Preparing for Shows

I guess one of the problems that all artists face is preparing for shows. I love painting and drawing, but I hate getting ready for shows. A lot of that is my art storage problems. Tons of art, and it is hard to find the art I want for a show, and to make sure I have a photo of the art, that I haven't scheduled the art for more than one show, that I have enough marketing materials (and holders) for the show, that everything is framed and ready to go, etc.

I am not the most organized artist, but I am not the worst either. I find the preparing for a show, and getting ready to go is discouraging. This week I have to hang a solo show on Wednesday, and then I am going to a fair type show on Saturday. The solo show requires more work to set up the marketing for the month, but the day show is so intense it will be hard.

I find when I have two shows like this, I only do what is necessary in my personal life. I cancel out my visits with friends, and just focus on the art shows.

I like the shows and get excited about the potential, but also dread the work. I guess I am like most people, I hate doing the work. I like the artist life, but there are some jobs I really could pass on.

I am still working very hard to draw and paint everyday, despite the strain the shows put on me. Besides making me happy, all the drawing and painting is appreciated when I need lots of art for all these shows.

I guess the other thing I really hate about the shows is trying to come up with prices. Prices are hard to set, and I don't know of any formula that is used by a majority of artists. I do my pricing based on my experience, and what I expect a particular market is willing to pay. I do price my art consistently, but if I think a market is not capable of paying for my larger art, I bring smaller works to the show. I never produce inferior or rushed work. The quality of my work is a direct reflection of who I am. I just change the size of the work to change the cost of the piece.

I guess I am just getting discouraged by all the marketing, and shows. I dream of the day when I will have a group of collectors, and not have to worry about galleries, shows, and marketing.