Here’s Part 1 on the collaborative economy post “Real Life Is Not A Competition.” Yes Part 2 has been a longtime coming, but here it is. (finally)
The response both on and off the blog was a resounding
yes to collaboration and
no to other’s artistic success as having any bearing to one’s own success.
It has taken me awhile to get back to this subject because the topic of competition can so easily turn negative. I had several paragraphs pondering the why behind linking success for one means failure the the other. And I promptly deleted them because I wanted to have a positive conversation. So the focus of this post will be ways in which a person can participate in a collaborative economy. If we all do this the “why” is irrelevant.
To begin I will list a few of the things that I have participated in to create and support a collaborative economy in the arts. Also I will continue to Update the post as new ideas come in.
I helped to create a studio tour in Northwest Iowa. Many years ago a dozen or so artists got together (myself included) and said “hey, they have a really successful studio tour in MN, why can’t we? And who else can we get to participate?”
I won’t lie it was a huge undertaking with a mountain of work. The meetings were 1-2 times a week (for well over a year) an hour away from where I live. (though to be fair everything is an hour away from where I live.) the Artisans Road Trip (A.R.T.) is still alive and still struggling to find it’s way. But it is a huge boon for the local artists and allows those who otherwise may not get their work shown, out before an audience.
When I was part of the process, the gist was everybody was juried and paid a fee, everybody puts in the volunteer hours and everybody had a say in how things progressed. By everybody pulling together, we promoted each other as well as ourselves. The essence of a collaborative economy. The event has changed through the years but this essence remains the same.
Partnering Since I actually have a storefront and do what we call “artist services” this may be easier for me to do. As I have said previously I have partnered with interior designers (in both selling my work and custom framing) Photographers and other artists.
When you can’t or don’t want to do a job, point the customer to someone who will. I collect business cards (a handful if possible, so I can give them out freely) from many types of artists. Since we meet so many artists as well as those needing the service of artists, I am in a good position to suggest people for the job. I usually offer several possibilities (narrow the field a little) but I personally try not to prejudge who is the right fit. By offering them a selection they can choose. Plus if one artist doesn’t work (for whatever reason) they still have a back-up or two.
Be a part of the process. . . If you have any ideas on to help support other artists, please leave a comment.
Try not to view success as a competition. We learn from each other. I would be lying if I said that when my booth is plunked next to someone whose work is in direct competition sales-wise with mine, that I don’t care if I sell as well as they do. Of course I do. But the key difference is, I don’t want to see them fail either. Some of my best friends are artists whose work is in direct competition with myself.
Offer assistance to those who seek it. For some this may be teaching classes. For us, we offer discounts on framing for artists. But we also offer all the “free” advice you want. In the past I have cleared entire afternoons to talk with budding artists and discuss what they hope to accomplish and how to get there. To be clear the only thing I am very knowledgeable about is the path I took. While I’ve worked in a museum, as well as briefly held a board position for an art center, and had my work in countless galleries, it is representing myself (as in art fairs or wholesale marketing) that I am most comfortable talking about.
Don’t participate in negative conversations about other artists. This is pretty self-explanatory.
And Lastly . . .
Be a part of the process. Do what you can. We are all busy with a shortage of free time. But if there is a way you can do something for some other artist . . . do it.
And here’s an easy opportunity to do just that. If anyone has any other ways to help each other out, please leave a comment or email me. I will update (add it to) this post with your suggestions as they come in.
UPDATED:
11-20-09
Art Groups & Co-operative galleries
Another example of partnering is hanging your work in a cafe or restaurant. Judy Hemphill a photographer friend from Spencer Iowa has recently partnered with a new storefront that shares a common wall with Hemphill Law Office. Judy has turned one room into a gallery that is open from the adjoining business (an antiques/coffee house.) The adjoining business handles the sales, but can pop over if the customer has a question or if she needs Judy to run the place for a moment. Here’s Judy’s blog
11-22-09 (suggested by Undaunted)
Support one another at exhibitions This is good for two reasons. It comforts the artist and makes the room look full. Lively conversations going on is so much better than that uncomfortable museum like quiet of any empty room.
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I must have missed your previous post, but I have read them both now and they are both very interesting. They have certainly given me food for thought.
I must admit, I do feel jealous of other artists (mostly at class). Not as regards to sales, but if they produce an amazing piece of work I can’t help thinking “I wish I had thought of that”. Not in a nasty way though. But I am learning that just as every artist has their own style, every customer has their own taste. Having a variety of artists means there is something for everyone.
In the FPAA artists work to help each other, which I think is great. Some do open studio days, some do demonstrations, some do framing for other artists, and we’re all encouraged to support each other at exhibitions. I need to get more involved really, but half the time I don’t know what planet I’m on!
Admire someones work is totally different. I often look at something and think “Damn I wish I had thought of that.”
I like the support each other at exhibitions. That’s a great one.
Oh, I definitely had a green eye thing going on for a while at the exhibition! More about that next time I post!
I should have said, in the FPAA we’re actually encouraged to advertise each others exhibitions too. We’re sent invitations to hand out for the “big one” every 6 months, whether we’re taking part or not.