Of course your art will delight some people immediately upon introducing yourself. But how can you take an extra step to see that they’re also delighted by you as a person?
In order to delight someone, there must be an element of surprise. It’s a gift that seeks nothing in return but the light in recipients’ eyes.
Delight Someone (Everyone) Read
If you find it difficult to introduce yourself as an artist, you’re not alone.
“I’m an artist” doesn’t seem to roll off the tongue easily for some people. And yet it’s critical to be able to say those words with confidence.
This is a topic I never could have dreamed up while I was working in art museums. It wouldn’t have occurred to me that artists would have a hard time introducing themselves. After all, what you do is so cool. So creative. So magical. It seems like all you have to do is say, “I’m an artist” and the conversation opens wide.
But what I’ve learned in the years since working in the museum bubble is that it isn’t always that easy to say I’m an artist. Then, when the words finally do come out, what do you say after that?
It seems to be easier for people with art degrees, especially MFAs, to proclaim their profession to the world. Perhaps it’s because there is a physical piece of paper that says you completed a curriculum to the satisfaction of an institution. Regardless of any outside job you may hold to support yourself, you know at heart that you’re an artist.
Having said that, I know it’s difficult even with that piece of paper for some people who aren’t working full time on their art careers to assume the title of Artist, with a capital A.
There isn’t an official governing body that confers the title of artist on anyone. “Title” isn’t exactly the right word here, but I think you get my drift. You don’t have to pass any licensing boards or get certified to start calling yourself an artist.
For most artists, there isn’t a turnkey moment when they can proclaim, “NOW I know I’m an artist.” It’s more of a slow, steady slog on the way to the day you finally feel worthy enough to say it out loud.
This is why it can be difficult to introduce yourself when you are in the process of becoming. You must summon your courage and present yourself as you want others to see you.
Read or listen to the podcast.
The Art Biz ep. 65: Introduce Yourself Confidently as an Artist Read
The arguments against using your given name are 1) that it’s difficult to spell or pronounce or 2) that it’s too common. Do you see how these two problems are exact opposites: one is too hard and the other too easy.
Would You Benefit From Using a Different Artist Name? Read
It doesn’t take a genius to understand why nobody came to your art show.
Let’s set aside the bad weather, natural disaster, flu epidemic, or major tragedy in the community. And not count people who are out of town or live too far away, or those who have tickets to the theater or are nursing a sick child.
We’re going to focus on the able people on your mailing list who would be most inclined to come out and support you. Except they didn’t.
The reason they didn’t come is because you assumed too much.
Let’s look at 4 ways this might have played out.
You assumed the venue would get the word out.
Oops! You’ll never do that again. Venues, regardless of the type of venue, have an entire program of artists and exhibitions lined up. Sorry to break this to you: you are but a small fish in their big pond.
What’s important to you isn’t always critical to them.
You can’t rely on the venue to get people to your exhibition.
You assumed people would see your invitation on Facebook.
You can’t post an invitation once or twice to social media and expect results (especially these days). I don’t know about you, but
Why Nobody Came to Your Show Read
The Artist’s No-Excuse Weekly Self-Promotion Routine is printed on the inside cover of the 2011 edition of my book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio.
Five years is a long time in this fast-paced world, so it’s time to update that list and make it workable for late-2016.
There is such a thing as a promotional campaign, but mostly I want you to think about your promotions as ongoing. You’re consistently sharing your art with the world. It’s a routine you commit to.
Perhaps it would be helpful to see what a self-promotion routine could look like. But before we get into it, I have a note of caution.
Don’t take this literally. This is just an example.
I don’t mean to imply that you should do these tasks on the day of the week that I assigned them to. Obviously, you should move things around to work with your schedule and goals.
Nor do I want you to think that you need to do all of these tasks every week. You might select one or two under each day for the current week.
Make it work for you!
As you work on your self-promotion routine, remember
Weekly Self-Promotion Routine for Artists Read
Your art opening is not the end. It’s only the beginning.
It’s common for artists to be bummed after an opening. So much work went into making the art, promoting the event, and installing it. No wonder you’re deflated when you wake up the next morning.
This is when you must soldier on. You have artwork hanging in a public space, and it’s the perfect time to get some things done that couldn’t happen if your art had stayed in the studio.
The fun starts now with these 5 To Dos.
When your work is hung in a beautiful setting, you want pictures!
This is no time for amateur hour. You need fantastic photos to use in your promotions and to document the occasion.
Get photos of:
5 Crucial Things To Do After Your Art Opening Read
If you’re feeling a little like a wallflower or left out of the art conversation, here are six tips – short of renting billboard space – to get you back on the radar of the VIPs in the art world. Most of these actions work well with arts administrators, arts writers, gallery directors, or curators. Any one of them would be a step in the right direction.
6 Ninja Tips for Getting Noticed Read
If you have a big event or art exhibition coming up, don’t wing it. Create a promotional plan for peace of mind. 1. Define the individual tasks – make each one as specific as possible. They should require just one step to complete. David Allen calls them next actions.
Make a Roadmap for Success Read
A few weeks ago I received an impressive email from Elaine Kehew, my client in Nairobi, Kenya: “I wanted to send a big thank you to you. I have experienced a huge increase in sales in the last two months. Between different kinds of promotion for my upcoming exhibit (which is selling before the exhibition date- oh my goodness!) and finally using my mailing list, I am really moving paintings.”
4 Quick Videos You Use in Your Art Marketing Read
Doesn’t it feel good when other people say nice things about you and your art? It’s easy to pass along this sensation to those you care about. Sharing the stage and shining the spotlight on other people will turn them into fast fans while taking some of the weight off of you to promote your work all of the time. It will also make you feel good!
Share the Stage to Make Fast Fans Read
Get a transcript of episode 182 of The Art Biz (Rethinking Mailing Lists for Artists) followed by a 3-page worksheet to evaluate the overall health and usage of the 3 types of artist lists.
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