It seems that one needs a "chip on ones shoulder" to be accepted as a great artist. What do y'all think?

Question

I have always tried to be modest and am getting nowhere fast. YET I am good at art. It's hard to explain. Anyone know my thinking here?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it's not good salesmanship to be modest... and art generally doesn't sell itself - it needs front line representation.

You don't have to be arrogant or pushy, (although it doesn't seem to hurt sales, oddly) but you do have to show confidence - both in yourself and your art. It takes time to get your name out there, but perseverance will bring success, as long as you're selling what people are buying.

It can be tiring keeping up the entertainment aspect if you're not an extrovert... group shows, private shows, arts groups, teaching, charity events, yadda yadda... but it does pay off as repeated exposure will help make your name recognized. And if you're painting something that's not "in vogue" in your area at this time, it can be a tough choice to either "stay true to yourself" or "go with the flow".

One thing I've discovered over the years - if you really LOVE a piece of your art, and if you loved painting it, others will too. If you're lukewarm about it ("hmmm, I could've done this better...") then others will notice it too.

Keep at it, keep putting yourself out there, and wear your confidence on the outside - believe in your work because the attitude is contagious.

Good fortune!

Answer 2

I know what youre thinking and I would disagree though. It is not about if you think you are a good artist, it is about if others think you are a good artist. It is too bad that we live in a society for which everything can be considered art. Dont ask friends anf amily, they love you and are seldom 100% honest. Ask strangers if they like your art. Their facial experessions will say everything.

Another thing is (and I have no clue what your art looks like, so I am not judging you in any way)...If it is orignal and different, avante gard...if not and it has already beed done or something similar has been done people wont bite. The industry wants to see fresh ideas not replicas.

Answer 3

I think that the problem is more of a "clique" art community.

Maybe "SNOTTY" is a better term than "chip on ones...."

Your question just reminded me of CAPTAIN BEEFHEART...
aka Don van Vliet.
He is artist.
Was told by gallery owner that to be considered an artist he would have to give up music. i.e touring, recording.
Otherwise he would not be considered a serious artist.
Just a musician that paints.

So he left music and went into art.
(music is not art?).
Never had much commercial success with music.
Just influenced a whole lot of other people.

Which brings up MTV's rejection of Captain Beefheart Video..
"Ice Cream for Crow" as "too weird".
Video is in MOMA....go figure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqRHr5pEIFU

Answer 4

Hmmm... I thought you had to be dead.

Actually, it's all in who you know. Connections are were it's at. The more connections, the more exposure, the more the demand.

Quit being modest, get agresive. Get your work out there. Start an online gallery, market your work to local interior designers, display your work in resturants & coffee shops, get a newspaper or magazine to write a story about you, enter competitions - get a "one man show".

Good luck!

Answer 5

I know exactly what you mean...don't be an arrogant prick though...

Just be confident and always be able to justify your artwork.

People like deep art...mix some of your emmotion through your explanation...if not just say "My work speaks for itself!"