Real-Life Communication
Sculptors use communication skills along with creativity to sell
their works. If they want to make a good income, they have to be aggressive.
"If
you really use your cleverness as an artist, you can make a living," says
sculptor Rick Silas. "Being a communicative person and communicating well
with people about what I do [and] using creativity to get a sale and close
a sale is very important."
Sometimes a sculptor will see a building
that could use a sculpture. The sculptor will then write a proposal to the
building's manager.
"The idea is to put together a nice proposal
that explains exactly what you want to do in great detail to whoever is the
most important person that you can get it to," Silas says.
A hotel
near your studio is undergoing renovations. They're removing a wall in
the main lobby and installing a large window to let in more light. You notice
that the building next door is white. During the day, the sun reflects off
the wall. The glare is going to blind the hotel's patrons.
You
want to write a proposal for a shattered glass mural. It will allow light
through, but won't blind the people in the lobby.
You're
going to call Mr. Chu, the president of the hotel. Before you send a proposal,
you want to ensure he's receptive to the idea. Make clear the benefits
of your idea and include the following points:
- Your previous work includes a sculpture of a glacier in the local museum
and a giant lobster in front of the local Happy Lobster restaurant.
- The price and exact details of the mural can be decided later.
Write down what you'll say to Mr. Chu.