I think I read that 15 years ago in The Colour of Magic(?) but every day it seems to have a new application.

Create art – you will be/are an artist.

- Know somebody. That always helps. I’m sure you know somebody if you think hard enough.

- Submit some work for a juried show. Often, these are theme shows, so your mileage may vary.

- Get a group of artists together (if even 2 or 3) and have a group show. There’s less pressure on you, and a gallery owner can be a little more willing to book a group because there’s a variety of work being shown.

- Rent a library gallery space, or even get a show at a coffee shop. Every little show counts, no matter what anybody says.

Unless you know somebody, getting a one-person show as your first is nearly unheard-of, even if it seems that way. Most people will need to work their way up to bigger and better shows. Which is a good thing: you’ll learn along the way how the system works, how to prepare for mounting a show, etc.

I started having shows at 17 or 18 with some school friends, and within a year we must have put on 6 or more shows, with each one getting more and more press coverage (I even managed to sell a piece). After a few shows, you might find that gallery reps are coming to YOU, rather than the other way around.

As far as advice for your work: get a lot of it. A lot. It’s like any other portfolio – the better it’s put together (with consistently good work) the more likely you’ll grab somebody’s attention.

I know, all painfully obvious, but sometimes it’s good to hear. Don’t look over the small shows, commercial shows, etc.

cheese platters and kegs…woo hoo!

also

*still waiting patiently for caitlin to post*

i need some of your art bro…….problem is i think im not the only one in the que ;)

Advice from a loved one who has had a show in NYC. It wasnt exactly detailed in telling how TO get up with a gallerist (?!) but I informed her of your volume of work and asked for specifics so maybe.

Shannon, you’re right – almost anyone can become skilled in anything given the right amount of investment in time, practice and passion. Some people seem to be more inclined or gifted in some ways than others, but that doesn’t mean that they have a permanent advantage – just think of all the horrible tall basketball players out there – they have the advantage, but not the interest, or the willingness to make an investment in learning the skill.

What´s great about your work, or at least what I love about it, is how naive and full of color it is, and I usually don´t even like colors!!!

I say go for it!

I also wanted to let you know that you and Nefarious totally inspired me, and now my 6 year old and I do collaboraitive drawings together. THANK YOU.

Many people who started out as illustrators have had gallery shows and have made big bucks. Toulouse Lautrec painted posters, Norman Rockwell is very recognized and was quite popular in his time. they’re all considered artists, painters. Where you cash comes from, who cares?

Painting, let me say creating, is great therapy isn’t it??
Sorry I don’t know about getting shows, the ones I have been in were long ago and I was asked to participate. Linda

Any advice on getting a show is totally appreciated by the way.