Selling Art in an Urgent World
Debra Keirce
The following article was written by Debra Keirce, a regular contributing author to The BoldBrush Letter.
Selling Art in an Urgent World
We all remember the lesson of the tortoise and the hare. Friends training for marathons often say it's best to build endurance at a slow pace, engaging in conversation along the way. So why do so many of us feel the need to fast-track our art careers?
For those of us who started later in life, the pressure to make up for lost time can be overwhelming. I often look at the master artists who achieved so much in their brief lives and feel a responsibility to create something extraordinary, given that I've already outlived many of them.
However, there’s immense value in taking things slow and steady. When we allow ourselves the time to observe and reflect, we absorb more. This approach can yield better long-term results in our artistic journeys. Rushing can lead to missed lessons and superficial growth. This is a learning point I have been thinking a lot about, as I work my way through the Ani Art Academies curriculum that focuses on deliberate practice.
Some things simply can't be hurried. One is practice. Another is successful advertising. It’s widely believed that consumers need to see an advertisement or engage with a seller seven times on average before making a purchase. This "seven taps" concept underscores the importance of patience in building an audience. Art, often considered a luxury rather than an impulse buy, may require even more engagement before a sale is made.
Yet, I find myself caught in the cycle of urgency. Don’t you? There’s a nagging feeling that I’m letting my followers down if I don’t showcase achievements regularly. It’s as if a certain number of sales, awards, or workshops taught have become the norm, and anything less feels like failure. Conversely, anything more sets a new, daunting standard.
But really, where’s the race? There are no art police keeping us under surveillance, so why do we feel this incessant urgency? Many of us already have impressive resumes. Will one more accolade truly propel us into the stardom we crave? Likely not. In fact, I’m not sure most of us desire that celebrity status at all. The thought of managing sponsors and creating art on someone else’s timeline, all while keeping up with fleeting trends, feels exhausting. The truth is, I won’t wake up famous, and that’s okay.
So, why do we feel compelled to run this race? Why not take the time to enjoy the stroll?
Creating and sharing art is a beautiful journey, and I wholeheartedly applaud those who are ambitiously pursuing their business goals. However, I propose we all carve out time to slow down, appreciate our progress, and enjoy the ride. After all, the essence of art lies not just in the end result, but in the creative process itself. Let’s embrace a pace that allows us to savor every brushstroke along the way.
Editor’s note - tortoise and the hare race has been staged in real life. Spoiler alert - the tortoise actually wins:
Debra Keirce
www.DebKArt.com
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These are wise words and something I have been thinking about these days. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you, Debra. I needed to hear this today.