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Some positive energy... but not the flaky kind... the real kind. Rants and Raving.
Okay. It is obvious from reading posts in the Community Forums that there is a degree of resentment towards the business of being an artist. I found it interesting that there are so many negative responses to valid questions from artists seeking advice of their peers regarding ones own career choices.
Although it is true that there are many organizations who benefit financially from artists who are looking to further expand exposure to themselves and their work, it is up to the individual to decide as to whether the money will be well spent. Most artists will ask the advice of other artists regarding such moves. It is not our responsibility to respond to any questions, but if we choose to respond to questions, it is our responsibility to one another, to very respectfully engage in the discussion and provide each of our opinions on the topic at hand. This is helpful, constructive discussion.
It is not helpful for any "artist" to provide the kind of advice that many of us (I included) had to fight hard against (both internally and externally).
This destructive advice often comes in the form of:
"you will never make it so do not try"
"do not spend money on marketing"
"do not do spend money to increase exposure"
I can say from experience that my single worst enemy was myself when it came to becoming a full time, self employed, steady income (by steady I mean getting paid every three months... but paid all the same - and retroactive). I had to get past a barrier that held me back on many levels for years. That barrier was the negative attitudes of people around me who more or less didn't understand that it is indeed possible to make a living selling art work. Allowing people to tell me that "its nearly impossible so don't waste your time" caused me to not have the confidence I needed to improve the quality of my work, to speak to galleries as equals, to actively seek out new audiences and clientelle.
That last point is really important... Actively Seeking New Audiences and Clientelle - means Exposure. It means reminding the public that you exist and that you are progressing and that you are serious. Showing artwork can get expensive. I hate the term "vanity Gallery" as it suggests that someone is willing to pay cash money to put their work into a gallery simply because they want to look like an artist. This may be the case in some "rental galleries" - but not always. Rental Galleries provide a service to artists who are looking for a gallery space to provide their new work within a reasonable time frame.Some artwork I have seen in "vanity" rental galleries has been absolutely brilliant and top notch... occassionally resulting the work finding its way into a contemporary commercial gallery a year later.
Seeking out "Representation Galleries" is both daunting, and very difficult. "Rep Galleries" or Commercial Galleries take on artist that they feel will progress over time, developing as an artist, and sell work very quickly (not always the case). Some rep galleries take chances on unknown artists that display a very unique or interesting style that they feel will be embraced over time. So, Rental Galleries and Commercial Galleries are options. The difference is spending money up front, or hoping that a commercial gallery will pick you up, sweep you off your feet, sell your work and send you half of what your work is worth... or less... it depends. Either way... you, the artists, are spending money. Any artist that thinks that 50% is too much commission to pay a gallery... probably doesn't understand basic business. Not saying that it isn't frustrating at times.. or mildly annoying. The point? Pay someone to sell your work for you, or sell it yourself. One is harder than the other.
-Another choice is the "Consignment Gallery" - which is less "representation" and more an agreement that you provide work and the gallery will show your work along with many others and will hopefully sell it. They will then take a commission and send you a cheque for the remainder.
I am just a concerned artist - Concerned that many of us are forgetting that some of us are serious visual artists who are trying to stay on course regardless of the difficulties that lie ahead. We do not do it for the fame, or the money. The chances of fame and big money are indeed slim, but it is not impossible to make an honest living and pay the bills through this career.
We face enough roadblocks from the general public, who, in North America, have an appreciation for art, but not necessarily for the needs of artists. We simply do not need the negative "advice" or artists who have had a few bad days/weeks/months/years, or became disillusioned. Ignore it. We cannot stop anyone from speaking their mind; as they absolutely have the right to do so.
Remember:
Long Term, Regular Exposure is very important. Starting a business takes time.
Show your work often.
Advertise, market yourself - postcards, local/regional arts magazines (not every town has this... but most major cities absolutely do. If you do not know if there is one. Google it!), newspaper arts sections, underground art & culture mags/papers - you would be surprised at the "punks" from '82 are spending their corporate cash on these days... fine wine and cigars? No. They are buying the same *@#* they have always loved: Music and Art.
Accept the fact that you may have to spend money today.
Realize that "sales" are the result of long term exposure... not simply exposure itself. I have had clients buy their first painting and say... "yeh, I have been following your work for 5 years - now I am ready to own one"
Improve yourself, and your work. Do it for yourself first: The level of honesty that comes through work that is produced for one person shines through and over shadows any work that is "produced to sell".
Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot. That is up to you to decide for yourself - and only after trying is that possible.
If you are reading this to the end, you are either going to respond with a "what baloney" or if you are a serious artist or gallery, as some of the folks on this website are, you may or may not agree with some or all of this. If you don't agree, and can offer further advice to artists starting out, or midway through, or contemplating jumping off of the proverbial bridge into the great unknown of self employed, full time visual artist - then please do.
It would be great to have a thread with some real constructive purpose rather than more unfortunate, sad sack, negative banter, that does nothing but force people away from this website.
Follow your gut...
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