Are You Facing Reality As An Artist?

After 30 years of professional practice as a career coach and mentor to artists, I’ve learned about all kinds of problems and challenges artists face. I take very seriously my role in offering the best solutions. Based on experience I’ve observed there are certain issues that many artists deal with throughout their careers.

Here are four of the many ways that raise the question are you facing reality as an artist? They are based on actual consultations I’ve had with artists from around the world over the years. I hope the solutions I offer help you gain a healthy sense of reality.

If you know another artist who may need to read this please pass it forward. If you’re an art teacher, please share this article with your students.  You’ll be giving them more career direction than is available in most art institutions.

Believing The False Reality

Art magazine covers portray successful artists, often glamorizing them in the manner that best sells their issues. At opening receptions famous artists are primed and pumped up in their best moods and appearing to be best friends with their dealers. Exhibitions, for the most part, display what they believe to be the artists’ most accomplished works. They don’t show their foibles and failures. It’s no wonder artists have a false perception of reality about what it truly means to be an artist.

If we were to peel away the curtains, we may discover some surprising truths. The top artists we revere and consider to be superhuman, also struggle with insecurities, fear of failure and rejection, pressure from dealers and deadlines, fierce competition, and the many other challenges and pitfalls that come with trying to stay on top.

My advice is, be aware of all the full spectrum of your life as an artist and the territory that comes with it. When you’re fully cognizant of what to expect then decide if you want to accept this role. Prepare yourself to be strong enough to take control and resilient enough to handle everything that is thrown at you — the idolization as well as the criticism. Also know that you’re not the only artist who has or will face the demons that are inherent in being a professional artist. Have the courage and confidence to know that you can overcome them. Know where to go for support when you need it. Read 10 Ways to Avoid Art Career Sabotage.

Trusting Without Doing Any Research

I must receive several emails a day from artists asking me if I think they should accept invitations from certain exhibition organizers, book publishers, and galleries who want to exhibit their artwork. Or, they want to know what I think about certain calls for artists and competitions they’ve seen. Or, or if they know if specific individuals in the art world are reputable. Unfortunately time doesn’t allow me to reply to all of these inquires unless the artist is a coaching client.

However, here are some general guidelines you should look for.

Be on guard. The fact is, there are many opportunists in the art world that know artists tend to be more trusting than let’s say attorneys. Not everyone who approaches you has your best interest in mind. Learn to recognize the red flags that are immediately apparent to the trained eye in these emails and on their websites. Do a google search of “their name + complaints”.  Check their websites to see the quality of the art they represent. Join arts groups in social media where you can exchange information about the art scams. Trust your instinct. When you reply, they should explain why they believe they can sell your art. They should not try to pressure you into signing up. They should be eager to answer specific detailed questions. If not, put your credit card back in your wallet and focus on something much more healthy and productive. Read Beware of Vanity Galleries.

Having Unrealistic Expectations

Since I live in NYC, artists ask me for advice about getting represented by galleries here or other major cities. Although I champion big dreams and goals that motivate artists to take action, I’m quick to inform them that galleries are businesses that operate with a set of rules and criteria. The truth is, galleries located in major cities are more expensive to operate than small towns. Selections of artists are based upon their career history, record of sales, types of collections and awards and exhibitions.

I’m not advising you to eliminate goals like this. I’m encouraging you to realize the effort, preparation, demands and requirements that a goal like this requires. Stamina is necessary for you to build a career track record that that will convince a profit-driven, high maintenance gallery that you are worth the investment of their time and effort. It’s wise to become a “big fish in a small pond” before jumping into the big ocean. Read How to Approach New York Art Galleries.

Living in the Past and Expecting Things to Be the Same

Many artists take a hiatus, due to family, financial or health reasons. When they finally regain the time to focus again on their art careers they enter a new landscape. They may have experienced success in the past and when they reemerge on the art scene they are unprepared for rejection. They are surprised to see an increase in fierce competition and a change in the business climate.

If you are returning to your art career without recent experience, it is best to readjust your perspective to the current situation. You may be required initially to experience a learning curve, accept different kinds of opportunities than you did before, and rebuild your professional relationships.

There are also creative ways to revise your artist’s biography that will compensate for the gaps in your career. I’ve helped many artists with this problem. You may want to read How to Write Your Artist’s Biography.

Check out my Writing Services for Artists