We can thank Mariam Naficy, Founder and CEO of Minted.com for the celebratory Monday toasts! No case of the Mondays today, as April 3rd marks the 16 year mark of celebrating National Independent Artist Day. A National Holiday established in 2007 by Naficy, a woman in business who recognized the work of Independent Artists on her stationary website were outpacing ones of household names.
As an artist, getting your name and artistic style out to a broader audience to enjoy is a frustrating and financially defeating feat. Mariam saw Minted.com as more than a stationary website, but as an artistic platform to shine light on Independent Artists. Her vision was to give accessibility to indie art that catered to the eye of the consumer wanting something that felt personal and showcase the talent on a global scale. Believing in community support and resources, accessibility, and a passion to empower a creative culture in the world- an idea that maybe have been written down on her own brand of stationary is now a dream come true for so many Indie Artists.
From fine arts to makeup artistry, a leader in cultivating a professional artistic platform for artists of all follower counts comes from Vancouver, Canada. Katrina, a professional makeup artist and creator of The Artist Edit instagram page hosts an artist community of over 275k creatives. Her page features the works of mind bending independenet makeup artists who may not be social media sensations, but a talent that deserves to be seen to disrupt your algorithm.
An intricate eyeliner with abstract placement, or smoked out medley of unusual colors expertly blended will stop my scroll in its tracks. I click to see who created this piece to find an intimate following of 250 and immediately, I hit the follow button. I need more of this artistry in my life. As an early follower of The Artist Edit and an artist who has been honored to grace the page, the effort to gather an unseen community is meaningful, validating and continues the journey of self expression. The Artist Edit broke out when The Instagram Makeup Look was flooding the FYP. Visualize a sculpted ABH Dip Brow Eyebrow, the MAC Artist Eyeshadow look that never received its proper credit, winged liner, and contour craze that had the masses feeling like a Michelangelo sculpture. This was the gage of whether or not a makeup artist was talented in the eyes of the public.
Katrina comes in and creates the instagram that shattered the barometer. Finally, a community that respects an artist and from a professional working artist perspective. A culture of people that understands intentionality behind every stroke, every line, every color choice, and its composition.
The Artist Edit is truly a Happy Place for editorial artist that may not have the lucky strike to mainstream exposure.
Celebrate National Independent Artist Day by supporting local artists. Share their work, purchase a design, or share your appreciation for their artistic contribution to your life by adding some creativity to your Monday!
Written by Ana Siguenza, Founder & CEO of Blended Society Beauty.
Commenti