamphlets, adverts, etc.). this is my first opportunity this year to make some cash off my art. i am afraid that my consequential starvation may be clouding my judgment and i am seeking some advice. i do not wish to trivialize my art with negligent public consumption, yet i think it could be seriously cool to see my contribution to the cityscape. thoughts?

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan D Price on May 23, 2007 at 4:12am

that would be some excellent exposure for you. it's also very gratifying to get paid for doing something you love. if you're not compromising your morals, i wouldn't get too bogged down in thought over it. even if you were reducing to making ads for something trivial...bring your own style to it and make it your own.

not everyone is negligent either...many times i find myself looking at various designs, posters, etc. and find myself admiring them. i'm sure there are others...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by j. on May 23, 2007 at 1:33pm

thanks man. that's kind of where i'm at. creatively speaking , i am taking wild and unexpected leaps this year. none of them necessarily financially lucrative, and that's fine. i am living off my tax return and some cashed out mini-investments and have fallen into the ecstasy of the studio. i am working on about 12 things at a time, and simply rotating brushes and bibs to signify a new day. outta my mind, a little schizo, but totally in love with smell of the paint and the pen. thanks for your input, i think i'm gonna do it! check back for pics!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by klehrke on May 23, 2007 at 7:47pm

Follow your heart. You will do the right thing.

If you believe you would enjoy your art being displayed on the side of buses, and the like. I say go for it. However, what you fear is that you will appear less of an artist because of where it is displayed, listen to your stomach.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by j. on May 25, 2007 at 7:04am

mmm, well said. indeed that is precisely what i fear. however, i am trying to take the "i" out of my day to day, and focus on the whole picture. a little dharmic birdie told me that's the right path. i have to eat, and i can do so and do what i love. i suppose that universe has provided me with a blessing. besides, since all you folks are getting acquainted with my style, you will know who made that NYC transit ride hip. . . boo-yah! seriously though, i am hoping that my art will inspire a sense of zen in this chaos of concrete. what a great way to reach out and promote tranquility, no? thanks man!