Appearances shouldn’t matter. They shouldn’t, but they do.
In his book, Blink, author Malcolm Gladwell says we have just seconds to make a good impression. Like it or not, people start forming an opinion of you from the moment they see you or your art, hear your voice, or read something you’ve written. From the moment you say I’m an artist the judging begins.
I don’t like to talk about an artist’s appearance. If I’m going to discuss improving one’s professional presentation, I’m much more comfortable discussing the presentation of the work: the matting, framing, wall labels, hanging hardware, pedestals, marketing material, and accompanying language.
Talking about how someone looks feels icky. But avoiding the subject isn’t helping my clients or you, dear reader.
With the increasing emphasis to be on video and social media—to show up and show your face—it’s not only important that you look your best. It’s critical that you feel your best. And looking your best can help with the feeling part.
My guest for this episode of the Art Biz Podcast is Brooke Harker, who has been working with artists on video for the past year in her capacity as the organizer of Saturday Night Live Art Shows.
You’ll hear how, after some very traumatic events, Brooke regained confidence with other people and in front of the camera. It was partly because of a makeup lesson, and we discuss makeup artist Samina Malik’s belief that your face is a work of art from God and you are a blank canvas. But her renewed confidence was also the result of a lot of inner work.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Brooke Harker.