7 Essential Pieces of Advice for Artists

Whenever I interview an artist for my blog, I always ask what their advice is for artists just starting out. When I asked Danna Fruetel (here's a link to her Artist Interview) she replied that she could write a book on the subject, and I replied with... That would be great!

A guest post written by Danna Fruetel. The views expressed are solely hers, and may not represent the views of Red Stone Art Studio.

Any advice for artists just starting out?

1. New artists must get out of their studios and meet the art centers and galleries in person. We live in Iowa, not California or New York. The owners and directors want the personal touch in Iowa. They want to meet you and talk about their business and learn about your art. 

This means you should be able to carry on a pleasant conversation. Also, remember to let them talk. They want to know that you are interested in what they are doing in their business. Ask for a tour and ask about community programs that they do. Do you feel that this gallery is a good fit for what you create? If this is a gallery that you feel good about become friends with the director. Visit them regularly. Offer to teach a workshop there. 

2. Be professional when presenting your creations. Also, make sure your creations look professional. If you desire to be taken seriously as an artist you need to look like a serious artist. Walk into every gallery with contact information, and social media information (i.e. website, Instagram, Facebook). Be sure your own appearance is pleasant. A brochure about you with images of your art is a wonderful tool. (see image) Have an artist's resume. Be on time for appointments. Artists have a reputation of being unreliable, don’t reinforce that opinion. 

Be sure when you show your art that it is displayed in a professional manner. I’ve been involved with many shows and more than once someone's piece has fallen apart due to a cheap frame. A nice frame can make all the difference in making the sale or not. 

3. If you don’t believe in your own self-worth and the value of your art then why should you expect an art gallery to believe in you? Confidence comes from inside you. Don’t expect someone else to give it to you. Galleries will hesitate to invest in you if they don’t feel they will make money out of the arrangement. They aren’t there to make you feel worthy. They are there to sell your art and make money. Artists forget that it’s a business too, not just a creative outlet. For a gallery, profit is the end goal. Many galleries are struggling now and you can help a lot just by being secure in yourself and the “product” you have produced. 

4. Discover who you are as an artist and define your style. Finding your niche in the art world can take years of searching. Give yourself permission to play with mediums. (see image) Look at a lot of others' art. What speaks to you? Narrow your focus bit by bit. Do what brings you the most joy. Within that bring your style out.

Styles change over the years. They should change as you change and grow in your medium. It grows boring to you and your audience when you continue to produce the same type of art year after year. 

5. Learn the “Business” of art. I know for many of you bookkeeping is not your thing. Learning how to handle money and doing your own advertising can save you money in the end. When I speak with young people who say they want to be artists I always recommend that they take business courses as they are getting their art degrees. I never discourage them from chasing their dreams. Add a bit of practical knowledge to that dream. 

6. Know how to price your work. There are many factors when pricing your art. You need to take a look at the area that you are selling in. You need to take into account your own skill level. A new painter can’t expect to get what a master painter gets. Learn to be honest with yourself about your skill level. Don’t ask friends and family to compare your work with a master's. Odds are they will say “You’re just as good as they are, you should get what they get”. It takes many years to build up to the skill level to demand a large price tag. 

7. Being around other artists who share the same passion for your chosen medium is vital. If there is a group for your medium join it and become involved. Get to know the masters of your medium. Their knowledge is a huge tool for you. Find those that you click with and become friends. Go to conferences and workshops for your medium. Become part of that community. These artists already have a lot in common with you. You need to make the first step towards them, they won’t make the first step towards you. 

There are groups for a lot of mediums. Within those groups, many of them have levels that you can work towards. Working towards these levels only helps with your resume and shows galleries that you are serious about the art you do. It also shows your peers that you value the medium and spend time working with it. 

In conclusion, it is your choice to be an artist. You stepped into it knowing that it’s not an easy road to travel. More than likely you are on your own to make it happen. Talk to the artists that you admire and ask them how they got to where they are. Learn to do things for yourself. Learn to speak up for yourself. Step out into the world and be proud of what you create.