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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Pen for Hire by KM Wilsher


Yikes! I've been hired. Okay, well, the payment is barter -- but I've really been asked to write and being compensated for that writing. Help!

The task will be interviewing and writing a profile for an artist's website. She paints and draws and wants me to write up an interview with her and to write a short biography. So how do you do that for someone you don't know all that well?

Okay, okay. Qualifying questions, right? What, when, who, where, how and why. . . Did I miss one?

Can I ask you to assist? If you were a collector of art, or the buyer for a magazine, or making a video game and were looking for an artist/art -- What would you want to know about the artist? I mean, her art will be displayed on the website. What would you want to know? What questions would help/hinder your decision?

Any ideas?

(you don't have to have a blog to post comments. Just use the anonymous tool.)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'd want to know what inspires her art and how she started---funny stories about 1st artwork as a kid or stuff like that. Some artists donate time/money to a particular cause, such as help to low income youth--does she do that--it would probably hook people who are socially conscious. Hope this helps.

KM Wilsher said...

Wow, anonymous, thank you! Yes that helps so, so much. . .thank you for your comments!

I am grateful you stopped by and commented!

Nick and Aubrey said...

I second what anonymous said. I would want to know what inspires them, how they got started, if there are stories behind their artwork... etc. someone who has artwork with meaning or feeling is so much more for me than someone that can just paint well.

Anonymous said...

Yep, count me in. I'd want to know her source of inspiration. Also, how did she become an artist? Did she go to art school? Or is this mostly just innate talent in its raw form?

Congrats on getting the "job" **smile**

Tracy said...

Guess we're all in agreement here, 'cause I was thinking the same thing that Anonymous said. Huge congrats on the paying gig! Let us know when it's done so we can check it out! Blessings!

Kathryn Hupp-Harris said...

Interviews. That's something I can help with!

Inspiration is a good thing to know.

How did she decide to pursue art professionally?

I'd also want to know the artist's influences, her favorite pieces (her own art and other artists), background/experience and professional training.

I'd want to know what her goals are as an artist. Where do her wildest dreams take her?

What are her favorite mediums?

What variety of mediums has she worked with in the past?

Does she view each piece as her own baby? What kind of impact does her own art have on her life? (The latter is a better question to ask because it's not leading.)

Word to the wise, record your interview. At first, a recorder may seem a little imposing or intimidating, but once you and your interviewee forget it's there, it's easy to go back over it and, not only get accurate quotes, but also remind you of the energy of the person you've interviewed. Oftentimes that energy comes through in whatever you're writing.

I hope this helps!

KM Wilsher said...

Wow! What great feedback. More than I could ask or imagine! I feel so much more comfortable now.

Aubrey, Lynn, Tracy, thanks for your comments. Anonymous started with good stuff, huh? But each of you gave me something! Thank you!

Kat, I was secretly wishing you'd stop by. I actually have some questions to start with and the tape recorder hint is helpful.

I am so blessed to have all of you in my life! Thank you Lord for such beautiful, brilliant, creative people in my life!

KM Wilsher said...

Looking back again - really have what I need! I am confident now! whoo hoo!

Brandon Barr said...

Sounds like everyone else gave you great advice, so I'll simply add,

Congratulations!!

KM Wilsher said...

Thank you, Brandon B. . .:-)

TBD said...

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you! Let me know how it goes. :)