Artist Photographer Represents Herself
If a gallery won't represent me as an artist photographer, I'll represent myself.
This is an ambitious goal, but anything is possible with the right mindset. Nothing can stop a person with a strong faith and belief that all things are possible. Building a successful business as an artist photographer is not only possible, it's destiny.
After the countless rejections from art galleries and upcoming exhibitions, I noticed things weren't adding up. Either I was doing it all wrong with really bad art or I was taking the wrong approach. Finally, I realized I needed a new approach.
This idea of representing myself as an artist photographer dawned on me when I least expected it. Honestly, that's when the majority of my ideas come to me. 2020 was less than desirable for many creatives and small business owners, but I continued to dedicate myself to growing my business with purpose and intention. With the market saturated with "starving" artists and not enough art galleries with the funds to represent them, I decided it was time to take things into my own hands.
I appreciate this rejection, in particular, because it was a wake up call for me.
It read and I quote: "We work with artists who are represented by established galleries, participate in public exhibitions, have studied at prestigious academies, have made a name in the field of journalistic photography, or are pursuing a free, conceptual way of creating their artistic work at a high level."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there are many famous artists who were self-taught. Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Henri Rousseau and Ansel Adams, to name a few. These artists didn't attend any prestigious academies.
In addition to being an artist photographer, I'm also an entrepreneur.
It's just as important to successfully market yourself and your business as it is to create great art. Although, I know many people disagree with this fact. The further along I get on my journey to becoming a successful artist, the more I realize the journey isn't about art at all. It's about living an authentic life with purpose and creating work that matters.
Am I better off with the degree from a prestigious academy which will likely take me years or decades to pay off? I don't think so, debt isn't for me.
My mission is to live to my fullest potential by creating work that matters.
Milton Berle said it perfectly, “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.”
I know I'm on to something when it fires me up.
And this subject fires me up. Don't let any rejections steer you away from your dreams. Listen to your heart because your dreams were put there for a reason. Let's continue to dream big together.
I'm curious, what are you dreaming about these days? Comment below.
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