Take a Chance and Meet a New Friend!

Feel “out of the loop” with the art world in your area? Let’s change that. No matter if you are new to an area or if you are starting to dive back into your creative practice after taking a break, it is never too late to start building your artist network! In today’s episode we share our top tips for growing your network, both in person and virtually, with industry professionals and other artists!

Episode Title

No matter if you are new to an area or if you are starting to dive back into your creative practice after taking a break, it is never too late to start building your artist network!

Goals and Strategies:

In Person vs Digital Networking
Growing industry contacts vs. Connecting with other artists

In Person

Industry Contacts

They are great to have because they can have leads on upcoming opportunities and possibly collectors too
You can meet them at...
- Exhibition openings and receptions
- Art organizations - they host summits, happy hours, special events
- Galleries and shops that sell original art
- Your local art store(s)

Connecting with Other Artists

Growing your creative support system of friends is wonderful!
Always remember to go into friendships with the mindset of Community Over Competition
You can meet art friendsat
- Art fairs, markets, and events
- Open studios at buildings like Artspace and Anchorlight
- Regional open studio events (drive to artists studios on a map on a designated weekend/s)
- Art Meetup Groups - plein air painting, urban sketchers

Virtual

Start with a general web search
- Search in your area and make a master list of galleries, museums, and nonprofits in your area
- Then follow them on social media and sign up for their newsletters

Organizations - Stay in the loop with local events and exhibition opportunities
- Sign up for email newsletters (Non profits, museums and galleries)
- See who the key players are and which spots you should visit in person
- Who has calls for art often and when sort of work are they looking for?

New Friends on Social Media
- Making new friends virtually is great for everyone, but especially introverts!
- Use hashtags to find new artist friends on Instagram
- See where people geotag their location, maybe they go to the same coffee shop or galleries as you!
- TIP: Slide into the DM’s!! And make a New friend
  - Prompt: Hey I absolutely love your artwork! *insert descriptors about it* *and then ask them a question?*
  - Be genuine and talk like a real human (as if you were in person)
  - Then move it offline to an in person even if you are comfortable. They can be your guide to the art side of the city or you can explore new places together!

ACTION ITEM: Make a list of places and start visiting them, checking them off as you go!

Building your artist network is SUPER beneficial both socially and professionally! You never know where you may meet your new art bestie or someone who can help you land your first solo exhibition!
Stay positive and focus on making friends by bonding over your shared love of art!
Be open to new people and experiences!

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