TIP 2: Art is a Social Thing – so Socialize!
Believe it or not art is a social thing. Artists rely on the support of other artists to survive, not just the patrons – and in a way artists are patrons of the arts too – and true professional artists understand this. If a show is not featuring you and/or your art is not being shown, it’s still a positive thing to show up and provide your support. This shows that you care about the arts in your community and you support it; along with those artists. Don’t let your ego get in the way!
All too often artists don’t show up to shows in their community. Some don’t even show up for shows where their work is being shown. A common excuse is “but it’s not my show, why should I go”
Because there are artists there, there may be someone with clout in the art industry; there are potential clients there as long as 1 person comes to the show. They may not announce who they are or what they can do, and you won’t know unless you talk to them. This gives you the opportunity to show these art lovers that you care about the arts, you care about other artists and it gives you the chance to market yourself.
For instance, I went to a show that hosted works of art from grieving kids. The work allowed these kids to express themselves positively. I had no work there at all but I went. There I found very influential artist who informed me of shows coming up, and now my work has been seen in two of their month long exhibitions gaining daily exposure.
I recently included my work in a show down in Arcadia. The host asked me for a brief summary of each work, which should include my artist statement, the inspiration behind why I took the photos I did, and where they were shot. I eagerly agreed, and his response shocked me. He said “thanks, believe it or not most artists won’t do that”.
Through experience, I’ve sold more art by being at the shows to tell people about the pictures. Let them get into my head and see it as I do. They can still have their own interpretation and I openly welcome that. However it gives a bond between artist and patron, and in today’s business world customers thrive for that bond. Since I can’t be there to constantly talk about my work, I was more than happy to provide the information he asked.
He then told me some more responses from artists when he asked them to provide this small outline. “The work should sell itself, if they can’t understand my passion behind it, then they don’t need to buy it” and don’t forget “If they don’t know where it is, then it can’t mean that much to them”.
All I can say is wow, egos are flying high.
I look at it like this; there are people out there that won’t buy a home for sale because of the current resident’s furniture or paint choices. Even though the furniture won’t be there when they move in, or a simple paint job by the new owner would fix the color problem, they won’t buy it because they can’t visualize it. They love the house, but that snag is what keeps them from their dream home. That’s why there are stagers, people who help the home tell a story, and giving the potential buyers something can see! With your art, you are that stager.
That concept is hard to stomach for an artist, but you must realize they are not artists, they don’t see things like we do. Sometimes people have to be told or shown what we see. Sure they like it, but it makes it even more special if they have the story to accompany it. You can do that simply by telling people about it on paper or in person – give them your story behind it, and you added value to your work.
So stop the excuses, if you’re too busy to show up for shows with your work hanging and/or too busy to show up for other artists then they will be too busy for you in your time of need; and you may be too busy to be a professional artist.
Missing some shows here and there is fine, you don’t have to go to every show in your city, but make it an appoint to show up to as many as you can, and BE SURE to show up at every show where your work is hanging, even if you are not the featured artist! Just swallow your pride and go. Failing to do that is nothing less than career suicide. Your absence tells the patrons you just don’t care, even if you really do and it tells the artists there the same message; believe me I know from experience.
Last year I never missed a show where my art was hanging, even if it was a community show or a show for another artist. You know, each one of them showed to my show where I was featured! They paid the favor back, and I made some great connections and friends along the way – a win-win situation.
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