Making a Living as an Expat in Paris with Marcus McAllister (#28)

What would it be like to pack up your art supplies and live in an
entirely new country? Today’s guest, Marcus McAllister, left the
United States over 20 years ago to live in Paris, and has been
making a living as an artist there for the past 17 years. In this
episode, Marcus talks about his decision to live abroad, his
sketchbooks, the sources of his income, and the importance of
relationships.

 


In this interview, you will hear about:




How Marcus has been scrappy yet intentional about his
business and career.




His sketchbooks (and why he doesn’t even walk the dog without
taking one with him).




Marcus’s first memories of living on an Army base in Little
Rock, Arkansas.




How Marcus ended up in Paris and transitioned to a full time
artist, and the transition within his career to getting
there.




The way Marcus overcame the language barrier and presented
himself as an artist to find work.




Why Marcus thinks it’s hard for artists to call themselves
artists, and why it’s important for artists to own that
title.




The dedication Marcus has to always having a sketchbook on
him, with over 100 now in his possession.




The different sources of income Marcus has including original
work, mentoring, and hosting workshops.




How Marcus keeps his expenses minimal, and is open to be
vulnerable and authentic when times are financially tough.




The connection between creativity, struggle, and doubt.




Marcus’s go-to marketing methods and how he promotes his
shows.




The important connections Marcus has made through his
relationships over the years, and why he thinks all artists
would benefit from spending more time cultivating
relationships.




How Marcus makes the initial contact when networking, and how
he follows up and stays in touch.




His tradition of Sunday teas in the studio and the importance
of listening to your gut and knowing when it’s time to evolve
and shift into something new.




How working as an artist can involve a lot of solitude, and
Marcus’s advice to artists who aren’t as gregarious as he is.




Etiquette for networking at events as an artist, and why you
shouldn’t be afraid to let those business cards fly.




 


Resources:





Marcus McAllister http://www.marcusmcallister.com/




Marcus’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ateliermarcus.mcallister/




Video Interview with Cynthia Morris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz5P1Wqpl7o




Marcus’s Journals on Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZOZ6jVWCT4




Show notes and comments
https://artbizsuccess.com/mcallister-paris-podcast