Greetings Artisan!

Let's talk about a challenge every artist faces today: getting attention in a world where EVERYONE is fighting for eyeballs.

We live in what I call the "modern attention economy" - a place where every possible trick for grabbing attention is being used to death. Snappy editing, bright colors, contrast, open loops, hooks, sex, violence, politics... if it can get attention, it's being exploited.

As artists, this puts us in a tough spot. We want people to see our work, but we're competing against experts who've figured out exactly which buttons to push to hijack human attention.

We know we need to compete but we are not often given the skills or techniques needed to really understand branding and marketing as an artist.

I have been working on putting together a way to understand some simple techniques for taking control of our own brand and artistic destiny.

I like to call this the Impact Framework and I have made a few videos about it recently (quite a few actually!).

In Episode 41 of the Visual Scholar Podcast I go over the basics of this framework. You can check it out here:

E41: The Right Way To Make Your Art 'Better'

​

A Better Framework

After years of navigating this myself (and making plenty of mistakes along the way), I've developed a way of thinking about this that has really helped me. I break it down into three parts:

1. Signal - Your unique voice, style, and message
​2. Volume - The techniques you use to amplify that signal
​3. Presence - Building consistency and connection over time

Most artists get this backward. They focus on volume (attention-grabbing techniques) before they've figured out their signal (unique voice). That's like turning up the volume on static - it's just loud noise.

Start With Signal

Your signal is the thing that makes your art uniquely yours. It's your style, your vibe, your feel, your point of view.

In the beginning, this signal might be weak or unclear. It might just be a feeling, an aesthetic you're drawn to, or a story you want to tell. That's okay! The important thing is to recognize it and give it room to develop.

Early in my career, I was so focused on getting attention (volume) that I didn't take the time to figure out what made my art unique (signal). I'd look at what was getting attention and try to do that - whether or not it felt authentic to me.

This works in the short term, but it's exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. You might get some likes, but you won't build a real connection with an audience.

And if you do get a job doing someone else's idea of what's 'good'... it can be nice for a while, but over the long term it's hard to sustain work in an industry or style or process you are not that into.

The Snowflake Effect

There's been a lot of push back against the idea that everyone is a "special snowflake." And in many contexts, that's fair.

But here's the truth for artists: Your uniqueness is your value.

This is especially true today with AI and automation. We've essentially perfected the formulas for getting attention. Anyone (or any algorithm) can create work that checks all the technical boxes.

What can't be automated is your unique perspective, your experiences, your weird and wonderful way of seeing the world.

Then Add Volume

Once you have a clear signal - a unique voice that feels authentically yours - then you can think about volume.

Volume consists of all the techniques we've developed over centuries to make art more impactful:

• Composition and color theory
• Contrast and rhythm
• Storytelling devices and hooks
• Technical skill and craft

These techniques aren't good or bad in themselves. They're just tools. The question is: do they amplify your specific signal, or do they distort it?

For example, using dramatic lighting might amplify one artist's moody, atmospheric signal perfectly. But for another artist whose signal is playful and whimsical, that same technique might feel forced and inauthentic.

Yet we are often trained in the 'right or wrong way' to make 'good art' Instead of focusing on what our key message is and what elements of craft to build to support it.

Build Presence Over Time

The final piece is presence - showing up consistently over time with your signal at the right volume.

This means:

• Paying attention to what resonates with your audience
• Refining your signal based on genuine feedback
• Building relationships with people who connect with your work
• Being consistent enough that people know what to expect from you

Many artists who initially find success struggle here. They hit on something that works, but then they get bored or distracted and veer off in new directions. There's a balance between artistic growth and maintaining the core elements that people connect with.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In the past, there was more room for artists who were just technically skilled. You could make a career being a solid craftsperson who executed other people's visions.

That's becoming less viable in the age of AI and global competition.

What will set you apart going forward isn't just technical skill - it's your unique perspective and voice. The "snowflake" part that educational systems often try to iron out of us.

A Simple Exercise to Try

Here's something practical you can do today:

1. Look at your recent work and ask: "What elements feel most authentically me?" Are there older pieces or abandoned ideas that are actually closer to what you think is good?
2. Now look at techniques you're using to get attention. Do they amplify those authentic elements, or are they distorting them?
3. Think about one way you could better align your "volume techniques" with your authentic signal.

Remember: Don't just make noise. Amplify your signal and style.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Does this framework resonate with you? Have you struggled with finding the balance between your style and getting attention?

I'll follow this up with a deep dive on where we often need to start... your Signal.

Cheers!
Tim