One of the many guiding principles that has helped me in my life and career was from Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), a prominent American educator, author, orator, and advisor to U.S. presidents. He stated, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else.”
You’re One Question Away From A Powerful Life-Changing Experience
When I arrived in New York City with very little capital and no professional experience I decided my goal was to get to know everyone in the art community. This was before social media, so everything was done in person. I attended art parties and gallery openings, exchanged business cards and followed up. My favorite question when I made a new acquaintance was “How can I help you?”
To be good at helping people, I quickly learned there is tremendous value in knowing many people so I endeavored to become a successful “people collector”. To me, everyone I met was fascinating… each had an interesting background, story to share, and range of talents and skills. I was also an excellent “people matchmaker”. I connected people with others who had mutual aspirations and needs to help them succeed
The “secret” to having a successful art career is not some hidden mystery or beyond your reach. It’s very simple. It begins by helping others to succeed. This article is based on my own journey and how helping others led to a rewarding art business. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with you, you’ll get some ideas of your own.
Helpful Hostess
When my fellow artists and art enthusiast friends told me they wanted to connect with each other to help them I held weekly art parties in my apartment. A bowl of punch and chips was all I needed because the reason my guests were there was to build relationships.
Artist / Curator
These small parties were so successful that I was later offered to organize larger art events at a local singles social club, major clubs and galleries attended by celebrities and major corporations. They received widespread media coverage. To help other artists I have written several articles that include many simple, low-cost and outside the box ideas about how to create successful art events.
Arts & Politics & Artists’ Advocate
When I had the opportunity to organize the first ever political arts debate in NYC I didn’t mind spending many sleepless nights making this a standing-room only event. It was covered in the nightly news and major newspapers and made a huge difference in expressing artists’ voices and expanding artists’ rights.
When Artist’s Equity asked me to be a member of their Board of Directors I jumped at the opportunity. I also accepted positions with several other arts organizations.
Art Exhibitions & Art Studio Tours
When many fellow art students responded to “how can I help you” with the same answer, “I need an exhibition!”, I was determined to help them and myself get more exposure. So, I launched “Artopia”, an exhibiting arts organization and offered to curate shows in public venues. Not only did I sell more of my art this way, I also helped facilitate sales for many other artists. When Marymount Manhattan College learned about my relationships with artists the university hired me to organize group tours to artists’ studios.
Artist / Writer
When I was told, “we need more arts coverage of emerging artists”, I sharpened my writing skills and contributed art columns at different newspapers and magazines in Manhattan. At first I did it for free, then I was offered writing jobs including writing essays for gallery catalogues.
Magazine Publisher
As a result of focusing on building relationships my art community grew. When it was time to launch an art magazine, because I had acquired a positive reputation and connections as a result of good deeds, it was easy to get immediate support. Getting subscribers and advertisers without a lot of effort made Manhattan Arts International magazine an almost overnight success. And, since I had met many talented writers while working at the publications, they were delighted to join my new venture.
Online Gallery Curator
To this day, through Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS — two different online art communities — I continue to practice this successful formula. As an artist curator, writer and mentor I encourage artists to do the same.
Daily Practice
Whenever I receive a comment “Thank you for helping me,” I consider the day to be a success. Now, with social media networks, it’s so much easier for everyone to meet and collaborate on so many different levels.
So, try this question yourself, “How can I help you?” and you’ll discover you’re one question away from having a powerful life-changing experience.
Also Read The 8 C’s in Art Career Success
How Can I Help You?
Please read about my Writing Services for Artists.
Thank you very much for sharing your journey and knowledge with us. It is inspiring and also shows other pathways artists can take for thir own careers to make the art community more connected. And, with more people connecting, our art has a stronger voice that can change culture and outcomes for good. I believe we can help shape our future with our art, and that we can help each other as artists. Thank you Renee
Thank you Andrea for your insightful comment. I feel honored to know you and share the same aspirations of helping others and creating a better world.
Knowing all that you did to help others and build relationships makes me even more grateful to you for choosing a photograph of mine as your black and white photo winner, and publishing it on a full page in your Manhattan Arts International print magazine many years ago. I had only been back in the US a short time, after many years living in Mexico, and the magazine coverage helped open up the art world to me and get exposure here in NY. I will always cherish this connection.
Dear Sandra, the most valuable part of my career has been the good fortune to know brilliant, talented and positive individuals like you. I look forward to sharing your art and artful experiences with you for many more years. Wishing you creative bliss, Renee
Dear Renee,
I so enjoyed your personal “story” about helping others and how that led you to where you are today. You are still helping others but your reach has expanded far and wide geographically. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thank you very much Elaine, your kind words mean very much to me. We’ve known each other for many years now and I am grateful to you for staying connected and giving me the pleasure of watching your art evolve. I still gain so much pleasure promoting artists, and as you said, what’s changed over the years is through the Internet and social media I’m able to expand my reach geographically. I look forward to sharing many more years with you. 🙂
Hah. This is so very true.
I want to make a note that quality of connection matters. Social media is fine for what it is, but you have to have some way of sustaining an actual conversation. I find that social media is good for making the initial connection and finding others who might have a good conversation with you, but after that any other communication medium is better than social media.
Excellent point Ava! Social media offers the potential to connect with thousands of kindred folks; however, I totally agree with you — it’s the quality of our connections that matters most.