Tag: art world navigation
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” couldn’t be more true when it comes to open calls. On paper, they seem simple: submit your work, wait, maybe get picked. But if you’ve tried it, you already know it’s never that easy. Each call has little hidden rules, unspoken expectations, and tiny hints that can make the difference between getting noticed and getting lost in the pile. Here’s the thing, reading between the lines is what separates the submissions that feel random from the ones that actually hit the mark. You have…
Choosing which open calls, exhibitions, or opportunities to pursue is rarely straightforward. The art world is full of invitations, submissions, and deadlines, all promising exposure, recognition, or a boost to your career. But not every call actually moves the needle. It is easy to chase opportunities just because they are visible or prestigious, without pausing to consider whether they align with your vision, your audience, or your long-term goals. Understanding the difference between noise and value is essential. Some calls bring nothing but temporary visibility, while others can connect you with…
Growth in an artistic career is rarely accidental. It is the result of deliberate decisions, consistent effort, and a focus on what truly advances your practice. Talent alone will take you only so far; long-term progress depends on how you structure your work, approach challenges, and measure your own development. Recognizing this distinction is the first step toward building a career that is not reactive, but intentional. Every choice, from daily studio habits to strategic outreach, contributes to the trajectory of your work. Growth is cumulative, built from many small but…
Visibility sounds like the dream, right? You picture your art being seen, shared, maybe even sold. But in the real world, “being visible” is not as simple as getting likes on a post or landing a single feature. Visibility is layered, tricky, and often misunderstood. Many artists chase numbers, not realizing that not all visibility moves their career forward. Some exposure brings genuine growth, while other kinds just burn time and energy with little return. What visibility really means is alignment, not volume. It’s the difference between being seen by thousands…
Portfolios don’t speak the same language for everyone. What grabs a curator’s attention might barely register with a collector, and galleries are often looking for something entirely different. Treating every audience the same usually means your work doesn’t land as well as it could, and opportunities slip through the cracks. Different people notice different things. Collectors want to see growth, potential, and whether your work could become a meaningful addition to their collection. Curators are scanning for cohesion, concept, and whether your pieces fit into a larger conversation. Galleries are sizing…
You know that feeling when you split a bill with friends and somehow end up paying way more than what you ordered? That’s how a lot of artists feel when they first see a gallery’s commission rate. Fifty percent , sometimes more , can sound like daylight robbery when you’re the one who spent months creating the work. But that number isn’t random, and understanding where it comes from changes everything about how you approach it. Gallery commissions are less about greed and more about systems. Rent, staff, marketing, shipping, openings…
Walk into any gallery quietly and just watch for a moment. Notice how the walls don’t feel neutral at all , they hum with a kind of personality. The way pieces are hung, the rhythm of the room, even the pauses between artworks say something about what that space values. Some walls whisper restraint, others pulse with risk, and a few shout with unapologetic boldness. If you pay attention, you realize galleries are speaking long before you ever meet the curator. Now imagine sending your portfolio into that space without first…