An Interesting year coming to an end

In March, I completed my original 15-year plan to become a professional artist. To my surprise, my new 15-year plan began a bit early, around the middle of 2023, fueled by the rise of AI and eCommerce. This shift came from SIP and my commitment to seniors and empty nesters looking for something new in their lives. Art has always been a strong draw, especially for those who once dreamed of an art career but were sidelined by life’s challenges—especially women.

At 83, I never imagined I would not only complete my first 15-year plan but also start another one. Yet, here I am.

When the world stopped with COVID, eCommerce took off. It changed the way we shop, and bricks-and-mortar businesses struggled to keep up. Many didn't survive, and the ones that did had to adapt quickly. The iPhone, Amazon, and other technologies were primed for a major shift. Thanks to COVID, we now have a truly global economy where anyone can participate. Blockchain and crypto also found their footing, continuing to thrive despite government and banking attempts to curb their rise.

What does my new 15-year plan look like? It’s about legacy.

What happens after senior artists like myself are gone? What becomes of our 70-year copyrights? At Crossroads Art Center (CAC), we have a sobering realization: nothing. The estate has no idea what to do with the art, and the works end up discounted on walls until sold or donated to charity, if they’re lucky. Many pieces end up in dark attics, or worse, simply thrown out. Some survive thanks to family, and good paintings tend to endure. The SIP painter is different—dedicated and focused on creating professional, high-quality artwork that is properly captured digitally. These pieces find good homes, and the copyrights, along with digital captures, remain with the artist and their estate.

Younger generations, unfortunately, aren't thinking about this—nor is the estate unless we act during our lifetimes. There’s a whole world out there looking for art to enhance their homes and workplaces. Why don’t more artists recognize how important this is? The reproduction market is vast, a global business that thrives on this very principle. SIP artists understand the need to market ourselves—no longer relying on someone else to do it for us.

In the past, we needed galleries to show our work. If you were lucky, you might get into a few, but the chances were slim. Locally, Crossroads Art Center offered wall space for artists, and it served as a good starting point for any artist’s career. It works well—until you outgrow it. In my mind, CAC is the best place in town to begin your career as an artist.

Regardless of your marketing approach, you must be proactive to make it financially viable. There’s no point in losing money if you’re working as an artist. Social media and technology are vital for getting noticed, but they require time and effort. eCommerce, for instance, is complex—not a quick, 24-hour success story as some YouTube videos might lead you to believe.

For me, it all began in 2013 after a gallery exhibit when I was repeatedly asked, “Do you have prints?” People loved my work but couldn’t afford the originals. I got to work, and fast forward to today—everything is in place. What’s in place? The ability to sell SIP Artist "reborn originals" and original paintings worldwide through Dream Big Artworks (DBA) using eCommerce!

Last week, we added an important feature to DBA, offering the original masterworks of the SIP artists. Look for the red dot to see if the original masterwork is still available. Now, our visitors have a choice between the originals and the reborn versions.

This week, a new feature was added to DBA: “SIP Weekends”—a booking service for studio and class time. SIP Academy was born.

When SIP introduced the "SIP Summer Boot Camp," it was born out of necessity. Our studio rent increased significantly, and we needed new members to cover the costs. Up until that point, we occasionally added a new member, but the response was overwhelmingly positive, revealing a serious need for seniors and late bloomers wanting a career as a professional artist. Painting with experienced artists is an immersive experience, and it accelerates the process for new recruits. As a painting coach, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how well it works.

SIP and DBA need a bricks-and-mortar home base to operate independently. All the pieces converged in 2024—a great year in my book!

What about the 15-year Legacy part? Good question. I may not finish this one, but I expect SIP and DBA will continue long after I’m gone—and well beyond. There’s another service coming in the near future.

To further secure the legacy of artists, we’ve added Verisart certification and blockchain technology to our platform. These advancements ensure the authenticity and provenance of every artwork, giving artists and collectors peace of mind. The transfer of ownership is now a seamless, verified process, allowing artworks to be bought and sold with confidence. This makes DBA not just a marketplace but an incredible resource for any artist—preserving the value of their work for generations to come.

Check us out and let the magic happen!!

Follow us and join the journey. SIP is all about creating "The Best Wall Painting."