I’ve never met an artist who didn’t put pieces of themselves
into what they create. I used to get so emotionally attached to my own art that
when I created a new piece, it would take me years (yes, literal years)
before I was willing to offer it for sale. Present day, I have art I create
only for myself or for my family, and others I create to be released into the
world.
But what happens when that beautiful release doesn’t go as
planned? What if your piece isn’t accepted into that show? What if your design
isn’t picked to be the winner? It happens, and it happens a lot.
At least I can laugh about this one now. 😐To start, let’s apply a well-known quote by Wayne Gretzky:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” You need to try, to put yourself
out there. Introduce yourself to other artists, join art groups and
organizations, and get to know the people who work at the galleries. They can help
you on your journey. But Haley, what if I did everything right and it still
wasn’t a success? Let’s share in our disappointments, because you aren’t alone,
friend.
I personally have applied for several jobs at a number
of different art galleries. After working as a gallery director in my early
20s, I realized I really love the business side of art! Being a gallery
director was my dream job. I know I could be a huge asset to any gallery, and I
have a pretty decent art-field resume (that even includes a Bachelor’s Degree)
But alas, I wasn’t offered any of those positions, and didn’t even make it past
the first round of applicants. The last time it happened, I moped for days.
A good friend of mine had a public art sculpture she was
painting. She worked in her free time (between a full-time job and having three
young kids at home) for months, creating a stunning, detailed design. Days
before her deadline, she decided the design wasn’t right. It was good,
beautiful even, but didn’t send the message she knew it needed. She worked
frantically for the last 48 hours to complete it in time… Only to be informed
that she had used the wrong type of paint and that the whole sculpture would be
stripped. She was devastated.
I asked another artist, this one an art teacher, what her
thoughts on this subject were. She replied, “I’m always disappointed at how art
is overlooked… It’s looked at as a way to just keep kids busy, when truly they
are learning creative problem solving, creative thinking, a collaboration of so
many skills that will help them in the future.” And it’s true. How many times
have we all heard it said, “Art class is just an easy A.” But in reality, the
ability to think outside the box for solutions is what employers want their
employees to do, and the arts are a way to teach and encourage that skill.
Another extremely common form of being overlooked is a lack
of attribution. For example, an artist being asked to design a flyer or postcard (for
free, of course) and their name is conveniently forgotten when the design is
revealed. Those designs don’t just magically appear under your pillow at night.
Someone made them. Someone put the time and effort in. Creative
work is still work, and there is real value in creating.
Are you depressed enough yet? I’ve got one more for you. How
about the disappointment of not living near your target audience? Local
farmer’s markets are an excellent avenue to get the word out about your art and
introduce yourself as an artist to your community. But what if your art doesn’t
fit into what “they” deem “good” or “real” art? Now, the internet can be a
fantastic tool to help widen your audience, but it’s a double-edged sword, especially with AI generators running wild.
I’m not going to pretend I have easy, magical solutions to
all of these problems, because I don’t. I have my own struggles I fight against
too. What I can do is assure you that every artist has their own problems and
setbacks. Not a single artist has had a smooth, road-block-free journey. I can
also tell you that there are so many people who believe in your art, and you,
and we want to see you succeed! When disappointments happen, and they will,
take the time to work through the emotions (it’s okay to be upset, mad, sad,
etc.) then get your supplies back out and keep working! More opportunities WILL
come along, I promise. You can try again. In the meantime, keep practicing,
keep creating, and keep perfecting your craft so that the next chance you get,
you can be ready!
