Why You Should Build Your Artist Network
And how I got started with mine
Meeting new art pals has been great. As I mentioned in my last post, not only do you gain a new connection with an artist but you also learn so much. By chatting with other art market vendors, I was able to discover more resources and new markets to sign up for.
Trust me, as someone who is actually quite shy and introverted, I can understand the awkward feeling of not being comfortable introducing yourself to others. But, I cannot stress it enough how important it is to network in the community you are trying to grow in. I’ll share the four ways I have found the most success in networking and how it’s helped me.
Introduce yourself at markets (and, well, anywhere really)
If you are at an art market, you can start out by connecting with a tablemate or your vendor neighbour. I find some other vendors are also a little shy, so it helps to be the first to break the ice. Eventually, you can wander to the other booths to meet additional makers and learn about their work.
Just don’t forget your business cards. You can also follow each other on social media.
Even if you aren’t a vendor, you can still chat with the artist to find out how they got started. I’m sure it’s not just me, but I love it when people are curious about my art and want to talk about it. I’ve learned a ton of information by just chatting with other artists and asking questions about them. Getting connected on social media is great for staying up to date with their projects and gives you even more opportunities to talk to them about their work. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to meet someone who is doing exactly the type of work you want to get into.
Slide into those DMs!
This might seem obvious but be active on your socials. This is more than just hitting the “Like” button, although, that is great to do too! Connect with artists you admire. Like and comment on their posts to get that engagement going.
Don’t be afraid to slide into their DMs. Just to be ultra clear, the goal of sliding into the DMs is to build a connection and let them know how much you admire their work, not to be creepy. Emphasis on the latter.
Even when it came to starting this newsletter, I reached out to writers in my network to learn more about their experience with different writing platforms. Thank you, Elliot, for the Substack recommendation. If you are a fan of travel, expatriate life, and good eats, he has a couple of fantastic newsletters for you to choose from. I really enjoy his writing so feel free to check him out here.
Another person I was able to connect with was author and illustrator, Monica Arnaldo. I have admired her work for years and I introduced myself just by messaging her on Instagram.
It was a big moment for me. What is not shown in this screenshot is the squealing and giddy feeling behind that notification. I am still so happy I connected with her! I mean, just look at this cover illustration for her latest book Mr. S.
Adorable.
Share your work
By consistently sharing my work online and by attending markets, people are able to discover my work. You never know who will be attending these art markets and take home one of your business cards. You start building an audience for people who like your art style and may keep you in mind for future projects.
By sharing my work on Instagram, I was able to collaborate with a local café. I am currently working on holiday cards for their storefront and they will be displaying some of my other greeting cards as well. Thanks again Daisy for this opportunity!
For those in Montréal, do make the time to visit Daisy and try her baked goods at Café Rì Yuè at 333 Av. du Président-Kennedy, Montréal. They specialize in Asian-inspired desserts and delicious not-so-sweet treats. I am due for another visit.
“Be shameless about your hopes and dreams.”
This is a saying I heard from Sha’an d’Anthes (aka furrylittlepeach) when watching her YouTube video on “How to Make A Picture Book” and I haven’t forgotten it since. I’ve been very vocal about my dreams of one day writing and illustrating a children’s book, and designing artwork for breweries or wine bottles. Doing so has actually opened up doors to new opportunities and access to resources I wouldn’t have found if I hadn’t talked about it.
I’ve had an organization reach out to me for an illustration project and people inquiring about commissions or collaborations. Of course, you always want to use your best judgment regarding projects you are open to working on.
It can be as simple as discussing projects I am interested in starting or new mediums I’d like to try out. Through these conversations, I’ve received information on where to learn printmaking, contacts for art directors, and even advice on freelance illustration contracts. It has restored a bit of faith in humanity to see that people are very open to helping one another. You just have to get the conversation going.
I’m still learning how to navigate this whole illustration business, so there will be lots to discover and share in the future.
Here’s my quick October recap in photos:
Dawson Geek Week 2023
Interwoven by PAC Montreal
Halloween with MFF
Learned the sublimation process
Dahlias from Atwater Market
If you are an experienced author, illustrator, or even small business owner, I would love to hear from you and connect. Send me your tips on networking in the creative space simply by replying to this post and I’ll share them next time.
Until next month,
Tida
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I see your heart in how you write 🩷 Love reading your posts:)