It becomes very difficult to carve out time for myself when there are kids to feed, a husband to love, a house to take care of, and an art business to maintain. Half of me enjoys the complete personal satisfaction I get from painting, while the other half of me is constantly thinking, "How do I make this art a business?"
Like most people, I have the drive to do what I enjoy while getting paid to do it. It's hard to be patient in a world where immediate gratification is a constant. About once a month, I volunteer my time at the Topeka Art Guild. I've only been a member for 3 months, but I recognized a camaraderie between members that I had been searching for a long time. There is a drive to do what's best for the artist, whether it's sales, tips, tools, experienced help, classes ... you name it. The members here will do anything they can to help you through whatever it is that's hanging you up in your art world.
Since I joined, I have learned tricks to use in oil painting that I haven't found in books, what weekend art workshops are close AND affordable that I couldn't find online, and who to call when I need advice on whatever medium I'm working with at the time. It's like a classroom full of teachers, instead of students. And I can access them at any time because they all are willing to share what has helped them in the past.
Networking has made me a better painter overall. Promoting myself by volunteering to work the art guild has not only allowed me to give back to those who so graciously offer themselves to me, but has given me a glimpse into the eyes of those who buy from my work. The perk? I get to point them to my artwork in the process.
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