Virily Editor
As an aspiring artist, you are likely to have at least thought about the possibility of professionally sharing and even marketing your work at one time or another. If you’ve happened upon this article, it is equally likely that you’ve been thinking more about this as of late and could use some advice on how to get started.
Sometimes, the right information and direction can make all the difference between trying something that is new and somewhat risky and letting the dream vanish without even trying to make it a reality. If you think your work has what it takes and you don’t relish being in that second category, keep reading. Today, we would like to share with you five simple things you can do to open the right doors and win the respect you and your creative vision deserve.
#1: Create a Detailed Bio
- Your artist bio serves many purposes, including:
- Introducing your work
- Explaining your vision and inspiration
- Conveying the depth and meaning of your art
- Connecting with the right people
Your bio doesn’t need to be long and drawn out to have a significant impact. Don’t go off on tangents and keep the language simple enough for anyone to understand. There will be plenty of points to cover so don’t spend too much time on any single one. Your artist bio should be an excellent explanation of your art and what it means to you, but it should also leave room for gallery owners and critics to form their perspectives and conclusions.
The quality of the writing here matters. If you aren’t the best at conveying thoughts and ideas through the written word, don’t try to complete this task on your own. Seek the help of a online essay writer – preferably one with a background in the kind of art you create. Gather up your notes and rough draft (if you have one) and let the pros organize the information into something that will impress.
#2: Develop Your Elevator Pitch
When called upon to explain your work and what it means to you, it is essential to have a well-developed, scripted response that you can convey in a matter of minutes (seconds is even better, but don’t cheapen your work with hurriedness and flippancy). Your pitch should cover the main points in your bio with an emphasis on the art itself along with its meaning. Try to anticipate any common questions or objections and include them in your pitch before they have the chance to be asked.
Practice your pitch until you have the details down 110 percent. This will help safeguard against freezing up or stammering over your words when your nerves kick in. The more steady your delivery, the more confidence in your work you will communicate with others.
#3: Network, Network, Network
There are many things you can do to make sure your efforts get noticed by the right people. Here are just a few ideas:
- Interact with fellow artists both online and in real time
- Attend gallery openings for work that is similar to yours
- Dress well whenever attending openings and other relevant functions
- Turn of your phone before any meeting, party, or event where curators, gallery owners, or investors might be present
- Be visible on social media – both on your pages and those of other artists, curators, or the like
- Maintain a professional, mobile-optimized website and blog and add new content regularly
- Create a professional email address and voicemail greeting
- Carry business cards with your site and social media addresses featured prominently
If you can’t do all of the above, cover as many bases as possible. Every one of them will put you in front of people who can further your efforts.
#4: Maintain Absolute Professionalism
Remember, you are an artist, not a salesperson. Even in the face of criticism, remain neutral or positive. Treat all criticism as constructive also if it isn’t presented that way. In short, be the most professional person in the conversation. Art dealers, gallery curators, and the like can be a bit hyper-critical at times to maintain your professional demeanor no matter what. Your conviction about your work has the power to sway even the harshest critics so use it to your advantage.
#5: Remain Visible and Accessible
Again, this applies to your dealing both on- and offline. Be ready to present your work either in person or virtually to anyone who asks to see it and have that pitch of yours ready to go at all times. Carry your business cards everywhere and distribute them liberally.
When possible, capture as many email addresses as you can and send to your list often. That will help keep your name in front of anyone who can help you take your efforts even a tiny step further. Again, collaborate with a professional writer on this and be sure your messaging remains congruous with the information in your pitch and your extended bio.
Lastly, answer all inquiries you receive (via social media, email, or in real-time) in as timely a manner as possible. This goes back to being professional. Prioritize networking in all its forms and be prepared to answer any common questions instantly. Keeping all of the above in mind will help you get your work seen and enable you to finally pursue your dream of being a severe and respected artist in your field.
