We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacki Cohen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jacki, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic was instilled at a young age by my parents primarily by my dad. My dad always said, work hard, play hard. He went over and above at his job. He was the encouraging driver when I entered school to be the best I can and give 110% always. I am the firstborn child with the stereotypical “Type A” personality. My husband says that I am a Type A+++ personality. I am very a disciplined person. I am regimented about my daily workouts and diet. My personality leads to treating my art n the same manner. I am controlled when it comes to my studio hours. I work in my studio at the same time each day. My daily routine is consistent for me to be productive with my glass. I produce a large number of pieces and work alone. If am wasn’t militant about my workdays, I would not be as productive and I couldn’t maintain a business. I work in my studio in the mornings and early afternoons creating glass and save my computer/clerical work for the late afternoons when I am less creative. All these personality components both innate and learned have contributed to my strong, dedicated work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My focus is as a creative, I am a glass artist. What I think is most special about my glass art is that my personality is woven throughout each piece of glass that I create. It’s like my DNA is a part of all my art. My outgoing, positive, and happy personality shine through my art. The passion and spark that I have for my medium are evident in all my creations. Each piece is unique and has a touch of whimsy. Bold design and vibrant colors layered pushing the boundaries describe my art. My goal is when you admire a piece of my art, you smile and it brings you joy. My glass art is all created by me in my local North Scottsdale studio. I am a full-time glass artist that accepts private shopping experiences by appointment and I do limited art shows. I also show at exhibitions and galleries. I am very honored and excited to be juried in Hergerger this spring for 2 separate exhibits. The Grand Canyon Exhibit is February 3-April 2 and Celebration of Women II, HERStory is March 3-April 6 then moves to Shemer Art Center May 25-July 13. I show at Hidden in the Hills, the Friday, Saturday, & Sunday before and after Thanksgiving.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most important qualities and skills to possess as an artist or creative are: 1) Discipline. Be diligent and consistent with your time. One must practice becoming better at your craft. Once you are experienced, this creates natural confidence. Experience and confidence will allow you to push your limits, and experiment to create truly unique pieces. Pushing the envelope will lead you to discover exceptional, unique art. The old adage-practice makes perfect does ring true. You will improve your skillset followed by improving your confidence.
2) Left brain/right brain usage. If you want to be a professional you must possess these qualities or hire someone to handle the business end of your art. If you want to sell your art you need to position yourself in a selling arena through art shows, eCommerce, websites, social media platforms, newsletters, galleries, retail stores and/or exhibitions. Branding and marketing play a big role in assisting your selling goals.
3) Vulnerability. Put yourself out there. Apply to shows, exhibitions, and competitions. There are endless opportunities both in person and online only. Get your name and artwork out there. If no one sees it, you are not accomplishing your goal. The timing will never be perfect.
Appy and learn from rejections. Similarly to an actor, artists receive many rejection letters. Reasons are varied and do not often reflect on your ability/talent. The piece simply could not be the right piece the jurors or judges were looking for that particular show. You will get accepted and learn from each experience. Each experience will contribute to our confidence and you will apply to more challenging places. Try.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
My challenge today is common to many people but to navigate a work/life balance. My blessing is to have an amazing home (detached) art studio, and a dedicated space for my art and customers to shop. I am able to be productive having my studio at home due to the constant checking of my 3 kilns and the proper time to open the kilns based on temperature. The curse is I often work every day of the week including weekends to keep up with my demand. That is easy to solve, my added challenge is that I am so fortunate to have a toddler grandson who (not so fortunate) lives out of state. I have added traveling to see him every 3 months in addition to the decent amount of vacation/travels my husband and I do. I struggle to meet my art demand and not work every day of the week in between travels and not feel stressed when I take a day off, thinking about all the pieces I need to attend to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JackiCohenGlassArtDesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackicohenglassartdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackicohenglassartdesigns/
- Linkedin: Jacki Cohen
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackicohen
