It is very common for artists to receive unsolicited advice by non-artists. I know people mean well so I am not saying this is either right or wrong. I find it interesting and sometimes funny. Other professionals never get random advice by people who are not skilled in that particular area. I would never tell a doctor, for example, how to do his job or conduct his business, who would do that?
I decided to make a collection of the advice I have been given. Some is good, some is... well, I will let you decide. I will continue to update this collection in the future as I am sure this is something that will never end.
"You should watch cartoons to get inspiration"
This advice was given by a friend and every time I think of him, I picture him watching cartoons in front of the TV holding a big bowl full of popcorn, lol. I do NOT like watching cartoons, sorry.
"You should start showing your work in the (Houston) downtown galleries"
Well... this obviously crossed my mind the minute I arrived in Houston. I just couldn't do it due to the fact that the work visa that I had at the time only allowed me to work for my employer (the sponsor of my visa). Any other form of income would've been considered illegal. I am now a US citizen (though this is nobody's business, lol)
"You should make instructional youtube videos"
I never saw the benefit of taking my time to do videos that people want to watch for free. I know, if I could get a certain amount of followers I could monetize through that, but we're losing the main objective of my life as an artist: is it just to make money or to MAKE ART? On the other hand everybody knows how hard it is to actually gain the ridiculous amount of followers youtube requires you in order to be a youtuber. I do have my youtube channel though. It started with videos of my cat (and other random things) but recently I have added videos of finished paintings that I link on my listings where a particular painting is offered for sale. Take a look so you can laugh at the amount of followers I have, lol, and if you want you can subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WDdOb3mUAqIBbBmy8bEKQ
"You should have a line A and line B of products"
This sounds like someone is repeating exactly what they heard in one of their business classes in college. As a teacher myself, I am impressed with his comment! (good job! lol!) Without having a business background and without even thinking, I happen to have my line A: original paintings, line B: prints, and even line C: small original works done in pencil or watercolor at more affordable prices than my line A! So this was good advice, indeed!
"You should only do small paintings depicting the small towns in Mexico. That's the only art you will be able to sell"
Well, I proved this person wrong!
For right now, those are the only ones I can remember. I will add more as I remember or as I get new ones. On the other hand I am open for good advice, don't get me wrong, if you know of a good new gallery or an important art contest I will be happy to hear about it! That reminds me, that's how I learned about about the amazing Hunting Art Prize (one of the best art events I have been part of), through a non-artist, who was kind enough to share this article she saw in the newspaper and then I applied and got accepted twice! (they no longer do that event).
If you are an artist, what is some random advice that you often get?
