What do professional artists have today that we didn’t, say, 12 years ago?
Answer: Power.
Today’s artist is a lot more empowered than he or she was in 2005.
The artist of 2017 has the strength to reach his or her client directly easily and effortlessly.
Back in the day, we were at the mercy of mainstream media editors and TV producers. Most, if not many, were supportive of fledgeling artists and I found myself fortunate. Cold calls led to a big break in a major broadsheet, and being spotted in an art fair led to TV features. For the most part, it was a struggle to be seen and heard as an artist during those times.
What gift do we have at this very moment that we didn’t over a decade ago? Social media.
2004 saw the birth of Facebook, followed by the inception of sites like Etsy in 2005. These two factors were enough to break some of the barriers that prevented artists from reaching their clients directly. The biggest game changer was born in 2010. It’s called Instagram.
I regret not joining sooner but luckily I had the chance to catch up. This, perhaps, is the biggest factor that helped me get back on my feet after a 5-year dry spell of creative block and absolutely no art. I became active on Instagram in 2015 and by December of 2016 I have grown to a community of 28k on @thejarofsalt. The numbers definitely mean something because it opens a number of doors and builds highways to clients near and far across the planet at all times of the day. It was when I met Melissa Camillieri that I was able to make heads or tails of Instagram. It was midway through her class when a lightbulb went on in my head that I fully realised my direction and completely re-branded myself as an artist. I know she has an online class on January 16 and I promise you it will be one of the best things you can do for yourself if you want to be more present online.
The artist of 2017 has more resources today than any time in history.
There are no excuses anymore at this day and age. When we needed to do research before, we needed access to an actual library that holds all these heavy but fantastic art encyclopaedias. Today, anyone with access to the Internet on their phones or laptop can easily peep into museums through their websites or artist’s personal sites from wherever they art. There are also lots of mainstream articles and blogs dedicated to art and artists (such as this very post you’re reading), offering varying and mostly candid opinions about topics you might be looking for. Blogs offer a more honest (but not always necessarily accurate) source of information. It was through a blog that I learned the perils of re-posting photos (even with credits) and how she was sued for it. Now this leads me to my third and last point.
The artist of 2017 is informed.
12 years ago, I didn’t have the luxury of all the information swimming in the worldwide web today. Now, even art lawyers, editors and artists have blogs where I have learned a lot from. If you’re doing research about galleries (I’ve discovered that one that reached out to me was a vanity gallery) or online classes you are keen on, there are so many personal reviews available to take into consideration. Lots of things are listed online today, including material that is in the public domain versus those protected by copyrights, sample contracts, etc. I personally do not undertake a project without a written and signed contract that stipulates all the terms and agreement. I suggest that all artists and creatives equip themselves with written documentation because it goes a long way and this is what professionals do. Full stop.
Today is as good a time as any to uphold our rights and value as a working, professional artist and be accountable for making things happen for ourselves in this succulent new year. Stay equipped and enjoy the creative journey up ahead!