Chapter 1: The Importance of Networking for Artists

For artists seeking to boost their sales, staying connected with key marketplace players is crucial, even when motivation may be lacking.

In this series, titled "Your Creative Life," I aim to illustrate how you can cultivate a more creative lifestyle and maintain it effectively. If this resonates with you, consider exploring the role of a creativity coach. For more information, check out my new certification program or read my latest book, "The Coach's Way." Join the Eric Maisel Community!

It's essential to engage with those you wish to maintain a genuine relationship with, even if you find them challenging. Instead of merely sending an occasional email, consider scheduling a coffee meeting, even if it takes away part of your weekend. If distance is an issue, opt for a real phone conversation. Make an effort to meet in person from time to time. When planning vacations, think about visiting places where you have representation and connecting with your artistic contacts.

Artists typically have a limited number of advocates in the marketplace, and it’s vital to keep these allies supportive of your work. In an ideal world where everyone desires your creations, losing connections might not seem as significant. However, since not everyone is clamoring for your art, it's important to nurture and protect the relationships you've established. Just as you take care to preserve your artwork, it's equally important to maintain your artistic relationships.

If you are fortunate enough to have numerous connections in the art world, practicing empathy across these relationships becomes necessary. If you are represented in several galleries, have a diverse collector base, and are gaining recognition, your task is to manage these significant relationships effectively. This includes recognizing which connections to prioritize while employing strategies to stay in touch without overwhelming them.

Begin by identifying your most valuable contacts—those who are pivotal to your art career. These include frequent collectors, the gallery owners who showcase your work regularly, and any art writers who have shown a keen interest in you.

You may only have around a dozen key individuals in this category, so it’s crucial to treat each one uniquely. For instance, send your loyal collectors, Mark and Mary, updates about your latest pieces before announcing them to the broader audience. Inform Jill, the art writer, about an upcoming exhibition in Italy that could pique her interest for an article. Regularly reach out to these individuals, even without special announcements, to remind them of your ongoing artistic journey.

Consider the idea of visiting your most important contacts, especially if you haven’t met them before. If your biggest collector resides in Hawaii, let that influence your vacation plans. Reach out to them to see if they'd like to meet; if they do, opt for Hawaii over other destinations.

If your principal gallery is located in Manhattan, and you find yourself near Lake George, try to schedule a visit to the city. While frequent face-to-face meetings aren't always necessary if you maintain regular contact through email or phone, occasional personal interactions can be both beneficial and gratifying.

To further enhance these connections, consider asking your collector in Hawaii if they’d like to host a gathering for you to meet their network of collectors. Similarly, propose to Frank, the gallery owner, the idea of inviting some collectors for drinks when you're in town. Use these opportunities not only to reconnect but also to expand your network through their introductions.

Maintaining contact with a diverse range of individuals is in your best interest. A practical approach is to create an email list for periodic updates—perhaps monthly. You could maintain separate lists for collectors, galleries you wish to approach, and local contacts interested in your exhibitions and open studio events. The larger these lists grow, the more effective your outreach can be.

Dedicate time each day to touch base with different segments of your network, whether that's reaching out to Jim today, Mary tomorrow, or someone new the next day. If daily outreach isn't feasible, carve out dedicated time every few days or at least once a week to strategize and make those connections. Staying in touch is a vital aspect of your artistic journey, and people appreciate hearing from you!

Discover how to stay connected with your art network while living in the countryside through effective social media strategies.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Your Artistic Community

JD McCrary shares insights on maintaining relationships and staying connected with your artistic community.

In conclusion, fostering and maintaining relationships within the art world is essential for your success. By actively engaging with your network, you can create lasting connections that will support your artistic endeavors and enhance your creative career.

About Eric Maisel

Eric Maisel is a prolific author with over 50 books to his name. His latest works include "Redesign Your Mind," "The Power of Daily Practice," and "Lighting the Way," which introduces the concept of kirism. Other notable titles are "Coaching the Artist Within," "The Van Gogh Blues," and "The Future of Mental Health." He contributes to Psychology Today with his "Rethinking Mental Health" column and is recognized as America's leading creativity coach. For more information, visit www.ericmaisel.com or subscribe to his newsletter.