Embracing Rejection: A Personal Journey for Artists
By Sergio Gomez
It's Okay to Feel Sad
When that rejection letter lands in our inbox or the news of another missed opportunity reaches our ears, it's okay to feel sad. It's okay to acknowledge the disappointment, the frustration, and even a sense of loss. After all, we're human, and our art is an extension of ourselves. It's natural to invest our hopes and dreams in the opportunities we pursue.
Don't Dwell, Rise Above
But here's the secret: while it's okay to feel those emotions, we shouldn't dwell in that space for too long. We must rise above the initial sting of rejection and reclaim our artistic power. Remember, one rejection does not define our worth or the quality of our work. It's merely a detour on our journey—a chance to grow, learn, and evolve.
My Personal Experience
As an artist, curator, and entrepreneur, I've encountered more rejections than I care to remember. Yet, I don't keep track of them, nor do I hold resentment towards those who have said "no" to...
The Psychology Behind Why Artists Struggle with Pricing Art
By Sergio Gomez
Listen to Sergio in the Podcast
Read Sergio's Blog Post
Today we're diving deep into the psychological challenges we face when pricing our art. I can tell you, from my own experience, that pricing artwork can be a challenging and often uncomfortable task for many artists.
Emotional Attachment to Our Work
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that our artworks are not just products; they're deeply personal expressions of ourselves. Each piece is a part of us, infused with our ideas, emotions, and hours of hard work. This emotional connection makes it challenging to assign a monetary value to our creations.
Take one of my abstract figurative paintings, for instance. It's not just paint on canvas to me. It's an exploration of life cycles and personal experiences. How do you put a price on something so intimate? This is a struggle many artists face.
Fear of Rejection or Devaluation
Another factor at play is our fear of rejection or devaluation. We fear...
The Art of Connection: Unleashing the Power of Networking
By Sergio Gomez
Embracing the Beauty of Collaboration
Creating art is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with artists immersing themselves in the solitude of their studios, seeking inspiration from within. However, there is a vibrant and transformative dimension of the artistic journey that lies beyond the studio walls—a realm where connections with fellow artists and art enthusiasts can ignite a spark of collaborative creativity. Today, we delve into the art of connection and explore how embracing collaboration can elevate your artistic endeavors to new heights.
The Wisdom of Ruth: "It's All About People"
Imagine this: a wise friend and seasoned art connoisseur named Ruth once told me this piece of advice that resonated deeply with me. Ruth, having traversed the art world as a museum director and consultant, once said, "Hey Sergio, it's all about people. Learn to work with them, and success will find you." Her words, seemingly simple, carry profound meaning. They remind...
Embracing Your Art World: Breaking Free from Intimidation
Defying the Illusion of Judgment
Does the art world intimidate you? You're not alone. It's easy to imagine a panel of people scrutinizing our every move, casting judgment on our artistic journey. But here's the truth: the art world is far from being a distant and unapproachable establishment. In reality, the art world comprises each and every individual involved in the art field, from the museum receptionist to the local curator and the international art fair director. Let's not forget the artists themselves, bravely entering the market, showcasing their work, and selling their art. Collectively, we are the art world, and it's time to shift our perspective.
Crafting Your Own Art World
Rather than constantly striving to "get in" the art world, let's ask ourselves a different question: How do we make our own art world? By carefully selecting and surrounding ourselves with the people who inspire and support us, we can create a community that becomes our art world. Our art world...
The Power of Rest: Unleashing Your Full Creative Potential
By Sergio Gomez, MFA
Embracing the Art of Resting: Work Hard, Rest Harder
Introduction: Hey there, fellow artists! We all know the irresistible pull of immersing ourselves in our art and careers. The passion and drive to create can consume us, making it easy to forget the importance of rest. I'll be the first to admit that acknowledging the need for rest in my daily routine has been a real struggle. But let me tell you, it's a lesson worth learning. In this blog post, we'll explore how embracing the art of resting can unlock your full creative potential and prevent burnout. Plus, I'll share a personal story involving my wonderful reminder, Dr. Yanina.
The Forgotten Art of Rest
As artists, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. We become so absorbed in the creative process that resting often gets pushed to the side. Our to-do lists are filled with art projects, exhibitions, client deadlines—you name it. The idea of taking a break seems counterproductive or even...