Becoming a success in NYC is the crowning achievment in the career of many artists.
New York City is known for the adage "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." In few fields is this more poignant than the art scene. The New York City art scene is a virtual mash-up of successful mainstream artists and galleries and lesser known starving artists and hole-in-the-wall galleries. Becoming a successful artist in New York requires more than raw talent; it also requires big city savvy and expert networking ability.
Instructions
1. Solicit opinions of your work from other artists to set yourself on the course for continuous improvement. It might be difficult to solicit constructive criticism, but it is already better to know what the general opinion is among people in your inner circle before releasing your work to the world. Those opinions shouldn't deter you from pursuing your passion, but instead, use them to strengthen your body of work.
2. Offer to donate pieces to New York charity functions and high-profile auctions. On the New York art scene, this is one of the best ways to get noticed, aside from a show in a large art gallery. If there is a new hospital or museum opening, or a high-profile charity event, submit a piece as a donation. This is a great way to get "discovered" since people of all types --- including prospective buyers --- attend these events.
3. Hire a talent agent. An agent has the right connections in the art world to get your work shown; it is otherwise a difficult feat to accomplish on your own. However, dealing with an agent comes with its own set of issues, particularly in a city like New York where it is difficult to know who to trust professionally. Most will require money up front, but this is where they can get over on you as well. Request and check his references carefully and spend time talking with other artists that he claims to represent. Not only should you talk with those artists, but check their results as well, to see if they have had more success in New York since signing with that particular agent.
4. Peruse successful galleries to get a clear idea of trends. Develop relationships with staff at the establishments in which you frequent. Galleries come and go, but as of 2011, established galleries such as the Kate Werble Gallery, the Soho Loft Gallery, the Horton Gallery and David Finlay Jr. Fine Art may give you a clear idea of what's selling and what's not. There are hundreds of galleries in the New York metro area, so visit new ones regularly and chat up the staff. The tips you may get will be invaluable to your success as an artist.
5. Be consistent in your production and hold regular showings. If you aren't signed to a gallery, host art parties in your apartment and invite an assortment of people. One of the biggest roadblocks to success is the inability to product new artwork regularly, particularly if you support yourself through a regular nine to five gig. Commit to your career and produce work on a regular schedule. You can solicit gallery showings for galleries that might be interested in your work, or host showing in your apartment, complete with wine, cheese and your art.
6. Maintain a high level of visibility. In NYC, it is all about who you know and how visible you are. Even if you start out a virtual unknown, enough times of showing up to high-profile art events and networking visibly will start to cause inquires as to who you are. Attend events of all calibers and be as chatty as possible --- but not annoyingly so. Just professionally network with other people and keep an artist's card with a reproduced piece, your name and contact info to hand out upon request.
7. Study your trade and update your supporting information often. You need a resume, an artist's bio, photos of your work and a look book of any press or accolades you've received. This information should be updated regularly in the event that someone expresses an interest in showing you or learning more about your work. Read the NY art trades, including "Artforum," "Art in America" and "NYArts" to stay apprised of key players in the NYC art field and tips and tidbits on succeeding in your art.
