YOU'RE GOING TO "THAT'S SO CRINGE" YOUR WAY INTO COMPLETE POVERTY

TIME TO BEAT THE CRINGE OF SELF PROMO

“You’re going to “that’s so cringe” your way into poverty”

👆🏾This phrase really stuck with me, and doesn’t just speak to financial poverty, but also a lack of opportunity and the knock-on effect that has on the growth of your practice. Opportunities often lead to visibility, networks, resources, and yes, financial support.

I get it, you’re an artist, and you want to focus on creating your art. But if you currently don’t have a PR team, marketing support, a studio manager or an assistant to handle the promotional side of things, then that role will need to fall to you for now at least. That’s assuming that visibility is something you want or need. If not, then do scroll past this section as its not for you.

I’m not sure if my devices have been quietly listening in on recent conversations with artists and curators, but the algorithm clearly thinks I need a crash course in creative self-promotion.

Lately, I have been served a steady stream of posts about overcoming the fear of coming across as cringe, annoying or boastful when sharing work or celebrating achievements. One post I came across on Threads captured the sentiment perfectly, and it inspired the title of this week’s newsletter.

Self-promotion is a recurring theme in my conversations with artists, particularly those in the early to mid stages of their careers. Many are looking to be seen and supported by galleries, curators, critics and collectors.

And quite rightly. The work is often thoughtful, striking and full of potential. The trouble is, a lot of it isn’t easy to find online.

Since 2020, I’ve noticed that I and many of my peers, whether individuals or organisations, are travelling less because of budgets constraints, which equals normalised digital ways of working. Some have become more environmentally conscious, cutting down on air travel in particular, which we now at points can be jut as cheap as getting a train. Speaking of — railway fares in the UK are painful on the wallet and hotel prices have multiplied since the pandemic. These factors make it harder to justify frequent in person engagements, which means some of us are encountering less opportunities to see more work in person. We’ve become more selective about which art fairs, biennials, exhibition openings and degree shows we attend outside of our own cities.

I tend to follow artists’ practices online, with Instagram still being one of the most useful tools. If I come across an artist’s work at a fair or exhibition, I’ll usually note their name and look them up afterwards. But every now and then, I hit a dead end. There’s no website, no posts, and no clear documentation of the work I’ve just seen and admired. In many cases, there’s something really exciting happening, but very little online to support it. And let me tell you, it can be a massively missed opportunity!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be exploring the topic of self-promotion in more detail, and IRL as well as URL, because that feeling of cringe also happens when it comes to in person connections.

FOR NOW THOUGH, HERE ARE SOME TIPS/ACTIONS FOR GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH ONLINE SELF-PROMOTION ONLINE

1. Use social media strategically
You don’t have to post every day or overshare. Try to post consistently maybe once a week. Consistency is key. Find out your style, what makes you unique in terms of your visual presentation and run with it!

2. Write a bio
Who are you? What’s your story? Keep it honest, and highlight your current practice and any recent or upcoming projects. You can adapt it for different platforms. Include your website if you have one!

3. Share your wins
Got selected for a group show? A commission? A residency? Share it. You’re not showing off—you’re keeping people in the loop, and its good for credibility when a curator, gallery, collector is learning about you. You never know who might see it and think of you for the next opportunity. You’re also inspiring others!

4. Document as you go along
In the studio making something exciting? Take progress shots on your smartphone camera when you can! If you can, why not set up a timelapse of you creating some work.

5. Get used to talking about your work
It’s okay if it feels awkward at first. Try writing short captions that explain what you were thinking, why you made something, or what you’re exploring in your practice. Tell us the story of your work. Curators and collectors in particular are drawn to narrative within the work. What you’re creating thematically might be the perfect fit for what we’re working on, however we will only know/recognise that if you share!

6. Schedule time for self-promotion
Sorry to bring up the ‘a’ word, but treat it like admin. Maybe 30 minutes each week to upload a post, update your website, or send an email. Little by little, it adds up.

7. Make your contact details visible
It should be easy for people to reach out to you. Whether it’s a curator, journalist, collector, or peer—don’t make them dig around. Include your email address clearly on your website, Linktree, or bio section. If you prefer not to share your personal email, create a dedicated professional one just for your practice.

1-2-1 MENTORING

Need some tailored support with putting together a plan to help you with improving your online visibility? Perhaps some feedback on what you’re doing already, tip, helping putting together a plan or schedule, or simply an accountability partner to ensure you remain on track?

I offer 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring sessions for artists, with a key focus on professional development and visibility. If you have been subscribed to this newsletter for a minute or two, then you’ll know that I currently have a special offer of one-hour sessions, for £25 until the 30th April.

If you would like to enquire about a session, you can drop me an email.

OPPORTUNITY LISTINGS

A list of open call, residency, fellowship and funding opportunities for artists.

A mix of UK-based and international.

Some opportunity deadlines are in a few days, some next week, some next month — so do not delay in clicking on the ones that catch your eye to get full details.

I try and refrain from sharing opportunities that require an application fee.

SUPPORT THIS NEWSLETTER FOR THE PRICE COFFEE

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To date, the equivalent of 37 cups of coffee has been donated to support the work of this newsletter since December. Thank you to the amazing people who have generously donated 🙏🏾

CLOSING REMARKS

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