Can This Economy Support Your Ego?

A lot of business advice given to artists involves spending money - on websites, jury fees, workshops, self promotion.  There are artists who become successful because they are able to "get their work out there."

There are probably just as many, if not more, who become successful because they don't.  Instead of working on the external, they turn their attention to the internal - improving their skill at producing work people want.  

In this economy each decision you make should be weighed against the criteria of what you expect in return.  Will this jury fee result in acceptance into a show that will raise my visibility and attract collectors?  Or will the work hang for a weekend, at a cost of framing and shipping and risk of damage? 

Spending money is fine, if it's spent wisely.  But the number of entries in the ego section of your vita - where things like Recent Exhibitions is listed, is not an accurate measure of success. I would place that measurement on number of entries in the bottom section of your vita, where "In The Collection Of" is listed.

Which part of your vita are you focused on?

Comments

[poster prints]

As Melinda points out there sure are a lot of vanity spaces out there that will allow you to hang your work for a fee. Basically this represents another wasted outflow of cash for many artists. Why does it seem like everyone is making money off of the artist's work except the artists themselves? Don't get me started on the high cost of artist's quality art supplies either.

[Daniel Sroka]

I have always hated the argument that to be successful you just need to "get your work out there." It's like says to find your future spouse, all you need to do is just "get out there." Yes, there is a tiny grain of truth in it. But it is a gross oversimplification. Showing your work, in any forum, does not directly and inexorably lead to sales. You have to evaluate, judge, weigh, and crunch the numbers.

[Ruth Andre]

Great article and one to remember. I have found the economy has guided me to refocus and look to new avenues where I myself can market my work. I still submit to shows but not as many. I have been lucky to be invited to shows but I am not expecting the shows to do more than exhibit my work. Finding other avenues like my new blog and painting what I want to paint has kept me on the right track.

[Melinda]

Excellent post. I come by and read, but don't comment very often--maybe this is my first time. However, your writing is compelling and timely. I've had you on my blog list for a few months now.

This is a huge issue for all artists to consider. And, let's hope they do so with the care you suggest.

My goal is to work. Period. Over the years, I've pushed a little to show and sell, weighing every opportunity against the standard questions:

1) Is the venue a legitimate one, or merely a vanity space.

2) Will submitting work and getting accepted fit with my overall view of my work and its journey?

3) Are there local venues with good standing that are available, reducing the risk of being ripped off by out of town, or out of state, opportunities?

The work is the primary thing. Paint doesn't lie. If an artist is doing more marketing than working, it shows. In addition, there are more and more ways to separate starry-eyed artists from their money than ever before. Have you read Joanne Mattera's post on vanity galleries? It's a must read for every artist who is eager to sell...as well as your blog.

Thanks for asking the hard questions.