I think I am ready for the big time. I built connections, COMMANDMENT #3: NETWORK, joined organizations locally and nationally, sold art, am making a profit and it is time to move to the next level. Plus, I worked on all of my first six commandments.
I was back to the research board. I prospected the Central Indiana area and found a few applications for shows that I could fit into my busy, “MOTHERWIFEDOGCAREERFINEARTISTCLEANTHEHOUSEHOMEWORK” schedule.
As I sat down with my confident ego, I started reading each application. WHAT THE (fill in blank here with your own choice word)? Once again, CULTURE SHOCK!
After reading the infamous application packets, thank the universe I at least had COMMANDMENT #2. (*Please see COMMANDMENT #2 if you have forgotten in my babble). Unfortunately, that is all I had.
I digress; I was always told there was no money to be made as a full-time artist. When college came around and it was time to pick a major in the Liberal Arts Department, I chose the Advertising/ Public Relations program and minored in Graphic Design/ Marketing. Within my thought process, I was killing two birds with one stone. I thought to myself, I could still work and take electives in art and make myself more marketable in a career. I did make the right choice; I just didn’t get ALL the information that I needed had I gone straight to Art School. I was 17 and it wasn’t in my 5-year plan.
Back to COMMANDMENT #7: THY ARTIST, GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER! – HUH? As I read through the applications, they asked for a variety of information including, but not limited to:
A) Artist Resume - I didn’t know an Artist needed an actual resume.
B) Biography – The HARDEST thing to do is write about yourself.
C) Artist Statement - Is that a cult term?
D) “Body of Work” – In Slide format. This ”Body of Work” included a slide of your booth.
At this point, a few things were running through my head. I was feeling very ignorant and bordering the line of just PLAIN STUPID. Apparently, it was time for “Mr. Obvious” to knock on my studio door.
I DID NOT HAVE MY ACT TOGETHER!
Here came the next obstacle. There are layers of fees for everything. The “Fees” begin with the non-refundable 25.00+ jury fee. “Excuse me?” Then there is a fee for the booth space. Depending on the show, this “Fee” can range anywhere from $100.00 - $350.00+. As a side note, you have to write the check and send it with the application then the show committee will cash the check IF and I mean IF you are a chosen one. (I did not feel comfortable with this situation).
*Special Note – Make sure you read the WHOLE application. Sometimes shows have hidden fees.
The “Fee” that probably took me out of my skin was the self addressed stamped envelope you have to send with your packet. I know my thought process is trivial, but really? Apparently, there is a method to the madness. This “Fee” is for three reasons.
Reason #1 – The committee sends you back a “Dear John” letter, booth space check and the committee keeps your stuff.
Reason #2 – If you are lucky, you get a “Dear John,” booth space check and the committee sends your packet back. (I prefer this method. At least I get the slides back).
Reason #3 – The committee waits until the last second to snail mail your “Golden Ticket!” It is just like Charley and the Chocolate Factory. This is what dreams are made of! That happy dance you have been saving up for, well it is time to get down and boogie!
Returning to COMMANDMENT #7, while you are waiting on ALL of the acceptance letters you are going to receive, understand that you have to usually submit in January for a summer season show. Some applications must be submitted a year in advance. USE YOUR TIME WISELY!
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