SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTIST
As I enter a new phase of my life, I find myself reviewing how I approach my work. Specifically how I am getting my work out there, be it my books or my photography. (More on that at the end.)
With that in mind, I’d like to bend your ear about how we interact with artists. And that means both the audience and other artists- singers, songwriters, painters, pencilers, comedians, writers and photographers. Whatever your art may be.
Image of Courtney Campbell/ Coco Cowgirl
I’d like to talk to the artists first, because I find them most annoying.
You see, artists love to complain about people supporting their work. But most of them are hypocrites, never bothering to support others. Sometimes even their own friends. It’s maddening. How can you expect people to support you, when you won’t do the same? In a small community, it is up to all of us help lift each other up. What if only once a month you shared a friend’s new project on your social media? How much would that mean to them? How much would it mean to you if other artists did the same for you?
Helping others does not diminish your work. A rising tide floats all boats.
And then there’s you. You’re not an artist. You just see cool things that you like. You’re a person with a job, bills, family, friends and any number of problems that occupy your time and your life.
I don’t expect anyone to support me. That isn’t your job.
Part of being an artist is having the courage to put your heart out into the world, knowing no one may care. Knowing the internet will destroy you just because they have hate in their heart and they want everyone to feel as worthless as they do inside. It is not your job to lift me or anyone else up.
BUT.
If you like someone’s work. If a song or a painting or a story gave you something. A smile. A thought. A feeling inside that you’re not alone and someone else feels the way you do and you only know that because someone’s art mattered…
LET THEM KNOW.
SHARE IT.
TELL SOMEONE.
Not just because you might be the spark that lights a fire, but because the world is so full of hate and pain… wouldn’t it be great if we shared the things that make life worth living?
Now with the rant over…
I have been rethinking about how to sell my work. I am currently figuring out the logistics of selling two prints of my Six Flags New Orleans work. One method will be people placing orders through my website. (But if you know me personally, just message me, obviously.) I also spoke to my friend Monty who is a New Orleans artist/ painter (check out his work here) and he gave me some advice on local art markets. I’m looking to dip my toes into that arena.
Also, my friend Scott Hoverman at 3 Alarm Comics in Biloxi, Mississippi is graciously going to let me set up in his store. We’re working on the dates currently.
Lastly, I am looking at ways to get my books out there. I am currently reaching out to local breweries for an event I’m calling Books and Brews. Basically a mini-convention for authors at a brewery.
I’m also looking for podcasts that would have me on. If you know one or you are one—- please let me know. I’m great pod-fodder.
I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But I’m trying to make it happen.
Image of the Zydeco Zinger at the abandoned Six Flags New Orleans theme park. Prints available for sale now.
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