Do you worry that you need a specific degree or credential to do what you want to do? I’m going to help bust that myth in this post!
Recently I asked a friend of mine, who is a director at a museum, to co-write a book with me to teach artists the strategies needed to successfully exhibit their works at museums.
My friend has held director positions in museums for fifteen years. He holds a B.S. in Business and has traveled the world learning art techniques from other cultures.
There was only one reason I wanted his help; it’s because he knows everything about getting your art in a museum. He’s an absolute expert on the topic. He’s the first person I called when I needed advice on my husband Drew’s museum retrospective in 2018.
But, when I asked him to share his expertise for the book, you won’t believe what he told me!
He said “I’m not qualified to do that. I don’t have the right credentials.”
What?!
“But,” I argued, “you don’t need a specific degree to write a book! All you need is the information that people are looking for. And you have that!”
And that’s when it hit me. The erroneous belief that you need “credentials” for creative endeavors is what STOPS many of us from sharing our gifts with the world.
We feel that if we don’t have the right credential on a piece of paper, an approval from a higher source, that our contributions are not valuable.
Many artists will tell me they worry that their art won’t be taken seriously if they don’t have an MFA or if a gallery doesn’t choose their work.
Yes, there is great value in what you learn when studying for a degree. And yes, having a degree will open doors for you in places where a degree is required. And yes, there are jobs that require specific degrees.
BUT, in the realm of producing art, writing and music, if you are creating work that other people love, you don’t need a degree to share it with others. If you have expertise in an area, you don’t need a degree to teach it to others.
When you look at the artists that are most successful, only a tiny percentage actually have an MFA and most are not represented by a gallery. My husband Drew is living proof of this. He has been a full-time professional artist his entire life, supporting a family of four in a Southern California beach town, without a degree or gallery representation. His art also supports my salary and the income of our small support team members.
Having credentials, while impressive, does not determine the worth of your work or your expertise. It’s the work that you do that matters.
When buying art, or books, or any other item, most people don’t care about your credentials. Most people only care about the substance of what you are offering them.
Will it help them, will it make theirs lives better, will it be a contribution to them in some way?
That’s the only credential you need; the ability to give someone what they want, need or love.
And that brings me to the topic on my mind today: taking matters into your own hands when it comes to curating your own art exhibit.
Many artists worry that they will never get a gallery to exhibit their work.
Well, the good news is, you don’t need a gallery!
In my next post I’m going to share with you a few ideas on how to curate your own art exhibit, without the blessing of galleries, grants or gatekeepers.
What are my credentials? I have two decades of experience curating very successful, profitable art exhibits! I’m going to share some of that expertise with you.
If you have an interest in curating your own art exhibit, I have a free e-series sharing my secrets to making more art sales through live events. Please CLICK HERE for it!
And please, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW and let me know what your biggest concern is when it comes to curating your own art exhibit.
Are you worried about finding a venue? Do you worry that no gallery will show your work? Do you have trouble creating enough pieces to make a complete exhibit? Afraid no-one will show up?!
Please share in the comments below – I read every single comment and would love to hear from you!
Maria xxoo
PS: Photo Credit: Scott Smallin of South Carolina, taken in Myrtle Beach SC.
25 Responses
Hello Maria, my answer to your question about what my biggest concern is when thinking about curating my own show is that I don’t have a big following and I’m not sure how to advertise so no one will show up. Also I have tons of work (pieces) to show, but they are not cohesive or all the same look and style, which I have read is important. I am learning so much from you and your book and I feel like I am gaining more confidence, but not sure how to even start. I do have a small email list of around 50 people from teaching my Sipndip painting classes at San Clemente Art Supply, but when it comes to my own art and how to get it out there I feel so inadequate.
Love all your emails and stories and all the help you give us out here in the ethers with your generosity of knowledge, I soooo appreciate everything you do and continue to be in awe of your support of Drew.
You guys are a great couple and the LOVE shines through!
Thank you, Jeanine
Jeanine, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Doing an art show is a great way to GROW your following and start collecting fans.
As far as advertising, there are many ways to get people there. One is to advertise in the local online news and even print news. Another is to print postcards and get them to people who might be interested in your type of art.
And, lastly, you can team up with another organization (i.e. real estate office, bank, architect firm, etc.) and have them host the exhibit and bring their people there.
There are many ways to do this. I’ll be giving a free webinar on this soon – so if you’re interested click the link in my blog post to get on the list of people notified of the webinar.
Thanks!
Hi Maria, there’s just one issue in Jeanine’s question you didn’t answer… she said her work is in different styles and subject matter. Is a cohesive body of work one that is all one style and subject matter???
Thank you,
Nancy Levinson
p.s.
I’m learning a lot from your articles.
Hi Maria. I am slowly building a cohesive body of work but hold a full time job so I try to paint when I can. Artist Studio Tour in our area is postponed from 2019 until Spring 2020 (they provide venues if you need one). In the meantime, I don’t have a list yet or any representation (too early) but I’m working on my plan. Wouldn’t even know how to show the work (besides a website or Instagram, or Facebook). Any ideas how to launch myself once I get this all pulled together in a few months?
Hi Laura! Yes, I have an idea of how you can show the work in real life.
The best way is to team up with another person/entity/organization or someone local who would host the exhibit in their business or home (if there is plenty of space to hang or display art).
It’s actually a fun thing for people to host, and it gives them something to draw people to THEIR location. So it’s a win-win for everyone.
There are many ways to do this. I’ll be giving a free webinar on this soon – so if you’re interested click here https://maria-brophy.mykajabi.com/curate-opt-in to get on the list of people notified of the webinar.
Thanks!
It’s been a while since I’ve done art shows or had the interest (my career took a different path and it’s fine!). However, I ran into obstacles regarding not having certain skills like understanding perspective and human anatomy! My composition skills and color were on point because of my years of experience in graphic design however I didn’t have schooling or enough experience in creating scenes or drawing humans. I think it is possible to succeed without school but the experience and passion to learn MUST be there. In the end, I didn’t have the drive or interest to keep on the art world path.
However, I DID succeed in design which later translated into brand development at one of the world’s largest entertainment companies. I didn’t have much schooling in that area either but I am good at what I do. I don’t fit into my peers in that I don’t have art school debt but I have enough experience to have lasted through many rounds of layoffs. I do a good job. I faked it ‘til I made it.
Aileen, it’s so good to hear from you!
With regards to schooling – I didn’t go into this, but I should have: I think people need to always continue to learn. There are so many ways to learn; online courses, mentors, classes, reading, etc. I am always learning new skills and often hire coaches to take me to the next level.
With regards to your art: I’ve always been a fan of your art!!! And I love the path that you have taken. You are someone who gives your best to everything you do. Glad you found your path.
Hi Maria
I agree with this a lot and believe in the “art world” you can have credentials as an “outsider Artist”. Often though this cred will not land you academic positions or galleries.
But you can create your own venues. I have done this in other people’s spaces and even had my own storefront in Brooklyn NY where I curated art shows. I have never had a problem gathering large numbers of people (hint: get local startup breweries / wineries to donate beer / wine for your party). And usually when you have a group show with Artists / Musicians you are sure to know many people. The biggest challenge for me is then selling the work, which I believe is what many Artists want someone to do for you / them. It seems there can be a “Midas touch” – as in if someone famous aka an “influencer” likes your work then this cred can make it easier to actually sell your art. So my question is how to avoid just having an awesome big art party (those were fun in my 20’s) and change it up to actually making money (got a family to support). Thanks! I always appreciate your insights.
Kindly,
Kara
Kara, so good to hear from you! And this is a GREAT question – how do create an art event that is not a party, but rather, a buying event? Oh, I have so much to say about this!
In a nut shell, here’s my answer: When planning your event, DON’T plan a party. PLAN a buying event!
A party: You invite friends, have a band, have lots of booze.
A buying event: The event is focused on the art, you don’t have a band (maybe soft music in the background), you invite art buyers.
You advertise it as an exhibit with art available for purchase. You invite people who need art (homeowners, architects, real estate agents, interior decorators, previous art collectors, etc).
If you FOCUS on making it an event that is all about selling art, then that is what you’ll get.
I’ve done both, and I find that anytime I have a show where friends are invited and they come for the beer and the music, no one buys art.
I no longer invite friends and no longer have a band! The art is the main focus and the results have been great.
Hope that helps!
xxoo
So true! Thank you! I guess the challenge for myself is that I need to branch out and meet those people. Will think on that…
Hi Maria,
Thank you, I’ve already gotten so much out of reading everyones questions and your answers!
I wonder whether it’s a good idea to create more work for a specific event or venue?
I am invited to show my art at an event about travels. There are three talks and in between longer breaks for drinks and “networking”….and looking at my art (red-party-flag is up!).
Since I make much of my travel-inspired work in my notebook, on small paper or on commission, I don’t have a big “coherent” collection of originals just waiting around… I’d have to create some more pieces but I’m unsure whether it’s worth it (people come to be inspired, not necessarily to buy). Might it be a better idea to prepare some high quality prints and postcards of what I have? I guess I’m trying to understand whether this is an opportunity or not.
I can see how important the “right crowd” is, but with curating my own exhibit, I can feel this fear crawling up: would they take me seriously?
Other concerns: picking the wrong theme (!), not having enough work, nobody showing up 😉
I am looking forward to the webinar!
Thank you so much!
Linn, such a great question! Should you create more work for a specific venue?
The answer is this: What result do you want to see from the show? If you want to WOW the people who attend, and you feel that the collection you have needs a little more, than yes, it is essential to put more into it. And it is worth the time because, after all, you are an artist and an artist creates. You can also take your show and do it again and again at different venues.
Will they take you seriously? Yes, if you take yourself seriously. But it doesn’t have to be so serious. It should be enjoyable for you and for the people who come to see it.
It’s like putting on a birthday party for a 5 year old. You want them to have fun, so, every decision you make about the party is with that in mind.
Well, for your exhibit, decide what you WANT the result to be. How do you want people to FEEL when they are there? Keep that in mind when deciding on the details.
If you have a serious message that your work illustrates, then, put the effort into communicating that message in the best possible way. That can be done through the art itself, as well as having descriptive labels next to each piece. You could even give a small lecture or talk about the art and the inspiration behind it.
If your work is more playful and witty, then the feeling of the event, the vibe, should be playful and witty.
Give it a lot of thought – what decisions can you make with regards to organizing the event and the artwork so that you get the end result you are looking for?
If sales are a #1 goal, then, yes have several price points for people to buy. For example, a few pieces that are priced on the higher end, and then lower priced print reproductions and postcards. That way, if someone loves the art but can’t afford the original or higher priced items, they can buy the lower priced ones.
Your question is a really good one and so I’m going to answer some of it in my webinar!
Thanks xxoo
Maria, I’m in heaven, I love your answers! (some of my favorite parts: “you’re and artist, an artist creates” 😉 and ” take yourself seriously. But it doesn’t have to be so serious”, genius). Thank you, I’m super excited to put this into practice!
Is there a way you can reproduce your notebook at an affordable (not cheap) price, like a facsimile?
I think that could be of interest for people who want to experience the process of creating your art while traveling.
Hi Maria,
Thank you for this question. I share the same sentiments of those who have a full-time job, whose career took a different path and just the thought of having enough pieces & where or how to get them out there for the world to see.
I also struggle with the thought of “age” as a factor. Am I too old? Does it matter? Who cares?
Transitioning from from a career in higher education of 21 years, to doing what I’ve been passionate about nearly all my life; but unable to do so because of that full-time job, is scary and exciting at the same time!
—-
After reading your blog about credentials, I edited my About Me page on my website…thanks for the tip.
I am also eagerly waiting for the webinar.
H
Dear Henrietta,
Are you too old? I love this question, because, the answer is going to surprise you. NO! Some of the artists I work directly with are in their LATE 70’s. Two of them are only a few years in their art career! I don’t know how old you are, but, if you are under 110, then you are NOT too old.
Use your age as an advantage. As we age (and I’m speaking from experience) as women we start worrying that we are not as influential. Well, that is so NOT TRUE. When I think of the women I greatly admire and want to be like, they are all older than me (some are now passed on). Oprah, Mother Theresa, Maya Angelou, etc.
One thing these women all have in common: WISDOM and CONFIDENCE that comes from living a long time. Something that younger people do not yet have.
Tap into your wisdom, those things that you take for granted that you know, and realize that it’s of great value to others. And it may be the inspiration that others need to see or hear.
I am SO HAPPY to know that you were inspired to update your About Me page!
And I’m happy you’re here. I appreciate you reading and commenting on my blog.
xxoo
Maria, thank you for this! I’ve had one life event after another, big and small, and I’m sometimes tempted to throw in the towel and get a job I hate, just to pay the bills. But then I come here to your blog and get what I need to keep pushing forward. I signed up for the webinar and I can’t WAIT!!!
Jan,
I’m so happy that I could turn you around a little and give you a shot of courage and motivation to not yet give up!
I know it seems hard to make money doing the thing we love. BUT, so many people are doing it, and we have to look at those people and ask “what are they doing? how are they doing it?” and realize, “if they can do it, so can I!”
Another piece to the puzzle is this: what we focus on expands. If we focus on not just making great art, but also on making money from it, that’s what we eventually get.
I hope my webinar helps you. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm in these comments. It helps me to know that I’m on the right path! xxoo
Hi Maria, thank you for all your great advice and for helping all the artists out there who are “stuck in the weeds” of their beginning art careers. My issues are two fold-I live in a very rural area so finding a venue and then drawing a crowd to that venue is definitely a big concern. Also, the age old dilemma of pricing is a difficult one for me. I am a coloured pencil artist and wether I like it or not, it is a medium that doesn’t command the highest prices (even though I can spend 50+ hours on a piece) and then I go round and round on the debate of do you price a piece according to time spent on it or as an emerging artist trying to get traction in the art world. At the moment I charge per square inch. Any help would be so greatly appreciated. I look forward to your webinar. Thank you for all you do!
Sherry, thank you for the kind words and the comment and questions!
When you live in a rural area, you have to go outside of your community to reach more buyers. This means you either have to go to the city to network/exhibit your art (go where the people are) and/or reach people online through larger entities.
There’s only so much you can do with your website and social media; unless you spend a lot of $$ on advertising. So, one thing you could do is find an organization, company or charity that has a very large following and team up on a campaign of some sort. I go into detail on this in my book.
Start brainstorming and ask yourself “what large company, entity or conference or charity is in alignment with the message of my art? And come up with a creative way to collaborate somehow.
I hope this helps! xxoo
Great insight thank you!
In my experience, an MFA is worth it if you want your art career to take the museum route, or if you have your heart set on teaching on a collegiate level. There are always exceptions, of course.
Hi Maria,
As always, you have an uncanny knack for sending out timely & relevant e-mails!
I have recently approached several galleries asking for a chance to exhibit and many of them say they only accept artists if “professional” or else by invitation only.
The exhibiting world is a vicious circle: they won’t recognize your art unless you have experience, but they won’t give you the opportunity to gain experience unless you’re recognized! It seems that it is only once you are accepted by a gallery that it becomes easier for you to be seriously viewed as an “artist”.
In order to be able to live off my art, sometimes I wonder if I should just place my work on merchandise and sell it that way, but then it somehow seems to lessen its value…or not?!
(Maybe I should just start my own gallery…)
I just listened to the ‘Art Money Success’ audiobook on a long drive the other day, and found it so informative and in-depth, thank you. I’m going to buy the print version so that I can dog-ear it to death as I refer back to it.
Many thanks for the sharing of your experience and wisdom, it’s a massive help.
Ah, this resonates SO MUCH! The immediate (and irrational) fears that pop up are
– no one will show up
-it will be expensive and I won’t sell anything
– I don’t have enough work
– imposter syndrome