There is ONE big mistake artists make which can ensure them a life of frustration and misery. Would you like to avoid that mistake?

Learn to perceive how the “art world” works…from the “inside”.

Let me share. I recently had two art shows of my own, and had the opportunity to be a fly on the wall and overhear what the gallery directors’ days were like. What an education! While overseeing my work, they answered a hundred phone calls, chatted with visitors, planned catering for openings, spoke to reviewers, tried to eat lunch, created press releases, and best of all: sold some art. I was in awe.
Because I was intrigued, I asked them what the hardest part of their job was. The Directors all responded the same: the hardest part of their job was “dealing with artists who felt like victims.”

Victims?
I got to see it and hear it all day. Artists would call to complain about not getting into a show. They called about being upset. They blamed the Directors on all sorts of silly things. “ …I know there was a size restriction” one artists said over the speaker phone, “ …but I really wanted to put the big piece in! Why was my piece rejected? Just because it was just too big?!” One artist caller accused the Director of “Not understanding their Art!” another was furious because she was charged a fee for not picking up her work from the gallery on time. “We have had your painting here for months, and you have not picked it up,” the Director explained. The artist said it was unfair and she would refuse to pay. Yikes! These cranky artists came off as ridiculous, because I could see how hard the Directors were working for the benefit of others. I imagine that these artists must have felt that they were taking a stand against the enemy. Maybe they thought that they were entitled to delicate treatment. Maybe they were following the belief that we have to play hard ball to be respected. As I stood by, listening to their anger and rudeness, I understood how wrong they were…and how wrong I too have been in the past when I felt these things.

With each negative situation, the Directors conducted themselves like real professionals. They spoke with consideration and tact. Yet, these “art victims” always seemed full of anger and fear. They were unable to see things any way but their own, and worst of all, they burned bridges. They were limiting their possibilities, which, of course, would lead to more frustrations in the future. Not a fun cycle.

I also asked the gallery Directors what they loved most about their jobs? The answer was the same with all of them: “Artists who are open to learning.”

Why? They explained that artists who were open to learning seemed to always have a positive attitude and were always growing. Because of this, they were a pleasure to work with, and the Directors maintained a friendly relationship with them. These artists were ultimately invited to more shows, made more contacts and had more dynamic energy. These artists called not to complain, but to volunteer at a gallery function, quickly check in to say “Hi” or share an exciting tidbit of news. These “insider” artists faced the same rejections and challenges, but were able to learn from them, (or at least not become victimized by them). One phone call involved an artist who sincerely and professionally wanted to learn why their work wasn’t included in an exhibition that month. Because the artist really wanted to hear the answer, the Director took the time to give real, valuable reasons, and even invited them to resubmit in the following show. No bridges needed to be burned! The path of being an artist brings with it many opportunities for us to act with dignity, courage and grace. It’s not just about artwork, or getting into shows. Ultimately, it’s about people.

Oh yeah: It’s also about SALES.

The Directors said that positive artists always seem to make more SALES. Their enthusiasm made it easier to market their work, made them open to more opportunities and seemed to perpetuate a cycle of stronger outcomes.

While at the galleries, I also met lots of cool artists who worked as volunteers, helped out, or stopped by and were just plain friendly. They encouraged me, congratulated me on my shows, and even offered insightful suggestions. A real spirit of community existed. These “insider” artists had made a choice to take a positive, active path. I vowed to be one of those artists. I invite you to take that vow with me.