Building a Reputation from the Ground Up

How did a retired elementary school teacher become a successful fine art photographer and exhibiting artist?  Read on for some tips on building a reputation for yourself as an artist.

Building a Reputation from the Ground Up
by Jacki Dickert 

First and foremost, build your skills as artist. Many people gloss over this step because they have made a few nice pictures and think they are ready for prime time. If you truly dedicate yourself to your craft, you are only going to get better.  Build up your body of work and be sure to evaluate it in print form. Get opinions from actual professionals; don’t just go by social media likes and followers. When your work is consistently strong, it’s time to put yourself out there.  Here is what has worked for me over the years, and hopefully you will find some good ideas that you can also use.   

A big key for me has been working locally. 

For example: many local venues are looking to show art.  Libraries and municipal building frequently have galleries.  I am a feet-on-the-ground person, so I walk in and ask if I can show in those spaces.  Bigger towns have cultural arts departments that host art events and sometimes give grants.  Call or visit them; ask about opportunities.  Of course there are private art galleries which are more competitive and charge commissions, and perhaps they seem more prestigious, but don’t overlook the public spaces.  You will frequently get written up in the local newspaper and promoted on their websites and social media.  It’s definitely worthwhile.   Do get on the email lists of the private galleries and arts organization to learn of their calls for art and apply for their shows, but take advantage of the public opportunities.  Be sure to keep track of your shows and any public presentations; add them them to your website and use them to build up an artist resume.  

Another benefit is that the local libraries and nature centers where I exhibit often have “Friends Of” groups that have money to pay for programming or commissions. If you teach, you may get hired for a workshop or class series.  Every exposure opportunity helps people to know you and your work. When you are first starting out, don’t be too particular.  You will learn from every exhibit you do or class you teach, and over time you will present more professionally. 

Another way I work locally is to make it a point to find out when the fund-raisers are so I can donate prints: the school PTO, fire department, various charity auctions are always looking for donations.  They know they can count on me. While I might use higher-end metal prints for my own shows, simple framed prints are always appreciated for the charity events.  I stock up on frames when they are on sale, and use them for the donations. Tape your business card to the back, and make extra cards to distribute at the events.  It’s an easy way to start to get your name out there. Again, if you teach, you can donate a free lesson.  People usually come back for more! You can also offer to lead a photo walk as a fundraiser to the group. 

I do a lot of landscape photography, from all over, but my photos of the local areas are deeply appreciated by the people from my town and the people who used to live there. Facebook is full of town-specific groups, like “I grew up in X town” pages…People there connect with the images and respond. Seeing them triggers nostalgia, and they come to look forward to seeing the work…and sometimes putting in orders.  The calendars I make for my local area are very popular and have become an important part of my holiday income. Not only are the locals potential customers, but they become proud of you and what you do and often go out of their way to support you.

Which brings me to another another key in building a reputation, which is building relationships.  

We all know the value of networking, but where and how does this happen? Besides your general local town, there are various art groups and clubs that are great for making connections as well as learning techniques.  I live in New Jersey and am active in the NJ Federation of Camera Clubs which has many clubs throughout the state.  I have learned SO MUCH from my Camera Naturalist club! Other organizations like the NJ Art Association offer frequent exhibit opportunities.  Artist groups and guilds such a the NJ Photography Forum offer print critiques and have exhibit opportunities. Places like The Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury,  Ocean County Artists Guild, etc. offer classes, competitions, and shows.  Join in and meet other artists, share information, work on skills…and eventually you might even start to give talks and workshops, or perhaps asked to be a judge. 

These are just a few ideas to get your started on the road to building your reputation and becoming a well regarded professional. Have an online place for your work, of course, but don’t just expect to get “discovered” there.  Start close to home and find places to show your work…Give of yourself and let others get to know you…Find the groups that let you take advantage of the power of community that can help you and the other creatives be successful.

I wish you all the best!

Jacki