We recently connected with Emily James and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I fell into this creative venture completely by chance, and it has been an incredibly enjoyable experience. I’ve always considered myself a creative person and have had a passion for writing. Unfortunately, I don’t get to exercise that muscle much in my day job. However, I’ve had the opportunity to take on various freelancing projects. Specifically, I’ve worked with leaders in higher education who were transitioning into new roles at new schools. These were individuals I had worked with closely in the past, so I was able to capture their voices, style, and leadership priorities when writing speeches, newsletters, emails, or profiles.

One day, a friend who’s an artist asked if I would consider doing some writing for her. Although I’ve always been drawn to art, I had no formal training in it. Still, I was thrilled to accept the offer. We worked together for a year, focusing on using her story as a crucial part of her brand. We had to determine the narrative she wanted to tell as it related to her art career and figure out ways for her to achieve her goals. This is how I learned about how artists apply to shows, galleries, contests, and other opportunities to showcase their work.

While I studied journalism in college and developed a skill for capturing people’s voices, the art world was mostly new to me. However, I applied some of the techniques I used when working with authors who were launching new books during my time in public relations and read a lot of books specifically related to the art world, which helped me learn the language of art and familiarize myself with painting styles, materials, techniques, and other art nomenclature.

To better understand the art world, I spent 18 months conducting market research and interviewing working artists. I asked about their biggest pain points, where they struggled with communications, how they were currently telling their stories, and what they would do if they had access to my skill set. This information helped me figure out how I could offer useful services that were not currently available.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Emily James and I’m the proud owner of EHJ Creative. As a writer and communications strategist for artists, I work with clients from all over the world. My passion is providing artists with all the writing and communication tools they need to thrive in their field.

I specialize in crafting artist bios and artist statements that help my clients stand out from the crowd. By capturing their unique voice and brand, I can help artists make a lasting impression on their audience. Additionally, I help with art release notes, establishing “why” statements, submission strategies, marketing and promotional materials, newsletters, and more. Although my focus is mainly on visual artists, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with artisans, sculptors, authors, and other creatives.

I understand that many artists are uncomfortable talking about themselves. That’s why I’m here. I want to help people step back and tell their stories in an honest way that doesn’t shy away from sharing how great they are. By helping my clients answer important questions such as “who am I as an artist?” and “how do I tell that story to my audience?”, I help them connect with a broad audience and thrive on that connection.

I believe that the two most important skills for this type of work are curiosity and the ability to listen in a way that goes beyond what someone is saying to understand what they are trying to say.

My services are comprehensive and cover everything an artist needs to promote themselves in the best possible light. I create everything from artist copy essentials such as bios and artist statements to digital portfolios that artists can share with galleries, museums, shows, or contests. I also prepare newsletters and other written work, such as notes about a new collection or postcards that artists use in their packaging and shipments.

My goal is to provide a personalized experience for every client. I want to hear them say “wow! you really captured ME!” and that’s what drives me to work hard and produce high-quality results. Although the process can take time, I’m here to help artists every step of the way. No two artists need exactly the same thing, and I treat each client with the attention and care they deserve.

In addition to one-on-one services, I offer two DIY workbooks that allow artists to create their essential copy and media kit on their own. Many people are interested in writing for themselves but need a roadmap to get started. The workbooks allow people to work at their own pace but still have some support and structure.

I’m incredibly proud of everything my clients have accomplished when they’ve been brave and bold enough to tell their stories and use them as a point of connection. By helping them connect with a broader audience and showcase their talents, I’m making a difference in the world of art. If you’re an artist looking to make a splash in the art world, I’d love to help.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In the early days of my business, I was faced with the temptation to offer a wide range of services to cater to everyone. As an entrepreneur in the creative industry, I understood the demands of social media management, web development, and personal assistance for artists. However, I soon realized that spreading myself too thin didn’t align with my true passion and skillset.

Instead, I discovered that my strength lay in a specific area: writing people’s stories. In a world where there are numerous professionals offering a plethora of services, I knew that I had to focus on what I could do better than anyone else: the art of storytelling.

In hindsight, I wish I had given more thought to the importance of outsourcing and diversifying my services for business growth. It has been a journey learning where, what, and when to outsource and how to best grow my business strategically.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

As a society, there’s so much we can do to uplift and support artists in their creative pursuits. It all starts with acknowledging that for many creatives, their work isn’t just a hobby – it’s a deep-seated passion that requires relentless effort and dedication. Sadly, it’s all too common to hear people dismiss artists as mere hobbyists, failing to recognize the value and importance of creative work as a profession.

One crucial factor in supporting artists is building a community that nurtures and celebrates them. This community can comprise of friends, loved ones, as well as a well-curated team of professionals like web developers, business coaches, and accountants. The EHJ Creative team, for example, is an integral part of our clients’ business journey. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge, critique, cheer, and believe in your journey can make all the difference in realizing your creative dreams.

However, it’s equally important to support artists with more than just words and love. As fans of their work, we must buy their incredible work AND pay them what they’re worth. Bargaining for discounts and asking for free work undervalues the time, effort, and resources that creatives pour into their work. If your sister is an artist, for example, be the first in line to pay top dollar for her creations. Investing in artists we believe in not only shows our support, but it also allows them to continue creating and pursuing their passion.

Let’s start recognizing creative work as a profession and show our support for artists by building strong communities and paying them what they deserve. By doing so, we can help uplift and empower creatives to continue pursuing their passions and making the world a more beautiful place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ehjcreative.com
• Instagram: @ehj_creative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHJCreative

Image Credits
Emily Ballard Alison Johnson Ashley Fitz