It's really not enough to be a good artist, you should also really know your field as an artist. This month's article discusses the importance of building credibility as an artist.
Rating festivals is extremely helpful to your fellow vendor. In addition to rating the events in Pro Search, we've also created a "Recently Ended Events" page. More below on that, we think you will find it quite handy!
People want to buy art from experts, not amateurs. How can you share your expertise and gain credibility as an artist?
The good news is that you are already an expert about your own artwork. You know more than anyone else about what inspires you, how you make what you make, and the message your work shares with the world.
But what defines an expert? You cannot be an expert at everything; people are known for areas of expertise. Take a close look at your own area of expertise. How would you define it? What are you truly passionate about, and truly excellent at doing?
Find your niche
Artists who are recognized as experts usually have a niche to focus on. They become a specialist in an area of their choosing. Go deeply into your own chosen direction, exploring it fully. As you do, you will find new ways to express yourself, and develop a mature, signature style that comes with practice. When a portfolio has "some of this and some of that" it doesn't send a clear message that resonates. A portfolio with a strong consistent direction conveys expertise more effectively.
Visual presentation
Your portfolio reflects the breadth and depth of your work, and how serious you are about your work. Is it large enough to make a presentation that is robust and consistent? Do all of the pieces in your portfolio work together synergistically to make the result even more powerful?
But it's not only about the artwork itself. When you use outstanding images of your art on your website and in your marketing materials, it helps to establish that you are operating on a professional level. In this way, you build credibility and authority through the visual experience of your art.
Communication is key
Credibility is also established by the way you communicate about your expertise. Did you invent a technique? Have you written a book, or an article about your art? Do you teach? How do you do what you do? Why are you especially good at it? As an artist, you should work toward being able to speak clearly about what you do. Know the concept behind your work and what is fascinating about it. How will you tell others in writing and verbally about your art?
Rating shows is an extremely important way to influence the quality of shows available to you. It's a sure way to have your voice heard by the promoter, to show appreciation for a good event/promoter, and to influence others' decisions when they're trying to find quality events.
To more easily find shows you may have attended and rate them quickly, we've created a page where you can find Recently Ended Events. You can bookmark this page, and it will always default to the previous month in your state. You can also search by other options on that page to find shows you attended and want to rate.
We highly recommend leaving reviews for shows you've dealt with, no matter what the experience. The good, the bad, the ugly - we, the promoter, and other vendors and artists want to hear it all! Leaving a rating and review is a fantastic way to show promoters what they're doing right, and what needs to be improved on.
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