Of Course You Know This...

Of course you know this...artists need websites.  Good websites.  Why?  Here are just a few reminders:

• Every gallery that has ever represented me found me first through my website and then approached me about representation.  Here's an example.  I went into a new gallery several weeks ago and introduced myself.  I almost fell over when the gallery director exclaimed "I know you.  I know your work.  I just sent you an email...."  Now he has a funny story to tell about how, after exhausting what he thought were all the local artists, he found me in a national search.

• I was recently interviewed for a book due to come out next year about people who successfully changed careers at mid-life.  This author found me first, through Ancient Artist, and then went to the websites.  She told me how she had reread my artist statement several times -- a very good reason to make sure you have the best possible statement.  How many opportunities might be lost if your statement does not intrigue them?

• In this increasingly challenging market, artists will have to take more responsibility for developing their own careers.  The discipline of maintaining a site will help you focus on new directions, building a good body of work, writing and talking about your work, setting goals for yourself, and reducing your feelings of isolation.  While you might wonder if there's anyone "out there" looking at your site -- and often it seems like the only people looking are from the Russian Federation -- know that quality attracts the right people, even when you don't realize they're there.

• Your "About the Artist" page will keep you motivated, either to enter shows (so you can add them to your vita) or submit to organizations (ditto, for the vita).  There's nothing more motivating than looking at your resume and realizing the your last show was the group exhibition from your college days.  

Of course, we know all this. But if you're like me, it never hurts to remind oneself about it now and again, because it's easy to become complacent. 

How complacent?

I had to go back to reread my artist statement after the interview, because I had no idea what that author was talking about.

Thankfully, I hadn't embarrassed myself. 

And thankfully, too, she only looked at the Elements Statement, and not the loser statement I have with my landscapes...now I have my next assignment.  Guess I won't be doing much painting this week. 

How about you?  Are you proud of your artist statement?  What methods did you use that made writing one easy?  Hard?

Here are some of the resources I've found helpful:

• I'd Rather Be In the Studio! by Alyson B. Stanfield

• Writing the Artist Statement by Ariane Goodwin

• Presentation POWER Tools for Fine Artists by Renee Phillips

• The Artist's Marketing & Action Plan Workbook by Jonathan Talbot with Geoffrey Howard

As an aside...my PC has been making humming noises for weeks now, which means that the power supply is most likely terminal.  So yesterday I purchased a MAC and will be trying to get files moved over and things back up and running.  No clear picture of when this will all be accomplished, but I am optimistic that I shall survive the transition and be back to posting in no time.

If you don't hear from me again, it's a sure sign that I got sucked into the hard drive and can't get out.

Comments

[Ujwala]

thank you. a timely reminder to work on mine :D the links will certainly come in handy. Congratulations on your new purchase. I might be able to help if you need some help with your mac.