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KS-Music and Arts, Issue #003 -- On How To Use Information
December 07, 2017

On How To Use Information

Figuring out what kind of information architecture strategy is needed for a particular project can be thought of in the same way as architectural blueprints for a building.

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Hello,

  Today's Newsletter will focus on Art Licensing mostly: one of my readers (and new subscriber) has asked me a specific question and I have promised to do my research. I am sure that more, among you, are interested in this subject. However, as always, I have to link my chosen topic to all of my fields. The above quote refers to the "Information Architecture", an extremely interesting (and quite recent) concept that should concern us all, as we build out websites/blogs, etc. I have assembled a best list of web addresses that give sound info about it:

About the image above: Gaudi's plan of the Iglesia de la Colonia Guell, Barcelona (1898-1915).

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https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2015/02/the-ultimate-guide-to-information-architecture/

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https://www.webpagefx.com/blog/web-design/information-architecture-101-techniques-and-best-practices/

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https://medium.com/@racheej/information-architecture-101-f3ebdbe35dcf .........................................................

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ia-vs-navigation/

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https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/ar-infoarch/

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    As an SBI'er (you will find an introductory video about the web host services I adore in my blog page), I feel that I am driving a real Rolls Royce. We get all the crucial info, guidance, integrated SEO, and much more. As another, successful SBI'er has put it, we truly get an MBA in business!

    Even so, when I was presented with the (sound, for everybody else) advice from my host, I had to make unusual decisions about how to structure a website of a not-so-typical person: me! So, I bypassed a lot, and decided to actually give "manual instructions" in my Home page. While, at the left column, I grouped my interests and I am (still) trying to keep up with my blog.

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About the image below: Plan of the first floor of a city dwelling for Mrs. Susan L. Dana, Springfield. From Frank Lloyd Wright's early period (1893-1909).

I have kept the above drawing of Frank Lloyd Wright for a simple, yet important reason: his work has been linked to that of J.S. Bach whom he used as an example of prowess in structure to his students. So, I will be coming back to him, as we explore more about the secrets of that concept.

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   The marriage of computing and information systems within the architectural design programs of today, often concealed in the algorithms that run them, has given architects new and amazing tools for designing the impossible. "Outside" information has also become crucial to architects: from environmental issues to earthquake/fire/whatever resistance materials...we are facing a new generation of architects ready to create/mold these materials in astonishing new forms (Zaha Hadid, being one of them: her recent death is considered a great loss for the world of architecture).

FASHION DESIGN and INFORMATION.

   Fashion designers of today are compelled to use information that changes at high speeds: from fashion trends to the latest innovations in fabric, they must be constantly on the watch. Contrary to popular belief, great fashion designers (not "copyists") are incredibly well read. Karl Lagerfeld, chief designer of the Chanel House, has an immense library that rivals any public library! These people are real geniuses: it takes more than talent to be able to foresee social and economy changes, and yet keep a fresh (but highly recognizable) style.

   Computer Aided Design (CAD) that is now used by most fashion designers, shows the same intricate informative systems behind the scenes (drawing a simple line, for example) as that one used by architects.

The image above, marking the Music Section, is a detail from one of my paintings under the  title "The Musicians".

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PIANO PERFORMANCE and INFORMATION.

Pianists who perform mostly music between 1750 (J. S. Bach's birth date) to 1950, rely on an incredible amount of well documented data: this data comes from both their teachers' tradition as well as from books. However, when it comes to the mid-20th Century and past it, the problems they have to face become more serious. Experimentation (from the side of composers) had already started after WWI. As one composer has put it: "this war has changed everything." Imagine how much WWII has been responsible for the radical changes that followed. So, new books were written about "performance practices" of New Music. And yet, not all is covered. So, when a pianist (or other musician) has the opportunity to perform this more recent music, it is advisable to contact the composer him/herself. No book will ever replace this information!

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PIANO TEACHING and INFORMATION: this makes a huge chapter by itself! I have a lot to say, but I have promised to focus more on Arts Licensing in this issue. However, I will address that (together with the promised elaboration on my own "methods") in the next issue.

The image above marks the Painting Section: it is a detail from a work of mine, inspired by Paul Gauguin's "Visions After the Sermon" and carries the title PG-VATS-2. PG stands for his initials, and VATS for the initials of the title of his painting.

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ART LICENSING and INFORMATION. This marks the beginning of a series of short articles with comments/answers concerning the field of Art Licensing. The question my new subscriber asked me was this: "great information, Katerina, but where do I start?" This is indeed a very serious question. I will refer my new friend (and all of you who are interested in licensing your art) to my web page first: www.katerinastamatelos.com/art-licensing-agents.html

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Now, here is your first "assignment" (excuse the expression, but I have been a music educator for over three decades: teaching has become second nature to me). Please, click on every single agent on the list. Yes, I know they are over 50 of them, but this is crucial. You will see that almost all use two filing systems: they file their images under both genre (or category) and artists. ("Images by Genre" and "Images by Artists," as an example by the very first one on the list). And then again, some will only have their artists (accompanied by short bios) listed. That's fine, too. Some of them have apparently stopped working, but I have not (yet) removed them from the list. The reason is simple: it gives you an example of how easily an apparently strong agent may become "obsolete." This alone should make you very careful as to whom you want to approach.

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Your second part of your assignment is this: study the categories FIRST. Where there are none (only artists listed) leave it for later. Can you envision your art as part of any of these categories? And, if you do not find one that "fits," do not despair: if your art is excellent, you may be a "missing link" for a particular agent!

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And now comes the third part (and most important one) of your assignment: study the artists (and their art) extremely carefully. I am sure you will be drawn to some in particular. These are the ones you should be studying the most, as you might have something in common. Now, ask yourself: what exactly has attracted you to some artists (and not to others)? Is it the art of their sketching? The color? The humor? The perfection? The originality? Or all of them? Now, you have the answer: it is a carefully designed combination of (almost) all of the above.

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You should spend most of your study time in the third part. However, the fourth part of this assignment will give you most of the answers you are seeking. Can you see yourself among these successful designers? Meaning, with your own, unique style? A style that could possibly fit into one or more categories and yet be recognizable for its originality?

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You have 15 days to study all of this information very carefully. Do not worry, I will come up with more..."assignments" in my next Newsletter.  And, be careful: do not submit yet! There is plenty of work to be done before you embark on this journey.

Yes, you guessed it: the above image (a manuscript by J.S. Bach) marks the Composition Section.

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COMPOSITION and INFORMATION.

What I have described above (in the Piano Performance Section) now has to be applied by flipping sides (when it comes to composing New Music). That means, it is the duty of the composer to get as much advice from the direct contact with a performer: no written books about "New Techniques in Composition" will replace that (of course, these books HAVE to be studied as well). On the contrary, these books might give the composer a wrong impression of what is playable and what not (it has happened to me).

BUSINESS and INFORMATION. 

Today, I will briefly discuss just this: the most important information you will be needing for your (Home) Business has to do with yourself! You should start by this question: who am I? (Not "who I would like to be"). What makes me happy? What makes me "tick"? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Is there a field I am really good at? Do I like working alone or in partnership? Do I love spending time outdoors or at home? What are my strongest hobbies?

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These are enough questions for the business part for now. Your answers to these questions will determine your business decisions. More about it, in the next issue.

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   As a conclusion, do not forget: due to the upcoming festive season, I will have special offers coming up just for my Newsletter subscribers! So, if you have enjoyed this issue, please spread the word! Let friends of yours take advantage of these special offers as well!

Cordially, Katerina

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