Sometimes a Good Kick in the Pants is All You Really Need

Okay, I'm not going to say where and I'm not going to say who, but I recently attended a panel discussion concerning artist opportunities, career advice, you get the picture.  Well, though I thought the ideas presented were useful, I found it a bit surprising that no one discussed self-promotion.  Many of their stories involved sheer dumb luck.  In fact, it was suggested that nothing really comes from sending out gallery submissions.  While I agree that attending exhibits, meeting other artists, and getting a feel for what a particular gallery likes style-wise is a good idea to further your career, I don't see how anyone can say that nothing really comes from submitting your work.  Yes, rejection letters will result (as stated in the discussion), but what about the acceptance letters?  Well, not so much letters, as these are usually phone calls.  (If they want you they will call.)

At that point I wanted to stand up and say to this lackadaisical panel that in order to promote your work, you need to be proactive.  You can't just sit around and wait to be discovered.  And even meeting someone is not enough.  You have to be direct.  You have to ask for what you want.  Many times they won't even think to ask you to see your work unless you offer first.  Perhaps they just want to see if you have the moxy to present your work to them or perhaps they just think of you as so-and-so, the artwalk regular.  You have to make them think of you as an artist. 

Screw the rejection letters.  Everyone gets them.  And if they tell you they don't, they are either lying or they've never submitted their work anywhere.  And for the record, I've received shows and opportunities because of my efforts.  Granted not all the time, but it does happen.  (You can check this out at my website www.AmyGuidry.com).  This is not for the faint of heart, but if you have the drive and desire to make something of your art career, you need to promote your work.

So let the lackadaisical people sit around painting and waiting.  Just remember that "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.