Truth #1: The art world is changing rapidly.
It’s important to keep up. Subscribe to a few newsletters, follow blogs and/or people who post pertinent information, pick up a magazine.
Truth #2: Knowing what you want will make the journey less painful.
Make a list of what you want from your life and your career. Set goals for one year, five years and ten years from now. Keep your goals in mind every time you make a decision.
Truth #3: Community is crucial.
Seriously. If you decide to ignore everything else on this list, please believe this: your friends, colleagues and online network are the best resource you have for finding exhibition opportunities and accessing information and support.
Truth #4: Showing up in person still matters. So does behaving appropriately when you do.
Don’t try to promote yourself. Just be friendly and supportive and of course be prepared with business cards if anyone does ask. Show up to at least one opening reception or art event per week for the next eight weeks and notice what happens.
Truth #5: Gallerists (and curators… and collectors…) are people too.
Treat everyone how you’d like to be treated. Next time you find yourself feeing angry or slighted, keep in mind that you never know what’s going with someone else. Maybe they made an honest mistake or are having a really bad day.
Truth #6: Social media is a fantastic tool, but only when used properly.
Don’t only promote your work online. Share your work but also share others (with credit), informative articles and resources. Don’t use social media to go around a gallery’s submission policy. And remember, as an artist you are a public figure. Try to stay positive, productive and professional on social media.
Truth #7: Excellent support materials are priceless.
Review your materials. What could use improvement? Make a list and make changes. Never let your website get too out of date.
Truth #8: “Office hours” are necessary.
If you dedicate at least 25% of your art making time to career development – researching, submitting, networking, updating, etc. – you will see results.
Truth #9: You are your own boss, business and client. Act like it.
Give yourself a review. How are you doing? What could use improvement? What needs aren’t being met. Write it down. Make a to do list. Repeat every 3 months.
Truth #10: Your art isn’t working for you if it’s sitting in the studio.
Think of ways you can get your art out and seen where it can be working for you. Hang it in your friend’s busy office? Trade with another artist? Mount an exhibition with friends? Throw a studio party?
Truth #11: A good studio visit can do wonders.
Provided you have enough work to show, having someone into the studio is a great opportunity – to finish that piece that’s been dragging on, tidy up and organize a bit, receive some valuable feedback, gain some perspective.
Truth #12: Your career is a marathon not a sprint.
Every time you get panicked or discouraged, remind yourself of this. Wouldn’t you rather have a nice long run than burn out early?
The Big Lie: Being an artist is “easy.”
Dedicating your life to your art is many things – brave, honorable, exciting – but it’s not an easy road. Every single day write down a reason you’re happy, grateful or satisfied with your decision to pursue art as a career. It can be as short as a word or a sentence but do it. Some days you’ll need the reminder.