There are two kinds of artists in the world.
Those who choose to support their artist friends and those who don’t.
It’s uncomfortable for most of us to ask for support. We don’t want you to think it’s expected just because we’re friends. We don’t want to impose, but that doesn’t mean we won’t appreciate the support when it’s offered.
There are many ways for artists to support one another.
It doesn’t cost a thing (except time and caring) to provide needed encouragement, criticism or emotional cheerleading to an artist at any point in their journey. (Trust me when I say that even those you deem as having “made it” could use this kind of help on a regular basis. They’re still wracked by the same insecurities as newbies.)
If an artist is just starting out or trying to break in, you don’t have to spend a dime to look at or listen to their work. What they desperately need is an audience….even if it’s an audience of just one.
When the artist is a bit further along, word-of-mouth is another free way to provide support. “Have you read/seen/heard my friend’s latest masterpiece? I really enjoyed it.”
If you’d buy cookies, or wrapping paper, or the widget-of-the-week from a co-worker’s kids, and if you can afford it, consider monetarily supporting your artist friends when they put something out into the world. Buy the book. Purchase a painting. Spring for a ticket to the show. Back their Kickstarter. Become a Patreon.
Are you obligated to support your artist friends? Of course not. But why wouldn’t you?!
And if you're an artist, learn how to allow your friends to support you. We WANT to contribute to your success.
3 comments:
So true! A review, word of mouth, mentioning the art to friends - all are so helpful!
That's a very valid point, JB. And books are not as fattening as Samoas! :)
Greatt reading this
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