Building a Successful Artistic Career

November 2024 | Fiber Arts, Artist Careers
by Marilyn Heywood Paige

Fiber arts are a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation where passionate creators can become successful artists. This past year, we had the privilege of interviewing five remarkable fiber artists: Ricky Tims, Cindy Grisdela, Lilo Bowman, Judith Baker Montano and Irene Roderick. Their journeys and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a career as a fiber artist.

Blending Tradition & Innovation

Each of the artists we interviewed combine traditional techniques with innovative approaches. Their methods can serve as guides to aspiring artists. 
Ricky Tims, a quilting legend, exemplifies the power of mastering traditional techniques as a springboard for innovation. As he recounts, “As a beginner quilter, I eagerly absorbed every technique I could, creating 27 quilts in my first year.” This foundation allowed him to develop his craft, transforming traditional methods into vehicles for inventive expression. His quilts have become “architectural masterpieces,” meticulously constructed yet bold and unexpected in design.
Cindy Grisdela takes a different, equally engaging approach. Her work goes beyond craft, telling stories that evoke powerful emotions. She incorporates unusual materials and found objects, making her quilts deeply personal and unique. Grisdela’s approach reminds us of the power of individuality in art and the importance of pushing boundaries to create something fresh and personal. 
Lilo Bowman’s quilts beautifully blend traditional techniques with modern artistic ideas. Her work is not simply decorative; it’s a statement, thoughtfully composed and rich with visual depth. Bowman’s mastery of color, composition, and artistic expression within the quilting medium demonstrates how traditional crafts can be elevated to fine art.
The success of Judith Baker Montano’s career highlights the need for versatility and adaptability. She incorporates many creative styles into her work. Her success serves as a reminder that creative mastery involves an ongoing process of learning, experimentation, and a willingness to adapt to an ever-evolving artistic landscape.
Irene Roderick’s background in painting provided a firm foundation for her quilting career. She applied her artistic knowledge and skills to a new medium, creating unique and vibrant quilts that instantly stood out in the field.

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Ricky Tims

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Cindy Grisdela

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Asilomar at Low Tide by Judith Baker Montano

From Craft to Career

Each fiber artist shared that being successful requires hunkering down and creating day in and day out. Grisdela mentioned that when she faces creative blocks and challenges, she ignores it and just keeps showing up at her workspace, “Even if it’s just straightening up or sewing scraps together. I just show up.”
Judith Baker Montano, echoed this sentiment saying, “I work in my studio from nine AM till very late at night. I work every day.”
It’s that work ethic that also helps to navigate disruption and changes in the field. For example, Judith Baker Montano talked about the need for versatility and adaptability in the art world. Her journey emphasizes the importance of embracing change and the transformative power of continuous learning and experimentation. 
Building a sustainable art career demands not only creative talent but also business acumen, perseverance, and a clear understanding of the art market. Here are some strategies these artists employ:

  • Develop a Strong Artistic Identity 

    Each of these artists has cultivated a unique style and voice within their medium. This distinctive identity is crucial for standing out in a crowded market. Ricky Tims’ quilting is informed by his music and he created ground breaking classes in improvisational quilting. Judith Baker Montano writes books on pushing boundaries in fiber arts. 

  • Cultivate an Online Presence 

    We are living in the digital age. A strong online presence is vital. Ricky Tims (@rickytims on Instagram and Facebook) masterfully uses his platforms to share work-in-progress images, fostering engagement and building anticipation for his creations. Judith Baker Montano meshes her art and her personal journey in her social media (@lavetajude on Instagram and @judithbakermontano on Facebook).
    Irene Roderick’s story highlights the power of social media in building an artistic career. (@hixsonir on Instagram and Facebook) During the pandemic in 2020, Irene Roderick put her quilts on Instagram and announced she was teaching a quilting class. Within an hour, she had 120 students booked. She said, “Instagram made my career. It has become a cornerstone of the quilting world.”

  • Share the Artistic Journey 

    Cindy Grisdela (@cindygrisdelaquilts on Instagram and Facebook) doesn’t just showcase finished pieces; she offers glimpses into her studio and demonstrates her process. This personal touch helps create a unique brand identity and builds a strong community around her work. 

  • Document Achievements

    Lilo Bowman (@lilobowman_ on Instagram and Facebook) strategically uses her platform to showcase her artwork in various exhibitions and publications, building credibility and establishing herself as a significant player in the art world. 

  • Network and Participate 

    Engaging in exhibitions, art fairs, and other events provides invaluable networking opportunities. These connections can lead to gallery representation, commissions, and sales. Lilo Bowman champions art quilting as a fine art in her role as president of SAQA and editor-in-chief of the TheQuiltShow.com. She demonstrates that working to promote fiber arts as a whole is good for everyone. 

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Taste of Summer by Cindy Grisdela

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Lilo Bowman

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Judith Baker Montano

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Irene Roderick

Takeaways

The shared message from these five artists is clear: mastery in fiber art isn’t about rigidly following traditional rules. It’s about understanding the fundamentals and using that knowledge as a foundation for creativity and innovation. Their work demonstrates the boundless potential inherent in fiber art, encouraging us to embrace both tradition and innovation. 
For those of you looking to transform your passion for quilting, knitting, or embroidery into a thriving artistic career, remember that success demands a strategic approach. Combine your artistic talent with business savvy, build a strong brand identity, use digital platforms, and network within the art community. 
Dedication, consistency, and a shrewd understanding of the market pave the path from crafting beautiful objects to creating a sustainable artistic enterprise. But as these inspiring artists have shown, with passion and perseverance, it’s a journey well worth taking.

Success demands a strategic approach.


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