Phil Thompson (@Cape__Horn__CHI Steemit: @serpentstooth) is the illustrator and business mind behind Cape Horn Illustration, which sells Chicago wall art. Today we have a great discussion on making art that sells.
Phil’s portfolio of products includes maps of microbreweries in Chicago, marathon maps for all of the major marathons, and “home portraits.” His work has been featured on the sets of major motion pictures like “The Big Sick,” and “Blockers.”
Phil also happens to be my mastermind partner. We’ve been talking every two weeks about how to balance our individual artistic visions with what the market wants. We’ve learned a lot in our conversations, and I’m really excited to be sharing Phil and his work with you today.
Today, we’ll talk about:
- How do you “validate” your art. Hear about Phil’s first experiments in selling his artwork online. What did he learn from his first success, and what did he learn from his first big failure?
- How do you make your art marketable? Learn to think about what your art does for someone. How does that translate into sales?
- How can you turn your interests into profitable art? I love how Phil has been able to take his curiosities – whether it’s running marathons or learning about Chicago architecture – and he’s been able to use those curiosities to fuel profitable art.
Support the show through donations
Support nourishing media and a healthy definition of success. Get early access, bonus content, and 20% off the Love Your Work T-shirt. Donate now on Patreon »
Bitcoin » | Ethereum » | Monero »
Sponsors
Skillshare: An online learning community with over 18,000 classes in design, business and more. Get two months of unlimited premium access – for only 99¢! Go to http://skillshare.com/loveyourwork.
Weebly: Start your beautiful, modern, easy-to-build Online Store. Get 15% off at http://weebly.com/loveyourwork.
Subscribe to Love Your Work
Listen to the Phil Thompson Interview
- Listen in iTunes >>
- Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
- RSS feed for Love Your Work
Theme music: Dorena “At Sea”, from the album About Everything And More. By Arrangement with Deep Elm Records. Listen on Spotify »
This post is filed under Love Your Work Podcast.
Want to explain Steemit to a friend? Make Money Writing on the STEEM Blockchain demystifies the blockchain and helps writers start earning on Steemit. Buy it on Amazon »
Loved this interview, David. It gave me a lot to think about what my customers want as opposed to what I want to create.
Thrilled to hear it, Vidas! Yes, I've really enjoyed talking to Phil regularly and getting an inside look at his business, and the buying psychology behind his work.
Awesome, as an artist this is what i need too. Just found out about your podcast from one post a@organduo made. You have a new listener!
Hello @kadavy, thank you for sharing this creative work! We just stopped by to say that you've been upvoted by the @creativecrypto magazine. The Creative Crypto is all about art on the blockchain and learning from creatives like you. Looking forward to crossing paths again soon. Steem on!