We were lucky to catch up with Joyce Iacono recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joyce, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
About 20 years ago, soon after getting married, I started my art journey. I enrolled in my first art course at a neighbourhood community center. I fell in love with painting as soon as I began blending the colours and seeing the luxuriously textured paint transform right before my eyes turn into colours of the rainbow! That’s when it hit me… I was in love with painting, and I would ensure that I would do what it took to continue exploring and discovering myself through it for the rest of my life.
That’s when I made a weekly painting commitment, which was difficult to keep up with while working a full-time job and having young children. Nevertheless, I continued to follow my passion. I painted and painted. I was too embarrassed to show many of my paintings, but there were a few that I was excited and confident about. I hung them in my home and gave many away. When all my walls were covered and I started building up an inventory, I started taking it more seriously and participated in a few group exhibits, which didn’t amount to much. My then art teacher and fellow classmates encouraged me to apply to the biggest regional art symposium. I couldn’t believe they would even suggest this! I stepped back, assessed my work, and made the decision to try it, and crazy enough, I was accepted! It was difficult to imagine that I would have my own tent and display so many pieces for the public. Total exposure right there and then! It felt so intimidating, and I remember being afraid of the “what if people hate it”. I didn’t know how to talk about my work and promote myself. I just hoped for the best.
The show took place over the course of four days in Saint-Rose, a picturesque town close to Laval, Quebec. We were fortunate to have four straight days of sunshine. I set up my tent, carefully selected my paintings from among my collection of duds and hoped for the best. Visitors left me a tonne of encouraging feedback, and on the first day, I had my first paying client! I couldn’t believe someone loved my painting so much they were willing to spend their hard-earned cash on it! I was speechless! I ended up selling eight items overall during that time rather than just one! The success of that first sale gave me more motivation to continue painting and to feed my passion. Looking back, I realise that it takes confidence, commitment, and passion to make things work out. Lastly, be true to yourself.
Joyce, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Art is my passion. Since I was a little girl, I have explored my creative journey. I started out drawing whatever I saw using a pencil and paper and then switched to painting. I keep trying new things and stretching my creative abilities. The beauty of nature inspires me. I was born and raised in Quebec, Canada, where there is so much natural beauty. However, my trips across the world also inspire me. I am constantly experimenting, whether it is with vivid, expressionistic florals and landscapes or abstract mixed media. My work is dynamic, bold, gestural, and bold. I approach a blank canvas with a lot of emotion. I rarely plan.
I’ve been painting for about 20 years now, and I love it. I am primarily self-taught as an artist, and I occasionally get “imposter syndrome.” But as I think about modern society and how many people “make it” on platforms like You Tube and Instagram, I know I’m not the only one. Along the way of my career as an artist, I’ve managed to raise two wonderful children, be a “pretty terrific” wife, and work in supply chain for a sizable multinational organisation.
I take pride in the fact that I have managed to pursue both an art career and a corporate profession. I think that to have balance in my life, I need both equally. When I tell my art fans that I have a “regular full-time job, paint, and have a family,” most of them are startled. You should certainly create objectives for yourself, even if they are for a pastime. I currently appreciate the balance that a full-time job and being an artist offer me personally. I utilise the time I spend painting as a chance to relax and unwind. There is no greater therapy after a busy week than my giant canvas, paintbrushes and my husband’s gin and tonic!
I hope you take the opportunity to see my work and journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
For a very long time, I never thought of art as a business, but rather as a passion. But you should now understand that creating art is also a business, especially if you want to succeed and sell. To avoid having your work accumulate in your studio, it’s ideal as an artist if you can get it out there and promote yourself. “Business basics” are essential, in my opinion. I’ve noticed more and more Instagram posts in recent years about running your art company, and I now understand how important this is to maintain and thrive in a career in the arts. I believe that the listed points below are some things that all aspiring artists should spend some time on. It’s great if you can write it down…post some elements on a wall so it can manifest itself:
- Identify your vision/mission statement: Where do you see yourself in a few years (vision) and how will you get there (mission)
2. What is your goal /strategic plan (even if it’s a passion!): define what you would like to achieve this year (ex: gallery representation, art fair, Christmas art series, full time art career, part time fun money, etc.), then in your strategic plan, define what steps are required to get there.
3. Understand who your possible customers are. Are they your friends, local network, Instagram followers, galleries, etc.
4. Study other artists similar to you. Understand what makes them successful, what their price points are, etc.
5. Learn how to price your work & understand your costs
6. Learn how to market yourself. Identify the best platforms & learn the art of marketing. (I’m still figuring this one out in this digital age!)
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I’ve noticed that a lot of individuals base their opinion of an artist’s value on whether or not an art gallery will represent them. I really believe that you may discover a wealth of incredible artistic talent outside of traditional brick and mortar galleries in your neighbourhood and on social media. If you want to promote artists, follow them on social media and give them shoutouts. Let’s support and uplift one another! As for art curators/gallerists, look at your local artist community, you may find a hidden gem As for regular art buyers buying paintings for their favorite space, buy what you love and what you will be happy seeing every day, that in itself is the value in the painting!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joyceiacono.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyceiacono/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Joyceiaconopaintings/