 This pandemic (Covid-19) has definitely caused me to be even more creative and engaged with social media in order to continue my art business. Well before now, I was looking into ways of teaching online courses or recording tutorials, but I never really had much time to invest. I tried to get started at least twice before, but the time it took me to edit things after recording was just too much, and I never followed through. First, I posted a couple short videos to YouTube, but it was hard keeping up with storage on my computer to maintain it. Next, I was considering Teachable, which gives course creators a lot of support and freedom with the way online courses can be designed, but again, it's still a lot of behind the scenes work necessary to record, edit, save, and then upload. I recently discovered Crowdcast and it has literally changed the entire game for me. Here are 5 reasons why I love Crowdcast.io and why all artists and creatives right now should definitely be using it. 1.) It is the most engaging and easy-to-use live streaming experience This is not an exaggeration. You can literally set up an account and go live in minutes in such a clear-cut way. The system makes it easy to practice beforehand (you can do test livestreams without them ever posting). As far as engagement, you have the ability to invite live event attendees on screen (similar to instagram live), talk with people through a chat box, post Q&As, polls, and even share your screen. It's like Instagram, Facebook, Zoom , and YouTube all in one, but with MORE. 2.) Storage is included and sessions are automatically recorded for you This was a big feature for me. Everything is literally recorded live, saved within the Crowdcast system, with the replay being available in seconds. I love that I don't have to worry about downloading the video to my computer, or waiting an hour for it to transfer to YouTube. You do have the option to download your videos and post them wherever you choose, but I really don't have the need to since I can share through Crowdcast. I also love that my entire library can be in one place. 3.) You can use it for different types of live events Users have chosen Crowdcast for a number of different event types: interactive webinars, live Q&As, workshops, online summits, online classes, etc. I've been using mine for live virtual paint parties, but I'm definitely considering it for these other uses as well. 4.) Easy registration for live event attendees  Setting up an online event can take SO much prep work already, I love that Crowdcast deals with registration for you. All you do is share your event link wherever you like, and once people register by email, Crowdcast notifies you, AND sends out reminders and confirmation emails for you. You also have the option to accept tips (contributions) and even hide attendees names from the public during the event. 5.) You can offer free or ticketed livestream events Crowdcast currently has 4 different ways for you to allow people to access your events.
Ya'll, Crowdcast is definitely a force to be reckoned with. If you've been considering making more consistent livestreams, and also getting paid for them, this is a platform I highly recommended. It is also fairly new, so I'd encourage you to get in now before the pricing skyrockets. Have any questions? Feel free to drop them below.
Interested in starting your own Crowdcast page? You can get more info and sign up here: Crowdcast.io
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 Due to the current pandemic, all of my in-person art classes have been postponed or canceled. As a result, I've decided to start virtual classes. During this time, I've received lots of messages from people asking about how and where to get supplies. With the risks associated with going to stores, everyone's best bet right now is to order supplies online. May things on Amazon have delayed shipping, but I've found a few products that will ship sooner. Check out my full list here: http://www.lizbrentart.com/my-faves.html   I grew up in a church home. Like literally, my dad (also an artist) was a pastor and had church in our basement every Sunday for everyone in the neighborhood to attend. I remember him staying up late on Saturday nights preparing for his sermon, getting up early Sunday morning to buy donuts for Sunday school attendees, and blasting Gospel music throughout the house to make sure we were awake and ready. He also painted scriptures on the wall of the basement, and hung hand-painted signs outside our home for big occasions, like Christmas and Easter, reminding passersby of the meaning of the day. I remember my mom was the secretary-- typing up all letters and announcements to send out to the community, organizing fundraisers, field trips, Gospel Fests, and answering any calls pertaining to church business. This was all in our little Englewood community on the south side. At a very young age, I also learned that their commitment to God started not to long before the time of my testimony. The short version is that I was involved in an accident when I was 9 months old. Glass cut me in multiple places around my head and face. As a result, I was pronounced dead. After 3 hours of crying and prayers, and ultimately acceptance, my parents decided to let go and leave my bedside. The EKG went from flatlined to active, and that was the start of my 2nd chance at life. This was a story I heard over and over as a kid, with my dad referring to at it at least once a week at church, and something I had gotten so used to. People called me a miracle baby. He still shares the story every time he preaches. It wasn't until I got older that I could really understand or appreciate that this was in fact my testimony and a miracle. God has been blessing me my entire life, with everyday being a new chance to live, and not just exist. I don't know why I'm sharing this now, but I just find myself especially inspired to. In these times there are is so much to be worried about, and we literally can't even predict the next moment. Remember that faith in God is something that we can continue to hold on to. The Bible says: Psalm 27 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. God Bless You! -Liz
Starting at the end of March, I'll be teaching a 7-week Intro to Acrylic Painting Through Landscapes for beginning painters on Wednesdays. In this class, I'll teach you the basics of acrylic painting to create beautiful landscapes while exploring a variety of color schemes and painting techniques. On Thursdays, I'll be teaching a 7-week Painting Cityscapes & Architecture in Acrylic for those of you who previously took my landscapes class, or intermediate painters with prior acrylic painting experience. In this class, I'll take your skills to the next level through teaching you how to paint detailed cityscapes and architecture from photos. We'll continue to build on the basics of color mixing and various painting techniques, and also learn how to compose representational scenes combining landscape features with more solid/industrial structures. Interested? You can sign up online for either class using the links above or this one: Click for registration. You can also register by phone if you prefer 847-475-5300 or in person at the Evanston Art Center. At my newest gig, the Art Makers Outpost, I have 2 BYOB workshops (Ages 21+) coming up. The first one will be Saturday March 21 at 6:30pm, Oil Pastel Flowers on Reimagined Surfaces. We'll explore the versatility of oil pastels to create beautiful floral paintings. You will be guided through a variety of techniques to leave with a display-worthy work of art on a reclaimed surface. Beginners welcome and all supplies provided. Click here to register. My second BYOB (21+) workshop at the Art Makers Outpost will be Mixed Media Texture Collages, Saturday April 25 at 6:30pm at the Art Makers Outpost. Working from our collection of reclaimed materials, you will learn how to create eye-catching mixed media collages. No experience? No problem! You will be guided every step of the way. Beginners welcome and all supplies provided. Click here to register. Hope to see you in class! -Liz Here's a look at artwork from my previous adult painting students: |
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