I had a question from someone wanting to know my thoughts on his acceptance into a particular publication (Studio Visit, to be precise, which I have discussed before here). Often when I would get my work featured in a certain show or a magazine, I would get questions as to whether that led to something bigger. Because I don’t ever rely on just one opportunity, I can’t pinpoint or put some sort of quantitative measurement to it. While it would be nice to come up with a specific formula that doing X + Y = Z, I find it is best to have a continuous cycle of productivity going.
I don’t believe there is ever one accomplishment that opens doors. On rare occasion you hear of some now-famous artist that was discovered and then had a sold-out show. These are the stories that artists hear and think “that could be me.” For the overwhelming majority of artists, including the famous ones, it was a series of events that got them to where they are today.
So in the case of the artist that contacted me, I told him that it is not so much about being in the magazine, but what you do with it.
For example:
– Once he is published in the magazine, get extra copies to send to collectors
– If you can afford it, get additional copies for potential buyers as well (anyone that seems really interested in your work)
– Give copies of the magazine to galleries as part of your portfolio presentation
– Inform your local press (newspapers, radio, etc.) that you got into the magazine
Find ways to make the most of your accomplishments and extend their shelf-life. No one opportunity will do it, but if you can make it snowball into more, you’ll increase your chances of getting bigger and/or more opportunities.
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