Learning to promote myself is like learning to crawl. My knees are sore, but I love the thrill of discovery. I recently completed a quick study with artist, Sand T. We spent some time talking in her Malden studio about everything she has learned over the years. Not only is Sand an accomplished artist, she is also very savvy about the business of art.
Sand described her process of promoting her shows: including how to find the right publications and the right people to view the art; how to time your emails and press release mailings so that they get to the right people at the right time; how to cultivate and nurture relationships in the art world; and how to maintain a positive attitude. Sand is brimming with energy and excitement about art. As I listened to her advice I was hoping some of her energy might magically transfer to me.
Some of what I learned from that conversation I might have found on an artists’ resource page. For artists in New England, the Artists’ Foundation is an excellent resource. But the personal connection, artists supporting artists, is so useful. The fact is, when I sit staring at one of those long texts or lists of things I should be doing, I can easily put off the necessary tasks. But, to witness another artists’ positive energy and to take in supportive advice is another thing altogether. I left Sand’s studio feeling re-energized and ready to follow her mantra, “keep up the hard work, keep up the hard work!”
Sand described her process of promoting her shows: including how to find the right publications and the right people to view the art; how to time your emails and press release mailings so that they get to the right people at the right time; how to cultivate and nurture relationships in the art world; and how to maintain a positive attitude. Sand is brimming with energy and excitement about art. As I listened to her advice I was hoping some of her energy might magically transfer to me.
Some of what I learned from that conversation I might have found on an artists’ resource page. For artists in New England, the Artists’ Foundation is an excellent resource. But the personal connection, artists supporting artists, is so useful. The fact is, when I sit staring at one of those long texts or lists of things I should be doing, I can easily put off the necessary tasks. But, to witness another artists’ positive energy and to take in supportive advice is another thing altogether. I left Sand’s studio feeling re-energized and ready to follow her mantra, “keep up the hard work, keep up the hard work!”