You may remember Michael’s interview about how he got his art business going. Here he is, almost exactly two years later, sharing how things are going. If this doesn’t inspire you to keep going and push through your barriers, I don’t know what will.
This is my first ever guest blog post – I am very excited about the opportunity to write it, especially here on the The Abundant Artist. It is also quite an interesting revelation to find myself writing about being a successful artist, when not too long ago I would have laughed in the face of anyone who said I could be just that. Yet, nonetheless, here I am.
I received an email not too long ago from a fellow artist who had come across my website and felt compelled to write me asking me for advice on how to proceed in her journey as an artist. It was a strange email to get, because I remember sending out those exact same emails to artists that inspired me.
Sometimes I asked technical questions about features on their website, sometimes I was reaching out for a few esteem-boosting words of encouragement – but maybe in the end what I was seeking was evidence that there really was a person on the other end of what I was seeing as “successful” – proof that it could be done.
So, what advice did I now have to offer this woman who had found herself where I stood not that long ago?
What could I condense about my own journey that might be useful? Certainly I could tell her about the importance of an efficient and well designed website, a newsletter, or social media (I think all this would be better left to Cory to sort out for you). I could steer her toward seeking venues, maybe art festivals and craft fairs. What I decided to tell her was something a bit simpler. Persistence.
I have recently come across a TED talk that resonated with me. A researcher named Breneé Brown spoke about shame and vulnerability. I urge you to watch it if you haven’t. [EDIT from Cory: I saw Brene Brown speak on this same topic in 2012. She truly is wonderful.]
Her talk is not specific to selling art, or even artists specifically – but what she said I think is at the heart of what my advice to any artist or creative seeking success would be. She refers to it as “Showing up in your life.”
What “Showing up in your life” means to me
- Registering for a table at an art festival
- calling a restaurant where you saw art hanging to see if you can put your work there
- calling or walking into a gallery
- sending out a newsletter
- writing a blog post
- showing up at the art festival you registered for
Each and every one of these things gripped me (and still do) with fear and discomfort. Each was plagued with a worry that my art wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t belong, that the gallery would laugh me out the door.
I found, however, that my fear was always larger than life. I would go to art festivals and would meet great people, refine my ability to talk about my own art, and lo and behold….sell art.
I would send out a newsletter and rather than watching my inbox fill up with unsubscribe notices, I get genuine responses from people that are interested, or new traffic to my website or Facebook page, and sometimes even …art sales.
What I found is that your art, and the success of you as an artist, rely entirely on you creating that success. In order to sell art, you have to put it in front of people. Without the opportunity for them to buy it, they simply cannot buy it. And that means putting yourself out there. Hang your work on any wall that will accept it, seek out the walls to hang it on (even digital ones). Create a website, create a newsletter….send out newsletters (it doesn’t do you any good to sit on a list of email addresses), write blog posts.
When I was told that I should write and maintain a blog I was mortified. “What would I say? I don’t have anything important to say.”
NOT TRUE!
Buying art is a big investment for someone to make, and becomes much easier when it is connected to a person that they are interested in and engaged with. I guarantee you that you will find people are genuinely interested in what you as an artist have to say about your work, why you created it, what you were thinking about, why you chose the colors you chose. It is terrifying to put yourself out there, I know, but you’ve gotta do it!
For me, my success has been hard earned. I have worked very hard to build a mailing list a few names at a time. I have sent out countless emails to venues of all sorts asking for an opportunity to show my work.
I have shown up with rickety card tables and less-than-square business cards printed at home at art festivals and craft fairs.
I have had to learn a lot about what it is to build a website, to market myself online, to create a Facebook fan page, and many more. I have certainly by no means mastered all of these things, but…I keep at it.
I paint, post, and show every chance I get. It can be a challenge, especially while trying to juggle everything else in life. I have a job, I am a full time student, and I am a member of the National Guard…I am busy. But, what do I tell people when they ask me what I do? My reply is always: “I am an artist.” I have earned the right to say that through sheer force, effort and determination – with a little bit of “fake it ’til you make it” mixed in.
So, my words of wisdom would be simply to do it, keep at it, be persistent…take on fear, self-doubt, and vulnerability squarely… hang your work, open that gallery door, send out your emails. You are an artist; you have every right to think of yourself as one! Believe in yourself – if you don’t, who will?
When I first started trying to become an artist, to try to live off my creativity and think of my art as more than just a hobby; my apprehension and my attitude toward my own work showed in the way I presented myself. I priced my pieces low – selling 18×24 canvases for $150.
I remember putting up my work at an opening night and being approached by a woman from a local art and entertainment blog, she wanted to interview me. I agreed and gave the worst possible interview – I told her about how I couldn’t really consider myself an artist, how I was “an amateur at best” and basically critiqued myself right out of credibility. It took a friend standing over my shoulder eavesdropping to point out what I had done. I was doing everything wrong. I didn’t believe in myself and it showed.
Over the course of time, I slowly changed that perspective. I began giving myself the credit I deserved, and it began to show in the decisions I made. I became fearless in asking to show my work anywhere I saw work hanging. I applied to legitimate art shows and venues, and began pricing my work in such a way that showed its value, and my understanding of its value. My mailing list grew from the twelve family and friends that I felt comfortable sending it to – to several hundred strong. I have a growing list of venues that I show in, and that are always excited to see me come back. I most recently have been published in a major local business journal (Charlotte Business Journal), highlighting local artists. I also just completed a large commission, selling a piece for several thousand dollars. This month alone, I have had 4 commissioned pieces and a number of sales right “off the wall.” I have actually made a bigger salary this month than my wife who is a veterinarian.
I still to this day have to take a deep breath in the parking lot before opening my trunk and pulling paintings out when I show up at a new venue, or when I have sold a commissioned piece and am showing up to give it to them for the first time. I recently sold the biggest (both in price and dimensions) piece I have ever done. The price tag on it scared the #$%^ out of me, because I felt it implied a certain value that I had to create.
What I had overlooked in that terrifying moment of pulling into the man’s driveway with a painting in the backseat was that he had bought my work. He saw me as an artist. He loved the piece, and it became one of the more affirming moments in my artistic career.
So, There you go. Get out there and show up in your career as an artist. Take yourself seriously, be persistent, and don’t let fear hold you back!
Michael Whitlark is an artist living in Charlotte, North Carolina (USA). You can find out more about him at MichaelWhitlark.com.
Very inspiring interview. Thanks for the encouragement!
Yes! THIS is what all the artists stuck in the “starving artist” mindset need to see! Hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn are what it takes to make it — it’s not a matter of luck, or being chosen by gatekeepers.
Mindset is so key! Being willing to be bigger and bolder. All the skills you mention are ones I teach in my program Your Big, Bold, Creative Life Academy. Not natural for so many of us, but learnable, and that’s what’s important!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Michael! What an inspiration!
blew me away! totally inspiring. much appreciation.
I’m printing this out to use as my daily inspiration. It’s written by a real person who just a short time ago, stood in my shoes. Authentic and real, thank you Michael for sharing your journey with the rest of us!
I’m so glad you found my story an inspiration- and print-worthy no less! Seriously, I’m honored.
Wow! Great insight and advice! I can relate to the fear piece, and am still working my way out of that, so thank you for sharing your steps forward!
Thanks. This is a great post & a punch at my inner demons !
Wow what a great post, very inspiring! I remember listening to Michael’s interview on Art Empower’s Me and following along with his website changes and art along the way. He came across as being so genuine to me and still does. I think that also has helped him in his art career and I’m very encouraged by his words.
This is what I long to hear about, success and that it can happen with shear effort (and talent). I can’t wait to read more guests posts from your artists Cory!
Thanks for following along on my journey!
I’ve made myself “show up” in a big way twice now, and both times I ended up feeling validated, grateful, inspired and seriously relieved. Now, if I can just stop my habit of critique’ing myself right out of credibility! Thanks for bringing that to my awareness. Great job of expressing what goes on in my head! Thank you for writing this. It’s a keeper! 😉
Thanks for reading! Showing up can be the hardest part. As I mentioned, I still have to take a deep breath and force myself to do it every time I show my work, sell my work, or take down my work. I just ended a show last week that I had a less than desired success at – and it was defeating to go in there and take it down. However, its part of the process, and only helps to motivate me more in the end. keep at it!
This was a fabulously written article.
Congratulations to you for pushing so hard and really putting yourself out there an sharing it… From someone who is just starting out this is a huge inspiration : )
-Rebecca
Very interesting post and so encouraging! Michael is certainly talented, but it is the hard work that paid off for him.
Fabulous. Inspirational. Supportive. you remind us that showing up and moving through our fears it what is required. Thank You for writing this so clearly.
Well….shame on me for allowing the quilt in the first place. We all have the choice to let it resonate or exist in our lives. I am based on shame. My twin brother has had health issues all his life. He was underweight at birth, lost precious oxygen when born and did not have a chance to have a healthy happy life. I had a healthy weight, the oxygen to have a healthy happy life. I struggled, and wanted to be important. My ego got in the way. I did think I was someone. I ignored the problems my brother had, fitting in and his continued health problems. I could have helped him and didn’t. My shame was to blame….we all need excuses…not! I am still feeling lost, but my words to my brother are now kind, and I can finally say that I love him. In the end that is what counts.
Love and gratitude to my brother.
Hi Michael!
Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful, affirming, inspiring post.
Thank you for being so open and honest and sharing the feelings many of us have felt, over and over in our careers.
Thank you for giving me the kick up the pants I needed to feel the fear and exhibit anyway!
Big love!
Chrissy
Feel the fear and do it anyway!! Thanks for commenting Chrissy!
Thank you so much for sharing! What a wonderful and insightful read. Congratulations Michael on your success. Napoleon Hill said in his book ‘Think and grow Rich’… “practical dreamers never quit & with persistence you will win”.
All the best, Rebecca
Couldn’t agree more about the need for persistence. Selling art isn’t like collecting a monthly paycheck (at least not for me at this point), and while there are the highs of selling multiple pieces in one month, there is also the terror of selling nothing in the next. Damn depressing. Certainly triggers the lizard brain thinking – all the reasons why you can’t… I think having a good support group of other serious artists is important to sanity.
I totally agree. Being a part of Cory and Melissa’s group was a big boost for me. The ability to read about other artists’ successes, their failures – and a place to brag about my own (or seek encouragement when I felt like I was running out of steam). I firmly believe in the idea of community, and its ability to help people in similar worlds share ideas and encourage each other. Selling art, for me too, has been a roller coaster ride – one that can be amazing one day, and disheartening the next. A good support group is a great way to help level it out.
Wow!This is both me and my husbands year, day and hour to believe in our gifts and rest in our daily steps of faith toward our creative dream .The cool thing is that it begins with love and encouragment for ourselves to ourselves. Thank you for sharing the video with your insites! We are very encouraged! This was a perfect trimming!
Wow. I am overwhelmed with all the responses to this! Thank you so much for taking the time to both read and comment!
Hello, Michael,
I enjoyed reading your blog. I am so confused with so many different advice on how to sell my art. Basically, I cringe at the thought of selling/promoting my art but it has to be done. I put prices in my website (which are pretty low) for my paintings because I was told “I am not a known artist”. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you could give me. Many thanks!
Pricing has always been my biggest struggle as an artist. I don’t want to price it so low that I am underselling (and undervaluing) my work, but also don’t want to price it so high that I never sell anything. You just have to test the waters, see what works for you and your art. My process still at times feels pretty arbitrary to me, but I have over time narrowed down what I know I can sell things for. My best advice (though certainly not professional advice in this particular context) is value your work! Value your time, your talent, and your effort. Price your stuff to reflect it. Art is subjective, and a low priced piece of art says a lot in a number – it tells the buyer what YOU perceive its value to be as much as anything else. Good luck!
Boy this article is just what I needed to hear! I’m getting out of the starving artist mindset from reading TAA and seeing all the videos. But I still don’t think of myself as “there” just yet because while I’m getting my art out there this year more than ever before, nothing has sold yet. And that’s discouraging. So the idea to just persist and keep putting myself and my art out there was so encouraging and inspiring. Thank You!
Your welcome! Believe me, there are still times that I have to put my work out there only to pack it up and bring it all home. It is always discouraging, but you just have to keep at it. With every bit of success I have had, I have had (and still have) a number of failures and disappointments. I just recently took down a display at a continuing venue where I payed rent. In the end, it was not the right place for me – and it was very difficult to come to that conclusion (and felt like a personal failure). But what good does it do me to stew on it, and let it slow me down? NONE! Keep going, find a new place. Take a few days to hang your work on your own walls and appreciate it, reaffirm your own love for it – and then get it back out there. No one is going to buy what they don’t have the chance to see, love, and ….buy 🙂
Thank so much for sharing your story so generously, for being so honest and unconventional about it. Just what I needed to hear today!
Michael…. thank you ! My heart feels your words and determination.
Dear Michael,
Thank you so so so much for writing this on this level of openness. Encouraging and practical! Onward. <3
Michael, your insight is wonderful! Thank you for your words of encouragement. I have a question: when you say “display your work at restaurants” do you mean that we should basically donate the artwork to the restaurant or do you mean display it with a tasteful “for sale” sign next to it and maybe give the restaurant 10% commission or something? Thank you!!
Michael,
I had to leave a comment to thank you for this inspiring post of yours! It resonated with me and is exactly what I needed to read today. My biggest hurdle on the road to success is myself! That big monster called Fear has been winning and it’s time for me to suck it up and “show up to my life”. I have also printed your post and I am putting it on my whiteboard for daily reading! Love your work by the way and wish you all the best!
Great article! This is why we do art, to get it out in the world, and yet we are so afraid of exposing ourselves that we hide it! I’m glad to know that fear and doubt are one-sided and shouldn’t hold us back. Thanks Michael!
I REALLY needed this. My fear has gotten the best of me so much so that I’m just now accepting the fact that I’m an artist at 30. I’ve suppressed it for so long. I’m glad there’s someone out there who’s successful & scared out of his mind! All the best to you Michael!
Awesome article and advice! What an inspiring story. I needed that! Best of luck to him and his family!
All I have to say is, thankyou! Thankyou so much!
Great story, and definitely inspiring. I too often feel nervous when presenting my work, but when I see people’s jaw drop, it lets me know I must be doing something right. Thanks for the encouraging blog!
Good timing guys. Been feeling a bit overwhelmed..not knowing which way to turn but you have kindly and firmly reminded me to just do something! 2 galleries are on my list to contact…i keep putting it off since it is uncomfortable…. No More! Thanks for your encouraging, insight.
Michael, your website is “unavailable.” Is there another site you’re using, or blog? Really enjoyed your article and love your vertical cityscape paintings I found through Google Images.
Congratulations Michael ! For your success in your career.
Such an inspiration!! Thank you SOOO much!! 🙂
Michael, I take my hat off to you. Your raw tenacity, talent and vulnerability in sharing your journey is so refreshing and comforting. Thank you for such a generous, encouraging post. I wish you never ending success and fulfilment in your art. ??✌?️??
Thanks for sharing, Michael. I really loved your post and could relate 100%.
This is beautiful, although it makes me sad, because I used to believe like that too about me, that maybe I’m not good and it’s not the time yet to call myself an Artist. But I know that we create our reality in our minds first, and our thoughts become reality, and I started to believe that I am and artist too!
Thank you for this beautiful interview. It’s the most heart-touching from all these case studies.