DREI FRAGEN with Artist Dan Berg
Artist Dan Berg shares his artistic wisdom.
Each Wednesday, I ask a different artist the same three questions.
This week's featured artist is
. We met on Instagram, and I’ve been following his work for about six months since. His humour caught my attention, you’ll see what I mean when you check out his art…
1. What first sparked your interest in creating art?
That’s a weirdly tricky one. I don’t think there was a single “spark” that made me want to create art. Most kids start out creative—it’s more about what stops that spark being snuffed out.
In my case, school, parents and friends were encouraging. I had after-school art classes, spent hours with Lego—stuff like that. There’s probably a natural drive in me too, though I’ve no idea where it came from. I just know that if I don’t feed it, I get moody and low.
2. What are your regrets?
Good question, as a side note - I’ve never quite understood the rhetoric of ‘no regrets’ - I’ve got bloomin loads! Here’s some of the things I wish I’d done sooner or better:
Worry less about what people might think. Nobody is watching or cares as much as you expect. You’re not the main character (soz!), and that’s quite liberating.
Delete perfectionism - it’s not possible and it will waste your time and headspace.
Build an email list early - it’s a direct line to fans that won’t get lost in the streams of social media.
Make a business plan for your career, statistics show it will make you more likely to succeed.
3. What wisdom would you offer someone beginning their art career, or exploring art for the first time at any stage in life?
Firstly, take everything I say with a pinch of salt. I’m still finding my way and have a lot to learn. That said, here’s my top tips:
When it comes to the making - listen to your gut and heart. Use your head for everything else, like marketing.
Make art as if you are the audience - don’t pander to others or social media.
If you struggle with willpower, use an accountability app like Forefit. For concentration, check out the Pomodoro technique and Brain.fm.
Recognise that your early stuff will likely be crap, cringe of both - do it anyway, enjoy it, and get the hours under your belt. The instant gratification of society has meant our expectations of success and quality are unrealistic. You won’t look like The Rock on day one of the gym. Be patient - you’ll be People’s Elbowing in no time.
Embrace failure.
Build a network amongst other artists, try and get a cheap studio space, or use social media.
Recommended resources:
‘The Power of Vulnerability’ By Brené Brown
‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek
‘The Creative Act’ by Rick Rubin
‘Before & Laughter’ by Jimmy Carr
‘How to Become a Successful Artist’ by Magnus Resch
‘The Artists Way’ by Julia Cameron
‘Contemporary Art Issue’ - an advisory YouTube Channel
‘Sell Out Podcast’ by The PrintSpace
Check out the wonderful
on Substack, or Insta.
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WOW! Just: wow. What a tremendous helpful post. That children are naturally creative and it gets snuffed out! That regrets list! (Some of your recent interviewees had said they had no regrets, and I was thinking, maybe that's a question that should be changed of the three you ask--then Dan comes along!) The resources! And what exquisite tips. They help me so much already. Thank you, Dan and thank you, SLART!