Importance of Art in the Time of Coronavirus
Art critic and theorist John Berger identified, “in the act of drawing something that is inherently autobiographical – a continual process of refining vision, moves us towards new understandings about ourselves and the world around us.”
Our society's consumption habits, including media, are able to “form who we are, our values, and our inclinations. They are a patchwork of beliefs that are also tested in these difficult times.
With Coronavirus creating crisis and isolation, art became more important to our life. Within times of restriction, “TV, films, books, and video games offered us a chance to be mobile.
Art connects us to the foreign, the exotic, and the impossible, – but in our current context, it also connects us to a world where anything is possible.”
Material that captures the feeling of isolation is still too early to be created. Louis Netter states, “We probably need more time and artists need more sunrises and sunsets to rise and fall on the full, nervous houses. They need more time to listen to the sounds of life interrupted and to mourn for the “world that was,” watching it drift farther into the shadows.”
How to Market Yourself as an Artist
“For artists, marketing boils down to strategically getting the word out about your art to an audience, keeping them informed about your practice, and inviting them to exhibitions or other events you’re involved in.”
Finding your Voice
It’s important to “learn how to identify what’s unique about your practice and talk about your art…., and the importance of being comfortable discussing specific pieces, upcoming exhibitions (and specific details to point out), or the inspirations and process behind your work.”
Market Research with People around You
Using friends, family, and the people around you can provide for great research. Artist Valtkovic says, ““If they (your friends) don’t actually know anything about what you’re doing during all those hours in the studio, that may be a sign that you need to start talking more about it,” she said. “It’s kind of like a mini audience study—market research for starters.””
Tools You Love
Marketing is all about using tools and applications you are comfortable with, such as Instagram. The people who follow you might not seem like an audience, but it is the perfect place to start. “Start to connect with them through a few posts per month to talk about your art, an upcoming show, or your thoughts on a certain exhibition.”
Making Different Posts
Using social media as a marketing tool allows you to see what other people like and best respond to. “Vary the kinds of posts you’re sharing to see what resonates the most. It doesn’t have to be a matter of posting an image of your work in order to sell it. Take a broader approach and think about all the messages you can be sending as an artist.
Creating a Website
Having a website is extremely important as it allows you, as the artist, to have full control on how you are represented online. “Make sure that when a person Googles you, something that accurately represents you shows up. It could be a LinkedIn page, a public Facebook profile, or more importantly, your personal website.”
Learn to Understand Timing
Using a tool such as a pre-schedule post allows content to become cohesive and allows your audience to set reminders and be informative. Another tool is to leave impressions on your audience by sending thank you notes. Artist Vlatokic says “It could be a quick, three-line email to say thank you and to tell your audience what you have lined up next. “This gives you an opportunity to keep them in the loop about your practice.””