Impending Futures, Eager Apprehension: A Graduating Artist’s Anxious Rant
As my impending graduation date of December 10th begins to loom closer and closer I’ve began to feel a very hot fire under my ass! I have sat down and actually realized what this will mean for my lifestyle and my art career. After December 10th, and weeks before, I will have to hold myself accountable and I will have to keep on track of my own assignments and deadlines without any written consequences…Thats kind of scary as someone who has only ever been a student. I went straight to VCU after Henrico’s CFA because I enjoy academia and the classroom environment. But now, that comfort is going away for along time. I am already becoming more and more anxious all the while doing what I can to line up cool opportunities for income and exposure.
The punctual, planning side of myself has come in handy recently. I took a long break from the administrative side of being an Artist because I got super discouraged by all the rejections I got from galleries (totally normal but still hurts) and I started to feel like I didn’t really know why I was making the work or why the work took the form it did. But after a semester of making a ridiculous amount of objects, some insanely amazing networking opportunities through my job at the Institute for Contemporary Art in RVA, and some much needed writing and revision I have gained a whole new confidence in my abilities!!! I think it also helped that I have been sticking to deadlines and making loose weekly plans that allow my small daily goals to compile into big ones!
I say all this to say, to all my homies who are in the same boat (or a different boat) than me feeling inadequate or feeling directionless or just feeling sad I offer these things that have helped me be more kind to myself and also develop my career in a meaningful way. These tips are going to be from my perspective as an emerging Fine Artist but they can apply to anything in your life.
Be specific about what you are doing, how you do it, and why. If you cannot explain your work or business, its intention, its form, etc then go back and write some stuff down. You will realize you know a lot more about why that you thought. For artist’s write at least a few sentences about your bodies of work or pieces as you make stuff.
Talk to people. Every gallery or storefront owner is just a person! You really never know who you are in the presence of so greet people and introduce yourself! Beware of being too pushy about your business/artwork though as this can come off as a bit rude and intrusive. Time and place. If you are not comfortable with speaking in public, you can shoot them an email or comment on their social media. Amazingly talented and influential people are super accessible nowadays.
Keep up with deadlines. I know I know the whole point of being your own boss is to set your own hours and whatnot. BUT! To actually progress and reap rewards and level up in your craft, you must at least recognize deadlines and other time-sensitive things. This is my biggest downfall besides not being active enough in my community! This is the reason I have not even applied to half the things I want! If you can hold yourself accountable on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis then you are sure to start seeing the good things pile up. It has helped me to create a short written list before I leave the house, usually in the morning around 10am. The main TO DO list is basic stuff like laundry and dishes and there is a list for my career. This short written list of career stuff includes responding to emails, writing about work, editing photos, submitting to opportunities, preparing canvases and the list goes on!! It has helped me to circle and focus on the 2 or 3 things that will have the most impact on your goals. Start with those, and go from there and see what happens.
