How I network at art openings | Artist guide to networking
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
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And make it easy for people to approach you too -- be the one wearing a unique accessory, or a cool pair of shoes, whatever. Like if you're wearing cool shoes and you find one other person who has cool shoes and you compliment them on their shoes, then they're likely going to look at yours and do the same, and boom, a conversation is born. I have quite the collection of Fluevogs (and they do have a shop in San Fran, and likely they pop up in secondhand shops there as well), they're amazing for being an instant conversation starter. 😊
That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing :)
Hi Christina. I have a couple of suggestions for you. When starting a conversation say “Can I ask you a question?” It’s the best way to start. Then paraphrase what they said and ask a follow up question. It serves two purposes. It gets them to talk about themselves and let’s you measure their openness to a conversation. When your ready to move on and you would like keep connected say “I’d like to continue this conversation let’s exchange numbers so we can get together.” This will also work with the people you would like to do business with as well. Like gallery owners.
I’m a photographer but I’ve worked many years in retail and sales. What I’ve learned is questions are the answer. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you. Cheers.
Oh awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience and for the suggestions :)
It was so great meeting you at STUDIO Gallery's reception yesterday! What a fun conversation. Looking forward to more of your informative videos and of course your March 2025 solo show! As for this video, your step-by-step approach makes a lot of sense. But from our open and friendly conversation yesterday, I'd never imagined you initially felt anxious when attending openings!
Thanks Karen, great meeting you too! Actually I was still a bit nervous yesterday haha. But in general I love how people at Studio Gallery openings tend to be friendly and open :)
Accidentally the best timing ever for me. I’m going to my first art opening this week of an artist I love.
Ohh I hope it helps! Good luck!!
I noticed you were really glowing in this video. Glad to see you so happy. i do the same thing i either go to a place and see what i am there to see and go or i cling to whoever i go with. i always feel like even if i become the best artist in the world, i dont know that i want to be connected to the community. the more people get involved the quicker drama finds its way in or influence gets its way in, or people do or dont approve of one thing you do or dont do. though i am not sure there is a way around people if you create unless you just get discovered after death. I think you are right if you are just looking at a piece long enough and off on your own naturally someone else will eventually get in a conversation with you over the artwork at some point. Approaching groups i am not a part of, i cant imagine doing that.
Thanks DeVerne! I think there are some parts of the art community that aren't great (as with any large community), however I've met so many kind, dedicated, passionate artists as well. And those connections have been really meaningful to me :)
I love…love your work. You are a fabulous artist. I hope to see your art in a gallery someday. Art is a personal experience, so sharing it with strangers can make you feel vulnerable-and awkward, but your work is lovely.
Thank you so much!
Great insider info and I can feel the isolation I too would have to overcome. I'm very outgoing and meet people easily, and yet the art echelon seems élitist to this gal who grew up on a farm Thx!
I feel you, I started out as an art world outsider as well. The snobs are definitely out there. Thankfully it's not all elitist though - I've gradually found parts of the art world that are quite open and welcoming :)
Your story could have totally been about me. I'm the same in those situations. We're kindred spirits! You may also want to read a great book on introversion/extroversion called "Quiet".
I feel you. And thanks for the recommendation!
I tend to go openings alone,if I end up conversing with others fine, if not I just enjoy the experience.
That's great!
Thanks for sharing, it is really helpful as how you treat is as a skill to be learned. Gives me a bit of hope I could learn too, because really I had given up on this ever to achieve this. So thanks ☺️
I'm so glad it was helpful! Good luck!
OMG your description of going to the opening and being kinda terrified and awkward was exactly how I felt . Like a complete outsider I did manage to talk to one lady but that was about it .I saw my former artist sister-in-law and she just ignored me .But I have to go to openings even though its uncomfortable for introverted me. Networking is not my strong suit
I feel you! You are not the only one who feels that way. I hope knowing that can make going a little bit easier. And the more you go, little by little, the easier it will get.
Love this Christina! Super helpful ideas for how to mingle, and meet people at openings. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable.
Awesome, glad you liked it! :)
You'll get used to engaging with people you don't know at other galleries the more you visit. Great message🙏🏾
Thanks
So true! It is gradually getting easier :)
Great video, thank you for sharing your experience it’s very encouraging!
Awesome, glad you found it helpful!
Oh, hon! I get this so much! I always try and go with a friend for moral support. I do much better when I am the host of something.
Thanks Madison! Yes, going with a friend helps a lot :)
Hi! This is an issue that most artists have, so I think that a good piece of advice to share would be, when you go to those openings, "think about how difficult it is for them to talk and connect, just like me" hahaha and that lowers expectations a lot. ...of not being able to approach them because they are "unattainable beings" and the other advice I have that I apply is to approach people who you see are nice, smiling, at least they are going to be kind to you. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice, I love your work.
That is a great point! I think so many people feel awkward at these events. By introducing yourself, you may be saving someone from their own shyness :)
@@christinakentart exactly, good luck!
Ever work a “Joe job” like waiting on tables or customers in some other context? That helped me go from being an introvert to an extrovert with an ability to talk to anyone, anywhere about almost any subject.
Also, striking up a conversation with a stranger is easy especially when you open with their favorite subject - themselves! Genuinely compliment them in some way - in most cases that breaks the ice and you can take it from there.
You’re doing great!
That's a great point! I worked in food service in the past, and it definitely helped me break out of my shell a bit, although I did get out of practice later on...
I like the compliment idea as well, especially at art openings, where people often have fun and unique accessories.
I love going to art openings when no one talks to me!
Oh, so you can focus on the art? Or do you like to observe the room?
I like to get lost in the art, and focus on what I’m experiencing. I like to get lost in my thoughts. I’m not against people connecting and having conversation, if that’s what gives them the best experience.
Thank you for this video, it's truly encouraging! How do you manage your time...I assume you spend most of your time planning and painting, then theres is social media and networking. I'm personally a slow painter and never seem to finish the work for the day. puh!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Great question. I'll make a youtube video talking about time management soon, but it's a bit tricky because my schedule varies a lot. Some months I have exhibitions, and I spend a lot less time in the studio, while other months I have no events going on and can spend a lot more time painting. And even though I'm doing this full-time, I still find there is never enough time, and I'm always behind! haha.
Your top is so cute and I love your videos
Thank you!
I like your incremental approach to learning to mingle, both smart and great courage! Hey a lot of art buyers are interested because they are also creative themselves in some way. If you’re comfortable talking to artists maybe it would help to think of them that way?
That's a great point, thank you!
Artists are mostly introverts thats it
Thanks for sharing your experience. Just don't call it an industry please! :)
For sure! And that's a good point, "industry" sounds very cold and utilitarian. It is my economist side coming out haha
@@christinakentart I know it was in good faith. Good luck mingling!
Piggy backing on what you’ve said it seems as though the most effective way to network is via your own show on the largest scale. However on the most intimate level seems like at an art show or studio visit.
Meeting so many ppl in one night at another artists show can seem overwhelming and redundant, so your method seems like a smooth strategy for sure.
Thanks for sharing this Christina 🤌🏾🤍
For sure, glad you found it helpful!
One of my goals for this year is to start going to the show openings and network with the local art community. But I am also not good at talking to people at such events so thank you :)
That's awesome, good luck!! It is hard at first but gets easier with practice :)
This was extremely helpful. Thanks!
Awesome, glad you found it helpful!