05 August 2016
If you're aspiring to become a successful artist, prepare yourself for some hard work ahead. Before you make it on the art scene, you'll have to deal with cutthroat competitiveness, countless commercial demands, and arrangements with which you might not feel entirely comfortable with. ‘How do famous artists do it?’ you might ask. Here are 7 tips to help you develop as an artist and find success in your discipline.
1. Polish your skills
You need technical abilities to realize your vision. It doesn't matter what medium you choose – strive to become an expert. Practise your technique for at least an hour every day and attempt to hone your strengths and focus on areas you find problematic as well.
Take full advantage of opportunities for education. Consider taking an online course such as the ones listed on StudySelect to boost your creativity. (http://studyselect.com.au/courses/?s=art&refine=1) Make the most of resources you can find online – artist supply manufacturers often have plenty of free literature, tutorials, and videos available to help you work on your technical skills.
2. Know what you want
The earlier you're clear about what you want, the better. When considering a partnership with a gallery, you should be able to tell them what you want out of it. Do you want press coverage, to connect with art dealers, connect with the art community or perhaps you need to make a number of sales to support yourself. Be upfront about your goals to make sure you’re pursuing the right opportunities.
But don't rush it – Katharina Grosse got her first gallery representation when she was 35. (http://www.art21.org/artists/katharina-gross)
3. Build relationships
Networking works for every industry, including the art world. Put together a database of contacts, and arrange as many in-person meetings with potential buyers as possible. If you've got a website, prepare marketing materials and engage your fan-base further with dedicated email newsletters that will keep them updated about your latest projects.
4. Develop a strong personal brand
The more techniques you learn, the more you’ll understand yourself, and the closer you'll get to developing a truly unique personal style that will serve as your brand. Think of Marina Abramović – every work she produces is very much in line with what the public expects from her – which isn't to say that she doesn't surprise her audience. (http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/07/wait-why-did-that-woman-sit-in-the-moma-for-750-hours/259069/)
She has a personal style – and so should you. It comes with a strong focus on specific topics combined with technical skill. This helps to achieve competence and mastery that can help produce consistent results and build a strong personal brand.
5. Join societies and enter contests
Start with small local art contests or student-level contests. You need that experience to become familiar with the format and be able to enter national and international competitions in your chosen medium. Get your work into a juried art show – this is already an achievement that strengthens your resume.
Keep in touch with your niche by joining relevant groups and societies. You'll enjoy their support and help in building your identity as an artist – for example, in the 1990s, Damien Hirst emerged as an integral figure in a prominent group the Young British Artists.
6. Create marketing materials
To sell your art you need to sell yourself. Do it by creating a strong personal brand and then make sure this is reflected in your marketing materials. A website showcasing your work is a must these days. How do you expect curators to discover your art without an online portfolio?
Print business cards and special letterhead as well. Sure, it's an investment, but it's going to pay off – you’re a professional artist, not a hobbyist, so treat your art seriously and help others see it that way too.
7. Work on something you really love
Choose topics and mediums that are meaningful to you and inspire you. You need this type of passion to thrive in the art world – otherwise, you risk your artwork becoming more about technique than emotional resonance.
And while skilled artist enjoy the respect of their niche, they don't become internationally famous if their art doesn't transmit something deeper – something that they freely offer to share with the world. Be generous, and you'll be on your way to achieving success.
If you want your art to be a thriving business, you need to treat it like a business. Invest in yourself, market yourself, network with art professionals and keep in touch with other artists. Establish yourself on the art scene and keep up the good work – success comes to those who refuse to give up.
1. Polish your skills
You need technical abilities to realize your vision. It doesn't matter what medium you choose – strive to become an expert. Practise your technique for at least an hour every day and attempt to hone your strengths and focus on areas you find problematic as well.
Take full advantage of opportunities for education. Consider taking an online course such as the ones listed on StudySelect to boost your creativity. (http://studyselect.com.au/courses/?s=art&refine=1) Make the most of resources you can find online – artist supply manufacturers often have plenty of free literature, tutorials, and videos available to help you work on your technical skills.
2. Know what you want
The earlier you're clear about what you want, the better. When considering a partnership with a gallery, you should be able to tell them what you want out of it. Do you want press coverage, to connect with art dealers, connect with the art community or perhaps you need to make a number of sales to support yourself. Be upfront about your goals to make sure you’re pursuing the right opportunities.
But don't rush it – Katharina Grosse got her first gallery representation when she was 35. (http://www.art21.org/artists/katharina-gross)
3. Build relationships
Networking works for every industry, including the art world. Put together a database of contacts, and arrange as many in-person meetings with potential buyers as possible. If you've got a website, prepare marketing materials and engage your fan-base further with dedicated email newsletters that will keep them updated about your latest projects.
4. Develop a strong personal brand
The more techniques you learn, the more you’ll understand yourself, and the closer you'll get to developing a truly unique personal style that will serve as your brand. Think of Marina Abramović – every work she produces is very much in line with what the public expects from her – which isn't to say that she doesn't surprise her audience. (http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/07/wait-why-did-that-woman-sit-in-the-moma-for-750-hours/259069/)
She has a personal style – and so should you. It comes with a strong focus on specific topics combined with technical skill. This helps to achieve competence and mastery that can help produce consistent results and build a strong personal brand.
5. Join societies and enter contests
Start with small local art contests or student-level contests. You need that experience to become familiar with the format and be able to enter national and international competitions in your chosen medium. Get your work into a juried art show – this is already an achievement that strengthens your resume.
Keep in touch with your niche by joining relevant groups and societies. You'll enjoy their support and help in building your identity as an artist – for example, in the 1990s, Damien Hirst emerged as an integral figure in a prominent group the Young British Artists.
6. Create marketing materials
To sell your art you need to sell yourself. Do it by creating a strong personal brand and then make sure this is reflected in your marketing materials. A website showcasing your work is a must these days. How do you expect curators to discover your art without an online portfolio?
Print business cards and special letterhead as well. Sure, it's an investment, but it's going to pay off – you’re a professional artist, not a hobbyist, so treat your art seriously and help others see it that way too.
7. Work on something you really love
Choose topics and mediums that are meaningful to you and inspire you. You need this type of passion to thrive in the art world – otherwise, you risk your artwork becoming more about technique than emotional resonance.
And while skilled artist enjoy the respect of their niche, they don't become internationally famous if their art doesn't transmit something deeper – something that they freely offer to share with the world. Be generous, and you'll be on your way to achieving success.
If you want your art to be a thriving business, you need to treat it like a business. Invest in yourself, market yourself, network with art professionals and keep in touch with other artists. Establish yourself on the art scene and keep up the good work – success comes to those who refuse to give up.
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