Imagine the number of galleries, online galleries, art dealers and curators there is in the world.

I’m sure you’d agree that the number is rather large.

Unfortunately, only a tiny drop of that huge ocean represents the people who connect with your artwork.

Finding and connecting with the right people is key.

However, with millions of potential people out there but only a handful are a very good match, the question is: Where do you start?

It’s impossible to create an art career in a vacuum.

To find your tribe you need to be present and visible.

Let’s look at the three key steps in more detail.

Research, Rinse, Repeat

A great artist knows that the key to success is not just creating art, but actively pursuing opportunities and connections.

By fostering professional relationships within their community of fellow creatives, they can sustainably boost their career development - allowing them to support themselves as well as nurture their practice!

Have you heard of the 70/30 rule?

It helps to be clever with your time.

Spend 30% of your time in the studio creating art and the other 70% on career-developing activities such as marketing, meeting people, and seeking opportunities. Apply the same creativity you use for your artwork to your career.

Research galleries, online galleries, curators art organisations and art venues. If you feel that you are work is a good fit make a note of the venue/website.

Sign up for their newsletter, and find out more about their exhibition program.
Seek out possible contacts.
Connect with the artists they represent.

Aiming high is always commendable. However, seeking out all possible contacts might not always work to your advantage.

Have a strategy.

There is a very high chance that a museum curator is not going to be interested in seeing the work of a very young artist that doesn’t have a track record.

Curators and directors at non-profits can be great supporters of up-and-coming talent due to their goal of amplifying underrepresented artists. So next time you think about who should check out my opening show, go beyond just targeting gallery directors - spread the invitation a little wider!

Don't just stick with the decision makers - explore all departments, and you'll be surprised at how many helpful connections can be made! From marketing experts to media mavens, cultivating relationships beyond management could give your professional life a major boost. So don't forget: friendly faces await if you look outside of the box.

Anybody you meet who works at the museum or a gallery knows the curators as well.

When you do find yourself in the position to talk to a museum, gallery or other institution’s employee, make sure you can confidently talk about your work, and delivery your elevator pitch with passion!

Practice if you feel shaky.

Also, have quality images of your work and other materials ready to follow up.

Real World Networking

Now that you have a list of suitable galleries, museums or art organisations make a point of attending openings whenever you can.

By visiting exhibitions, you get a good idea of the gallery’s program, how they operate, its customers, and the crowd it attracts.

When I moved to London, attending gallery openings was part of my weekly schedule. I’m a natural introvert, but, I made a point of always going by myself, which forced me to meet new people.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of attending art gallery openings?

Don't let your shyness prevent you from connecting with others. Believe it or not, soon enough the staff and other guests will become familiar faces! Take that first step - start building relationships around the artistic community for an enriching experience.

Power through it and be part of what is going on in the art world.

Also, keep in mind that galleries value artists taking an interest in their exhibition program and attending openings.

I can honestly say that looking back, not one event was wasted. At each one, I was able to connect with journalists, artists, gallerists, and collectors. Networking is one of the essential activities if you want to develop your art career

➤ Say Hi

At an opening, if you see someone in particular you recognize, go and introduce yourself.

Say: Hi, I would like to introduce myself, I’m Your Name and I’m really enjoying the opening!

That or something similar is all you have to say.

It can be intimidating for you at first, starting something new is never easy, but there's nothing stopping you!

Step outside your comfort zone and jump into exciting opportunities that could lead down a path of wonderful opportunities.

With each try, it gets easier – so don't hesitate; take the plunge!

➤ Make it personal

Artists, art dealers, galleries, curators, administrators, facilitators, coaches mentor, publishers and art writers to name a few - we all benefit from building genuine relationships with one another.

A personal connection is important for a business relationship that lasts.

I am always looking to develop long-term relationships with artists and other people I work with.

You can grow a relationship with people who work with or run an art business.
You can create relationships with artists who are exhibiting there.
You can be a friend.
You can be sincere.
You can bring your art into the larger conversation.

Artists who are proactive in developing their own reputations and client lists can be an asset to galleries and publishers.
It's so much easier to approach a gallery if they are already familiar with you and your work.

Being part of an artistic community helps enormously.

Be active in it.

Meet people.

Use This Approach To Greatness

If you're striving for success, find a group of people where everyone is supportive and better-reputed than yourself.
Not only can they help push your career to new heights - but like any good partnership there are benefits all around!

Instead of being discouraged by feeling insufficient around them, remember that you have something unique to contribute to: it's not just about what *they* bring; never discount your own value or be concerned about feeling insufficient.

➤ Find Mentors

The world of art is filled with individuals who have achieved success and now wish to give back!
There are so many generous people out there offering free mentorship opportunities, eager to share knowledge and help the next generation take their craft one step further.

Not only do calculated risks taken by artists and entrepreneurs share much in common but stocking your support network with multiple mentors is a great way to learn, grow and protect yourself from potential pitfalls.

If you're looking for someone to mentor and guide your artistic journey, think outside the traditional art world. Numerous people people have achieved incredible success in life, many of whom may recently be retired and just itching to share their wisdom with a budding artist like you!

Lots of people help others because it makes them feel good.

Conclusion:

Talk to fellow artists and industry experts. Talk to artists who are where you want to be and ask them how they have made it. Ask them to be your mentor. If they decline, ask somebody else.

Do your research and identify who might be a good match for your work.

Use the internet to your advantage, network and join industry-specific forums. Connect with curators, art collectives, and creative individuals from around the world.

You’ll find that many of the players in the art world are accessible. They want to meet you, they want to know what you're doing and they want you at those museum and gallery openings

However, they don’t want to view your work when they first meet you, but they are usually happy to say “Hi” and make you a personal contact.

You can say “Hi”!

By doing so, over time you will build a network that will support your career.

I get that many artists don’t like the idea of reaching out to other people. But if you want to get on, you must make the right connections with the right people. Remember it only takes a few people to make a career.

Either

you engage with the art world, give it your all and stand out from the crowd.

Or

you spend decades making tiny amounts of money. Wasting your precious time sending newsletters to your non-existing mailing list.

What will it be for you?

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Thanks for reading!!