10 things every artist should know by Heather Darcy Bhandari

Hey guys, I went to hear Heather Darcy Bhandari speak(author of our Art/Work book) about 10 things every artist should know below are my notes. I found the talk helpful so I thought I would pass it along.

1. You don't have to follow the rules, you can break the rules but not by accident
   
2. Be able to talk about your work - point people in the right direction and remember that the words you use are powerful
   
3. The internet is going to be huge- having a website is key, your website should portray you, also use social networking and facebook
4. There is no 30% rule in terms of appropriation. Be aware of the rules some good resources:
   Stanford fair use project, Center for Social Media
5. Write everything down - Take control of your paperwork and make an inventory spreadsheet. Keep a contact list. Keep track of all receipts. You should have an invoice or consignment form no matter what the situation. Always have some form of an agreement, something written down so you know everyone is on the same page.
   
6. Every artist has a day job - This job can be connected to art or can be something completely different. Even an artist who is doing very well only makes about 10,000 a year.
   
7. Residencies are good for your health - Often have a a free or subsidized studio space, and even just the application process can be a very helpful practice.
   
8. No blind Submissions - never send work to a place you have not researched, never go door to door, and never send blanket e-mails or post cards. Many galleries have an unofficial one year rule, meaning that you need to explore the currator's work for a year before you start sending out. Other galleries have an unofficial "5 artists in my gallery" rule. Basically they want to know that you have researched the gallery/exhibitions. Most galleries select new artist based on other artists recs, currator recs, or having seen your work in a show or an art fair.
9. Rejection - it happens to everyone, it's not you it is them. It is really to know what they are looking for. Remember there are a range of rejections, "keep me informed", "add me to the mailing list"- don't forget to look for the hopeful signs. Keep applying even if it is to the same things, panels change and you never know. The process is very important.
   
10. There is More to Life than Commercial Galleries- art should be everywhere, you need to be open to different types of spaces.
    
11. Bonus: Remember everything will happen through your friends, other artists are your best resources.