WyzGuy Minute Ep.3: Creating an Emotional Response Through Intention

A Glass Blower’s Companion with Jason Michael -Helping Today's Glass Artist Think Like an Artistic Entrepreneur

WyzGuy Minute Ep.3-Creating an emotional response through intention Throughout the years working at Disney as a glassartist, a common question I get asked is “what are some of the favorite items that I get to create”. There’s a few default answers I give but the answer to that question is “Anything that creates an emotional response “. Whether it’s a smile, laughter, tears and even sometimes disappointment. While last one isn’t always the best it can still be a positive response and here’s why! When you’re creating works of art you need to think about the person that is going to purchase what you’re creating. Even if you don’t know who that person is and whether you’re creating one-of-a-kind art or just simple production, every step of the creative process can be seen in the final product whether you realize it or not. Here’s a few questions I want you to ask yourself. -If a stranger with zero art knowledge gets to hold and admire an item you made will they be able to tell that it was well crafted? -Will they think an amature or new glass artist made it? -Will they immediately be able to tell that heart and soul was put into this work.? -Will they see and understand the imperfections were intentional or maybe due to oversight from a lazy artist? When creating your work I would like to suggest you put the effort into every step as if you are being watched by some of the most prominent glass artists and collectors in the industry. Don’t put pressure on yourself per say but treat everything you make with intention. It doesn’t matter if your a newbie and have only been behind the torch for a month or an O.G. like myself who been behind the torch for close to 20-years, you must make every step of the process intentional. If you see a step was missed ask yourself why you skipped that step. Why is your work looking the way it does? Here’s a great example: If you receive an order for 10- 3” wrap and rake spoons and the customer expects each one to look the same minus the color variation, are you going to just make 10 and then hand them off. Or are you going to make 15 of them and pull out the 10-that look the closest to each other? Say you make 20 spoons and none of them look the same. You need to ask yourself why they don’t match. Are you using a formula when creating a pattern? Have you broken down the process step by step before even turning the torch on? A customer has certain expectations and an emotional response will be the first reaction you receive from them. Pay close attention to your process and be intentional. Show your integrity as maker through your process, not the final piece but the actual process. Start off with a plan, make sure your glass is clean and your bench is organized. Write down what materials will be used for said item you’re going to make and truly be intentional. Every step counts and if there’s a step of the process that you struggle with then practice just that step. Find a way to refine the process and eventually everything you make will speak intentionality and in the end create a positive emotional response from your customer. Being intentional and paying attention to the details will change the way you perceive your work and many other areas of your life. Be open to critiques and don’t allow your ego to get in to way. Next time your about to turn on the torch tell yourself you are going to be intentional throughout the creative process and in the end the emotional response you receive from the customer will reflect who you are as an artist. And this has been the WGRM ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact: [e-mail] Become a Contributor by sponsoring the show on our Patreon Page www.patreon.com/wyzguyradio Gain exclusive access to the podcast archives and fun tutorial videos for as little as $12.00 a year ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPONSORS MOUNTAINGLASS.COM THEFLOWMAGAZINE.COM USE CODE"WYZGUY" AT CHECK-OUT TO RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION