Being an emerging artist comes with its own set of challenges. As you step into the art world, you are hit with multiple realities. From struggling to find an audience to selling your work to showcasing your art in an exhibition, there are many things that you need to consider as you navigate your creative journey. So how do you actually do it?

On our Instagram (@artstoheartsproject), we are always trying to interact with our followers so they may impart us with their experience and wisdom. This time around, we asked the emerging artists to share with us how they navigate their journey. We know that finding opportunities in the beginning can be quite tough, even impossible at times. However, every artist starts from somewhere, and slowly but surely, you will also get to a point where you are able to achieve your creative dreams!

Find opportunities as an emerging artist

Go online

Of course, one of the most helpful tips in today’s world would be to find opportunities online. Social media, especially Instagram, has played a huge part in making sure that everyone stays connected, no matter what their profession or country.

When it comes to the art world, social media again proves to be very useful because you can easily find galleries and stay up to date. Galleries are easily accessible because you can look them up online. From their open calls to exhibitions to any other opportunity, all the information is at your fingertips. With the help of a simple Google search, you can keep an eye on any upcoming art shoes or art classes that can be useful for your creative skills.

Networking 

When it comes to looking for opportunities as an emerging artist, how can we not talk about the importance of networking?! The truth is that you cannot expand your circle by living in a bubble. You need to go out, meet people, and connect with other artists.

Just like every field, the art world is also ever-evolving. If you want support, you will need to extend it as well, and the best way to do that is by connecting with artists and collaborating with them. You can meet like-minded people in galleries, exhibitions, and even online. So, as much as we encourage spending time in your art studio, it’s equally important to go out and spend some time with other emerging artists who are in the same boat.

Look for galleries/exhibitions 

Did you know that galleries are the best place to look for the right opportunities? One visit to a gallery will help you connect with not only artists but also gallerists, curators, and art collectors. Even if you are out just networking, you will see that visiting an exhibition can open many doors for you. Sometimes galleries are interested in new and upcoming artists, and if you are in the right place at the right time, it will help you get your foot through the door.

Exhibitions are also a great place because you get to learn a lot. While you are out meeting people, you will come across artworks, paintings, and art installations that will inspire you and give you all kinds of ideas. Sometimes we only need a spark for things to get going!

As @verenaspitz_visualarts points out, open studio days are immensely helpful for emerging artists. These studios allow you to visit studios for a limited time, and you get to hang around and experience art in person. We highly recommend looking for such events because they offer a unique opportunity for artists and art lovers to come together on a single platform.

Group shows

@yevgenia_davidoff gives all the emerging artists a brilliant idea where you can curate your own group shows. Just like you, there are many other artists out there who are struggling to showcase their art. As an emerging artist, you can find other such artists, and curate your own group shows. Comradery is the way to go, and in this case, it can be extremely beneficial as everyone will use their own expertise and skills.

Trust your instincts 

In the end, do not underestimate your inner voice. As an artist, your superpower is your creativity, and creativity is something that comes directly from the heart. As artists, it’s quite easy to get overwhelmed by all the fears and self-doubts that we experience throughout our lives when we should be focusing more on giving ourselves positive affirmations. From today onwards, listen closely to what your inner voice is saying. What does your gut tell you? How do you want to proceed with a certain prospect? Ask yourself all the right questions, and you will be surprised at how intuitive a human mind can be!

As an emerging artist, sometimes it may feel like the right opportunities may never come, but they do! As long as you are consistent with your work while networking and looking for online opportunities, you’re good to go!

If you are an emerging artist, don’t forget to leave a comment on our Instagram and tell us how you find opportunities. You can always read more articles where our ATH community comes together to engage with each other!