Not Easy Being Green

I made a conscious and financial decision at the beginning of the year to focus on developing a greater online presence and less concentration on applying to shows. Coming off the One of a Kind Show Chicago last December taught me that while I can play and be accepted in the big leagues, I am not ready yet. I have more to learn in booth display, marketing and developing my artistic niche with less financial risk. I have made grand strides with my online presence and technology with more to go.

But that has not stopped me from going occasional GREEN as in ENVY when I attend art shows and fairs and read artist blogs. Not exactly a flattering admission but honest.

I attend a fair amount of art shows and fairs to observe booth display, attendance, see the types of work exhibited, and talk to artists. I actually planned my recent trip to Portland to coincide with the Art in the Pearl show. In August, I attended the Bucktown Art Fair and the Gold Coast Art Fair with a co-worker and we compared observations. There was some beautiful art and people seemed to be buying. It really hurt. I wanted to be a participant more than a spectator. Same was true yesterday when I browsed through the Lakeview Arts Fest after work. I can be hurt but if I don't try, don't apply, don't feel ready, should I expect to feel different? The same green feeling bubbles up sometimes when I see the number of comments some artists get on their blogs.

My envy is not paralyzing. It's actually motivating. I do have three smaller indoor shows (20-100 exhibitors) coming up in the next 3 months for the holidays. Since I became a color in this blog, must also share that I will not be doing the Local Market Show in November as previously noted. As much as I believe in the concept, I stopped by the show in September when I got back. Same turnout-Horrible. Lots of blue and red faces that wanted to make Green$$. Promptly applied to a different show, and got in. JOY!

I also have been reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell to help me with my process. I want to achieve The Stickiness Factor. So I'll continue to tinker, tweak and alter my presentation until my message gains more traction, and my art takes me from Red to Black. Could I become an epidemic? Or contagious?

It's not easy being green in this context but it's all good. Would anyone else like to show their colors?

Please share.