This will be my last view of this post as I feel I've answered all of your "points."
"I speak as a first-hand participant in four such publications, all with higher pricetags for participation."
-- Thank you, we are much more reasonable than the alternatives.
"Yeah,... I have no doubt whatsoever that YOUR publication is every bit as impressive as the ones I've been a part of. But let's get real."
-- Yes, we are a juried publication, so the work will be the best of what is submitted, and we have a great design and the highest print quality of any other.
"Look at the sheer number of artists wanting exposure. Look at the sheer huge demand on viewers of art to actually look at art. On a national or international scale, this boils down to a huge number of people who never have heard of the artist or never have seen the artist's works to develop an interest in him/her. On this same national and international scale, there are a huge number of museums, galleries, etc. being bombarded with queries and free publications to expose artists. These viewers looking for new talent probably have their information channels already developed, when it comes to hiring, buying, or otherwise enlisting new artists."
-- Interesting that you use the word "probably." Do you know for sure? Given our experience with New American Paintings, art world professionals and galleries are constantly looking for new artists to represent, sell and invest. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I have people on a daily basis, now that the first volumes are coming out soon, emailing me asking me how to subscribe. Galleries, consultants and collectors.
"I don't care how many free, beautiful publications they are offered, they seemingly just would not have any viewing time/energy left outside those channels. The whole game is just too big to make an impact as a strange artist to a strange viewer seeing him for the first time in a pretty, new, free art book."
-- Totally false. This is not an epic novel. This is a picture book. Art is their profession, and viewing the artists selected for printing would not be a burden. Especially when they learn that the people that publish it produce our other very reputable publication.
"The only people who ever contacted me form the books I appeared in were other artists asking me was it worth it. I always told them honestly that this depends on what you mean by "worth it".
-- I haven't seen your work, so it's hard for me to comment as to why other people do not contact you.
"If you are looking for a guaranteed return on your money of any kind, then I still maintain.. NO .. it's not worth it. If you enjoy the endeavor of being part of a quality publication, then YES, it is worth it to be a philanthropist for the artworld. giving away your money to support more art publications."
-- Please do not speak for the success of all of the artists that participate. Just because it was not worth it for you, that doesn't mean it's not a success for everyone. Just because you didn't get anything out of it, doesn't mean the person on the next page didn't either. We select the best work so that the chances of being contacted are greater. Of course it's not a sure thing, but what is?
"I believe that NEW artists need to focus their personal money on developing their own local fan base from the ground up,... while promoting themselves on the internet in free sites designed to do exactly what you do. Network, network, network. Of course, if you have the cash for an extra toy, then go ahead (like I did a few times) and buy a new toy. But these days, I just can't afford it, given what it returns practically."
--Not all artists are as talented as you are in regard to building a fan base from the ground up. I'm sure your methods have made you very successful in the art world. But, some artists need publications like ours to get themselves out there and it also serves as a nice addition to any portfolio or resume. Networking may come easy for you, but it is not everyone's strong suit. Like I said, this publication or similar endeavors may not be for you, but you cannot speak for everyone. Please speak, but speak from personal experience and do not make sweeping generalizations and speak for everyone else. Also, not having seen your work, I'm not even sure if the juror would have selected your work for this publication to begin with.
For those of you that have read this banter, and very lengthy posts, I hope you apply for the publication. For every person that has had a bad experience with magazines like ours, there are handfuls that have had great success. We look forward to seeing your submissions. As I will no longer be checking this post (because I actually do have work to do!), please feel free to email me at info@studiovisitmagazine.com
Thanks,
Drew
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