professional artists

Madonna took home the Artist of the Year award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Accepting the honor, the singer said she had spent the past year and a half 'finding myself,' a remark that framed the win as a personal as much as a professional milestone. Details about the ceremony and other winners were not included in the report.

Children's book illustrators are sharing artwork postcards as part of October's KidLitArtPostcard Day, a recurring event where artists post samples of their work for authors and publishers browsing for illustration talent. Participants are posting character art, book dummies, and style samples, with many using the day to make professional connections ahead of upcoming pitches and portfolio reviews.

Artist Evansky shared a set of loose, playful pigeon doodles, explaining that she wants her art to feel more fun and spontaneous after a long stretch of over-rendering her work. She notes that experimenting in this way can feel risky even for a professional artist, and she is working hard to embrace a lighter, less polished approach. The post has drawn an encouraging response from other artists dealing with the same struggle.

A musician has admitted, half-jokingly, that they still produce their work in GarageBand, Apple's free entry-level recording software, and argued it is barely distinguishable from pricier tools. They say the program has been hugely important for the new darkwave and synth scene because it is so accessible, letting bedroom artists make music without expensive equipment.

Australian music outlet Heavy Mag reports that GOOD LOCO is offering complimentary studio hire and consultation sessions, with the promotion tied to Australian Music Month. The offer is aimed at independent artists, particularly in the Sydney scene, as a form of career support. It gives emerging musicians a chance to access professional recording space and advice at no cost.

Artist Jenny Lam is marking the anniversary of her 2022 interview with CanvasRebel, a publication that profiles creatives. In the piece she discussed when she decided to pursue art professionally, her projects and inspirations, the mission behind her creative journey, and her resilience. She shared the article again, drawing small engagement from fellow artists online.

An artist going by Art by Noni has launched a personal website on WordPress to showcase her work. She says the site is still small but that she feels professional having her own art page, and she has shared the link with followers. It is a small-scale announcement that has drawn modest attention, reflecting how independent artists increasingly build their own online portfolios outside big social platforms.

Northwest Missouri State University will hold its annual Bach Family Festival on October 25, welcoming a guest artist for the occasion. The campus event celebrates the music of the Bach family and gives students and audiences the chance to hear the works performed alongside an invited professional musician. Further programme details have not been announced.

Coulee Art House is hosting an initiative that brings together the worlds of art and law, according to a report by The Star. The event highlights how creative practice and legal expertise can intersect, offering a shared platform for dialogue between artists and legal professionals.

A celebrity makeup artist has named five SHEGLAM products to watch this fall in a beauty feature published by Bustle. The roundup highlights affordable makeup picks for the autumn season, offering readers expert-backed recommendations as they refresh their routines for colder months and look for budget-friendly alternatives to prestige brands.

The Tyler Center at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is broadening opportunities for artists from Temple University's Tyler School of Art, according to The Temple News. The expansion is expected to give Temple students and emerging artists greater access to PAFA's resources, exhibition spaces, and professional development in Philadelphia's art community.