How to Build Your Career As a Network Artist
Networking is a crucial part of building your career as an artist. In fact, a recent study showed that artists with wide and diverse networks of peers are statistically more likely to become famous.
It’s important to remember to be professional when networking. Be sure to bring your business cards with you and take notes on people that you speak with, even just on your phone, as a reminder to follow up.
1. Connect with other artists.
Artists and creators need to connect with other people in order to grow their creative careers. Networking can provide peer-related inspiration, insights into industry trends and advice on overcoming challenges. It can also lead to opportunities like group shows and additional resources.
Whether it’s tapping someone on the shoulder at a bus stop, commenting on their work during an exhibition or simply sending a message to say you’re looking forward to meeting them at your next studio visit – finding and creating a community is key to a successful career as a network artist.
Luckily, networking doesn’t have to be hard work. Using tools such as Artwork Archive allows artists to easily create new contacts at gallery openings, artist studio visits or art fairs.
2. Reach out to galleries.
In order to find galleries that make sense for you and your work, it’s important to do your research. You’ll want to understand their mission, their current programs and what type of artists they represent.
Then, be prepared to present a professional portfolio to them. This should include high-quality images, a CV and an artist statement. Keep in mind that good galleries receive many inquiries and submissions each week, so it’s your job to stand out from the crowd.
Be authentic and genuine, and always be sure to show a genuine interest in the people you talk to. If you can’t come up with a compelling reason why they should care about your art, they will likely ignore your request.
3. Create a website.
A website gives your audience a place to learn more about you, and can help you connect with potential clients and customers. It’s also a great way to showcase your work in a digital portfolio.
Determine what your objectives are for your artist website, such as promoting an upcoming exhibition or announcing new art projects. This will help you determine the functionality required of your site, and can guide you in selecting the CMS platform that’s right for you.
Some CMS platforms provide ideal features for artist websites, such as Wix. They offer easy drag-and-drop website builders and a free plan. Others offer a more customizable approach, such as WordPress. They allow you to add ‘plugins’ that provide additional functionality, such as email forms, contact forms, and social media widgets.
4. Write a blog.
The more a network artist blogs, the more they can promote their work and build up a loyal band of followers. This audience can then spread the word about your exhibitions and events, helping you reach a wider audience.
Whether it’s insights into your own creative process, studio shots or sketchbook drawings, you should aim to create compelling blog posts that inspire your readers and give them a taste of your artistry. It’s also important to keep your content fast-paced and interesting, as well as checking for spelling and grammar errors that could make it difficult for readers to understand your message.
Start your blog post with a catchy title and break down the information into small, digestible chunks through subheadings. Try to stick to a theme, as this will help your website visitors find your posts using search terms they enter into Google.