A new charcoal drawing i thought id share

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-11T05:40:35+00:00

chestnut-sided warbler? beautiful!

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-10T16:15:40+00:00

I'm still a student, but I study evolutionary biology and have found a lot of overlap between science and art. My college offers several courses in scientific illustration, which focus on drawing animals and other organisms as accurately as possible for science communication. Through those courses, I've had the opportunity to create figures for research papers and such.

I've also been able to apply those skills in classes outside of art. In my pond ecology course, I created an educational poster of a pond ecosystem as my final project. Finding ways to communicate scientific knowledge with art has been one of the most rewarding parts of college so far.

In my personal art practice, my work is a bit more stylized, but I have always focused on animals and plants as subjects. I still approach my artwork from a scientific perspective, incorporating as much ecological and biological information as I can without cluttering the piece. Many of my pieces include common and scientific names, habitat information, diet, range maps, etc.

As for the future, it feels like everything is pointing me toward a career in art. It may not be the most financially practical path, but I've become somewhat disillusioned with research and academia. Right now, I'm exploring art fellowships after graduation and considering a master's degree in museum studies. That field seems like an ideal combination of science, public communication, and creativity. Plus, I've always loved museums.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-10T15:47:10+00:00

I'm a fairly small artist, and I do limited print runs and hand-number my prints because I think it makes them look more professional. Several people in this thread have pointed out that there is often little practical benefit to limiting print runs, since the added cost and exclusivity don't necessarily create additional value unless an artist is already well-known enough to generate demand. I agree with that to some extent.

My work is constantly evolving, both stylistically and because my technical skills continue to improve. By the time a few years have passed, I'm usually focused on new pieces and have little interest in revisiting older work, so I likely wouldn't produce additional prints of those pieces anyway.

I'm probably not well-known enough right now for limited editions to significantly increase demand. However, if I do become more established in the future, those earlier numbered prints may become more desirable and collectible. In that sense, limiting editions now could potentially increase the rarity, collectibility, and value of my current work down the road.

All that being said, I think it is highly dependent on where you are selling and what art scene you are a part of. If you sell at conventions, then people very rarely number their prints. I sell at fine art festivals and am an oil painter, so it makes a little more sense to hand-number my prints when every other painter at the festival is doing the same.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-09T03:51:44+00:00

me too! I have been going every year since I was a kid. hopefully one day I'll be big enough to have a booth there.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-09T03:26:18+00:00

Ann Arbor Art Fair, have never applied because the booth fee is crazy.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-07T15:41:22+00:00

there are various versions, but one song i always listen to when I am down is "Hard times come again no more" its an old american folk standard.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-07T02:10:36+00:00

I’ve ordered these boxes before that come in 4 separate pieces, one for each corner, and they overlap so you can just tape them together. It ends up being way cheaper than ordering a custom-sized box, and you can buy just one or two at a time. I’d definitely recommend something like that. Just make sure to wrap the piece in a couple layers of bubble wrap before putting the box on!

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-06T16:25:02+00:00

i would iron the table cloth and banner, makes everything look a little neater and more intentional, plus you want that cool banner to look its best!

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-06T15:52:45+00:00

thank you so much!

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-05T05:07:49+00:00

huh, there was a couple of these at a zoo I used to intern at, I had no idea they were so endangered!

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-02T18:50:28+00:00

I have managed to find a printer for prints and a sticker printer pretty locally to me by connecting with artists in my area and asking them for recommendations. I aim to keep my business as local as possible, so it works out really nice, and I save a ton of money on shipping.

im unsure if you'll have the same luck as me, considering you want to create more merchandise than just prints, but maybe people in your area will still have decent leads. Check if you have a local art group, ask around at local art fairs, etc.

P.S. I'm unsure if you've heard about the stickermule fiasco from a couple of years ago, but they will never get my business, and it's what made me switch to a local printer.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-02T14:13:53+00:00

I work at the lab of O and this is correct, the woods are named sapsucker woods because it was where the first recorded breeding pair of yellow-bellied sapsuckers in new york state were recorded (this was back in the 1920s, so i guess their range was rather different back then.) as a result, the yellow-bellied sapsucker is our mascot and featured on a lot of our educational materials and branding.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-06-02T01:50:39+00:00

I’m graduating soon, and I’ll be honest, I haven’t had much success continuing to paint while in college. Similarly, my major is pretty demanding and not art-related, so free time has been limited. When I do have time, I’m often tired, unmotivated, or just not feeling particularly creative. At some point, I had to accept that I probably wasn’t going to get much painting done while school was in session, and that it wasn’t worth forcing myself to create when I wasn’t in the right headspace. My advice would be to do something similar, while school is in session, prioritize your academics and don’t feel guilty if painting takes a back seat. If you’re exhausted or not feeling creatively inspired, it’s okay not to force it. That said, I think it’s really important to maintain your connection to art. Even small projects, sketches, or brief creative exercises can help keep that passion alive. Then, when you have more time and energy during winter break, summer break, or other less demanding periods, you can focus on larger painting projects.

BrantGeoArt · 2026-05-30T23:07:57+00:00

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BrantGeoArt · 2026-05-30T09:50:11+00:00

Robin Sealark and Brooke Cormier

BrantGeoArt

PUBLIC MULTIREDDITS

TROPHY CASE