ART PROBLEMS: How to Get Shows and Sales from Instagram
Photo Credits: E Brady Robinson
I’m back with another podcast episode for Day 2 of my artist support material series.
If you missed the announcement, for the rest of the week I'm releasing a podcast every day focused on the most important support materials you need to have to get shows and how to hone them.
Let's be real, these materials can make the difference between an exhibition and no exhibition, and I'm here to make sure you can get those opportunities in this podcast. That's why I'm talking about Instagram on this podcast.
I'm also here to talk about the problems of Instagram and how to navigate them because we are in a social media recession.
So, understanding that if you're having a tough time on Instagram you're not alone and that you can make small changes to what you do without spending all day on the platform and get the same results will be major for you.
I'm going to walk you through the individual parts of your Instagram account that I review in our annual member assessments and exactly what I look for, so you can make these gains.
I aim for you to walk away from this episode with at least one actionable tip you can implement on your Instagram today.
So, are you ready to take action? Listen here.
ART PROBLEMS: The Mistakes That Keep Curators and Dealers From Contacting You
I hope you're ready for something new, because I've put together my first ever podcast series and it's been a long time coming.
Starting today, I'm releasing a podcast every day for the rest of the week on which support materials can get you opportunities and the exact process we use inside Netvvrk to create member assessments that allow you to hone those materials.
In today's episode, I talk about the importance of your website, how the most common mistakes I see will keep curators and dealers from contacting you, and the simple steps you need to take to avoid those mistakes.
Nothing I will discuss requires special skills or knowledge.
And everything I discuss is part of the personalized assessment process we follow on Netvvrk, that gives our annual members specific feedback on the areas of their practice that will get them connections and show opportunities the quickest.
So, are you ready? Let's do this.
Listen to the podcast here
10 Tips for Writing Artist Statements On PepTalks for Artists Podcast
I discuss my 10 tips for writing an artist statement that CRUSHES with my good friend Amy Talluto.
Today on Peptalks for Artists, I discuss my 10 tips for writing an artist statement that CRUSHES with my good friend Amy Talluto.
These aren't just your standard rules of thumb like "avoid jargon", "write sentences that makes sense" (although there's nothing wrong with that). These are the tips I've established after looking at thousands of artist statements and seeing the same types of mistakes repeatedly. And they're not all what you'd expect.
They're easy to follow.
They will help you avoid the common mistakes.
And they're entirely actionable.
So have a listen, and even a laugh. Because this episode is pretty funny too!
Let me know what you think on Instagram!
Art Problems: How to Avoid the Scams and Pay-to-Play “Opportunities” Targeting Artists
Edvard Munch, The Scream, 1893
Navigating all the scams and pay-to-play schemes targeting artists is not easy.
They’re everywhere. And if you’re not careful, you can get sucked into something that seems fine on the surface.
That’s why I established a taxonomy for these schemes and discussed exactly how to identify them in any circumstance on the latest episode of Art Problems.
The taxonomy falls into five main categories:
Instagram and Twitter scams. (someone pretending to be you or stealing your account.)
Email scams. (Someone pretending to be meta. Someone pretending to be a buyer.)
Pay-to-play scams (Someone asking you to pay for real estate in exchange for “visibility” they have no incentive to secure.)
Application fee scams (lottery schemes in which the payment for the application fee supports a prize pot, and a jury is used to whitewash the lottery structure.)
Publication and copyright scams (Payment for listings and books that may not have any financial return, and companies that send copyright infringement notices for images you’ve posted online)
Last year, I almost got scammed by one of these scammers and by a scheme I had already seen many times!!! This year, I’ve started tracking them.
I don’t want you to lose your social media accounts or your money!
So, have a listen, and let me know what you think on Instagram, email, or the social media platform of your choice.
Art Problems: How to Get a Public Art Commission - Extended Version
A rendering of Thomas Evan's public art commission for the Denver Air Port. Image credit: Michael Sparendeo of Open Arcana
In this episode, Paddy builds on her latest piece in Hyperallergic, "How to Get A Public Art Commission," by diving into the details.
In this tactical podcast, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to get public art commissions, from what language to avoid to where to find calls that don't require pre-existing experience.
Read the full article here.
5 Ways to Give Up Networking Forever
Five ways artists can give up networking.
In this episode, I talk about five ways artists can give up networking while building a larger network than ever.
Sound too good to be true? It probably is, but you'll never know unless you tune in.
The Impact of Self-Acceptance on the Mid-Career Artist
Can you grow out of self-doubt? In this episode of Art Problems, I talk with Netvvrk member Julie Peppito about how she navigates the issue.
Julie Peppito’s Bird Condo at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Image courtesy of the artist.
Can you grow out of self-doubt?
In this episode of Art Problems, I talk with Netvvrk member Julie Peppito about the trappings of childhood precociousness and how her negative art school experiences impacted her sense of self-worth and even her participation in the art world.
And we talk about how she navigated out of negative experiences into a space of greater self-acceptance and artistic fulfillment.
You’ll want to hear Julie’s story. She’s like a lot of us – figuring it out but with a refreshing level of transparency.
Julie Peppito Biography
Julie Peppito (b.1970, Tulsa, OK) combines multiple materials to create creature-like sculptures, layered tapestries, installations, collages and playground art. The hybrid forms are about connection, waste and escapism.
Peppito holds an MFA with a concentration in sculpture from Alfred University in Alfred, NY (2004), and she received her BFA from The Cooper Union in New York, NY (1992). Peppito’s work has been the subject of 10 solo exhibitions. She has exhibited at many New York non-profit and commercial galleries including: Kentler International Drawing Space, curated by Charlotta Kotik, The Long Island Children’s Museum, Heskin Contemporary, Art in General, PS122, Momenta, and Ethan Cohen Gallery, among others. Peppito received a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship in Sculpture (2001). You can see her playground art at J.J. Byrne Playground (completed 2012) and James Forten Playground (completed 2007), both in Brooklyn, NY.
In 2022, Peppito created a “bird condo” that was on display at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens as part of the exhibit “For the Birds”. Peppito creates, teaches art and lives in Brooklyn, NY with her partner Gideon Kendall and their son.
What All the Most Visible Artists Are Doing
Felix Gonzales Torres at David Zwirner Gallery, NY
What All the Most Visible Artists Are Doing
I spent the last two months reviewing artist work, CV, Instagram, and websites and found that the most visible artists do the same four things.
On this episode of Art Problems, distill what I learned from doing over 250 artist assessments into these four actions you can take too.
And if you like what you hear here, you’re really going to love my free masterclass How to Get Seen in the Art World, because I do an even deeper dive into how you can build towards bigger and better venues and opportunities.
And if you're saying, "but Paddy, I've already seen your free masterclass," this one is an update you won't want to miss because it includes all the material I've learned over the last year.
You'll hear all of it first! Sign up link in the podcast notes.
The Uncanny Valley of ChatGPT
Image: Pace Gallery New York, Love Letter, Installation view
Even when the A.I. chatbot ChatGPT gets everything wrong, it still sounds right. And that's some uncanny valley right there.
In this episode of Art Problems, I talk about ChatGPT and the larger A.I. field, some of the ethical issues involved, and see just how much the bot knows about the art world. Spoiler alert: it still can't write your artist statement. Boo.
How to Set and Achieve Your 2023 Goals in Five Steps
It's goal-setting time! Welcome to 2023!
The biggest problem I see artists need help with when setting 2023 goals is figuring out what to do to achieve them when so many opportunities seem to come randomly from friends and connections.
I'm here to tell you it's possible! Join me as I walk through my top 5 steps to creating a 2023 visibility plan and what you need to do to ensure it leads to results.
Plus, I share some inside tips that I will talk about in my live intensive workshop this Thursday. Listen in; you don’t want to miss this episode!
ART PROBLEMS: 2023 Predictions—The Year of the Comeback Platform
2023 Predictions—The Year of the Comeback Platform
The 2023 predictions are here!
In this episode of Art Problems, artist William Powhida joins Paddy Johnson to discuss changes to social media and what we expect to see this year.
You’ll hear us talk about:
comeback platforms
long form content
content fatigue
And more!
Tune in wherever you get your podcasts!
Mentioned:
Bluesky - a decentralized social network protocol that allows social media networks to interact.
Mastodon - A twitter alternative
Peer Review - A publication of reviews for artists by artists
ART PROBLEMS: WHAT AFFECTED ARTISTS MOST IN 2022
Angela Fraleigh’s Triptych inside the Untitled VIP lounge in Miami
Let’s take stock of what happened in 2022.
In this podcast, I talk about changes in social media, art fairs, and in-person networking. I also review the impact of the economic downturn, the increased sway of art stars and art advisors, and how to capitalize on opportunities you don’t yet have.
ART PROBLEMS: How to Make the Most of the Miami Art Fairs
Miami Art Week, the largest art event in the United States, takes place every year during the first week of December. In honor of this event, Paddy Johnson breaks down how these fairs operate, why most of us find them soul-crushing, and how to make the most out of them, regardless of how they make us feel.
LINKS:
https://www.artbasel.com/miami-beach
https://www.newartdealers.org/programs/nada-miami-2022/viewing-rooms
https://www.satellite-show.com/
Artist Run Club talk with Paddy Johnson, Dec 1st, 6:30 am, South Beach, beach entrance at 8th and Ocean Dr.
https://www.newartdealers.org/programs/artist-run-club-featuring-paddy-johnson
ART PROBLEMS: Navigating Change and Unconventional Career Paths
Photo Source: @artist.run.club instagram
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Austin-based gallery owner, artist and graphic designer Phillip Niemeyer. I met Phillip more than 10 years ago through an artist, and was immediately struck by his passion, creativity and drive to pursue ideas he found exciting. Our episode today is about how we navigate unconventional career paths and change in artistic careers.
Phillip's Gallery
https://northern-southern.com/
Names mentioned:
Lisa Yuskavitch
Dana Schutz
Kerry James Marshall
Amy Smith Stewart
Carmen Herrera
Leo Castelli
Laura Lit with Northern Southern at NADA Miami
Frederic Goudy
If you like this podcast, subscribe so they’re downloaded directly to your phone when they come out.
ART PROBLEMS: The Vvrkshop Podcast Launch
The Art Problems podcast is live!
I've got three binge-worthy episodes lined up for you, so let's dig in!
In the first episode of The Vvrkshop Podcast, Art Problems, you can expect to learn more about what you can expect in the episodes that follow, why I'm launching a Vvrkshop-specific podcast, and what makes Art Problems different
In the second episode I examine the unique structure of the art industry, and why making art for love creates the most impactful cultural expression while simultaneously seeding the conditions for exploitation. By the end, you'll have the context you need to make decisions that will empower you.
And in the third episode, I discuss some of the huge changes we're seeing in the art industry. You'll hear about the impact of artists moving away from bigger cities, the reduced effectiveness of large networking events and platforms, and the conditions fueling an increasing risk-averse industry. And you'll learn about the steps you need to take to build your career in this environment.
You can listen to The Art Problems podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or where ever you get your podcasts. If you like what you hear, let me know what you think by subscribing to the podcast, rating, and reviewing it. I want to help more artists, and your ratings and shares make that happen!
If you like this podcast, subscribe so they’re downloaded directly to your phone when they come out.
[Explain Me Podcast] Defining Contemporary Kitsch: Part 2 of The New York Art Fairs
Detail view from Kenny Schachter's installation at Allouche Benias Gallery
What does contemporary kitsch look like? In this episode, Paddy and William use a discussion of the art fairs and New York gallery scene to lead a defining of the term. From its generic definition of objects described to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, to the current nostalgia driving a tasted for recycled art movements, all kitsch lacks in originality.
THE INDEPENDENT
Kenny Schachter at Allouche Benias Gallery
Renate Druks at The Ranch,
Olivia Reavey at Helena Anrather
1-54 CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART FAIR
Sanaa Gateja at 50 Golborne
Wonder Buhle at BKhz Gallery
VOLTA
Michael Foley
GALLERIES
Judith Linhares at PPOW
JTT Gallery Anna-Sophie Berger and Sam McKinniss
Sky Hopinka at Broadway Gallery
Paul Mpagi Sepuya at Bortalami
Nora Turato at 52 Walker Gallery
ARTICLES
The Downward Spiral: 59th Venice Biennial by Dean Kissick
![[Explain me podcast] What The New York Art Fairs Tell Us About Art](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68cde45f3d88ea3fe7e6e18d/1758323898081-ME6FMF75N0TLK5966IJU/unnamed+%282%29.jpg)
[Explain me podcast] What The New York Art Fairs Tell Us About Art
Carol Bove, installation view, David Zwirner Gallery, Frieze
Art media does a great job at looking forward to art events, yet rarely looks back to reflect on what these happenings say about the cultural moment. In this episode of Explain Me, cohosts Paddy Johnson and William Powhida do a deep dive into the fairs to discuss the deeply conservative sales landscape we've been sinking into over the past ten years.
ARTISTS DISCUSSED
NADA
Carlos Jacanamijoy’s 2020 ab ex painting “Carminos de Luz” at Harper’s
Laurie Reid’s “Ballast” at Et Al. Gallery
The Baboon Chair by Margaux Valengin at Pact
Paul Gabrelli’s “Everyday Objects” at New Discretions
Elliot Reed at Anonymous Gallery
Dan Colen at Gagosian
Al Freeman at 56 Henry
FRIEZE
Tessa Lynch’s text based compositions at Patricia Fleming Gallery
Scott Lyal at Migeul Abbreu Gallery
Aaron Garber-Maikovska
Casja von Zeipel’s Celesbian Terrain
Kevin McCoy’s corporate-sponsored display of Quantum and some generative art works by Jennifer and Kevin McCoy.
Pedro Reyes, Alex da Corte, Nayland Blake, Alex Katz, Matthew Wong
[Explain Me Podcast] The Whitney Biennial Report: Care and Caution
Alia Farid's Palm Orchard, 2022, installed on the sixth-floor balcony of the Whitney Museum.
After a four month break William and Paddy return with some big news about the podcast and an in depth conversation on The Whitney Biennial. We do the full dive here: What are the themes? How is it organized? Is it worth seeing? Is it too cautious? Who are the notable omissions? Why do these omissions matter?
Artist discussed:
Art Problems: How Do I Manage My Time?
How is it I’m busy all the time but I don’t have time to do what is important?
(graphic Hrag Vartanian/Hyperallergic, original photo via Koen Jacobs's Flickrstream)
Paddy examines why time management is so difficult for artists on Hyperallergic and how to fix it.
My main problem is time management. Between work and my studio practice, I feel too busy to network. How do I find the time to run my social media account? I can’t seem to do all of these things and make art. — Stretched thin and stressed out.
If I could offer a simple answer to your question, I’d have millions of dollars in book deal money. The unsatisfying answer is that being stretched for time is a part of most artists’ lives and that reality doesn’t change until you start making an insane amount of money for most artists. For most sole proprietorships, $250,000 a year represents the benchmark when time constraints ease because you can afford more support.
Given your to-do list, the cause of your stress may seem self-evident, but I think it’s worth spelling out the larger cultural shifts responsible for your predicament. Because if having a job, making art, and getting people into your studio was hard pre-social media, adding the demands of managing a website, social accounts, and emails creates a perfect communications shit-storm. Sure, we can connect with more people than ever before, but that comes with a pretty big downside. For every real-world networking and marketing task, we must now complete a virtual equivalent that takes twice as much time.
I mention this because I hear that you want time to do all the things you’re supposed to do, and I want it to be clear, not just to you but everyone reading this, that it’s not possible. The question isn’t how to drive ourselves crazy doing all the things, but how to stay sane by doing fewer of them.
The read the full article on Hyperallergic click here.
Art Problems: Is My Art Good Enough?
(graphic Hrag Vartanian/Hyperallergic, original photo via Chris Brook's Flickrstream)
Paddy writes on imposter syndrome for her first column at Hyperallergic. An excerpt:
“I feel like I don’t belong—that my art isn’t good enough, or if it is, I’m fundamentally flawed in some way that will prevent me from ever succeeding. I apply for open calls and residencies but I don’t get many. What can I do?” —Down and Figuring it Out
Let’s begin by establishing what belonging means and why you feel you don’t fit in.
Belonging is community acceptance. In creative fields, this might mean inclusion in shows, press mentions, and invitations to exclusive events — fairly standard markers of success in a marketplace that relies heavily on a model of exclusivity. For all the camaraderie we may feel when we connect to people who share our passion, the industry perpetuates a sense of exclusion amongst most of its members.
In other words, it’s not an accident that you feel like shit. The art industry is literally designed to make you feel that way.
To read more click here.