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