The Surprising Benefits Of Open Studio Tours
I think as artists we want to get our work out there as we would like the sales to support our craft and maybe help us to feel more successful. Another motivation in showing our work is to make room for more paintings. I am constantly moving things around trying to find space for more art and wondering where the heck am I going to put these. And of course there comes the pressure of seeing other artists sell their work and wondering why you aren’t and though we are told not to compare it can also be quite motivating in its own way.
This was my first open studios tour and I had no idea what to expect. First off I will say that it was an enormous amount of work. Besides making certain there was art to display there was also all the work no one sees like ordering tons of supplies, organizing, framing, pricing, making tags, designing and having post cards made, FB and IG posts, signage, ect..Trust me I could go on and on and doing it in your house brings in a whole new set of chores like cleaning and moving furniture besides hanging all that art. Oh and don’t forget lighting. I never realized how dark my house was. And then there is putting everything back in place when it is done.
But was it all worth it? Unbelievably so but in ways I didn’t imagine. First off I could not have done this without the support of family and friends. I am humbled by the help I received and the support whether in person, online or by phone. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.
So what were these surprising benefits? Of course there were sales and I have to admit my original reasons for doing open studios was to get my work out there and get some sales. But you know what it was probably in the middle of the first day that it hit me that this had to be about more than sales. It is not easy to sit through long periods waiting for someone to come to your door, especially when you are exhausted. And thinking about sales can just set you up for disappointment. I was certain of this. Unfortunately next to likes it is probably one of the ways we as artists measure our success. But It can’t be our only measure. I didn’t want my mindset to just be about selling my work. I wanted to choose a different perspective. What did I have to give? Trust me not a perspective I always think of. After some reflection I decided to make an intention. I asked inwardly that everyone who came through my door was inspired in some way whether it was by my art, conversation or something else. I also wished for them to leave feeling uplifted and motivated to create something in their own lives.
Did it work? Well I guess some of you would have to tell me but I really think it did or at least I am hopeful it did. I think that there were a number of people that left feeling inspired to continue painting, join a group, create a website or get more involved in their own creative process. Will they follow through on that? Who knows, but they left feeling inspired and that was my intention. What did it do for me? It took my mind off of the sales and helped me to focus on giving something to the people that were kind enough to come to see my art. It changed my perspective from what can I get to what can I give and internally it was very fullfilling.
What other surprises were there?
It really boosted my self esteem. I think a lot of us artists are introverts and well maybe not all of us but I for one lack self confidence. It is always nice to have family and friends positively comment on our art but they are family and you just never know if they are being honest or just wanting to support us. Having people that I didn’t know go on and on about my art was way more fulfilling than I could have imagined. It inspired me to keep going. It made me think differently about my art and myself.
It made me consider teaching. Another benefit came from the fact that a lot of people that come to open studios are artists themselves and it was nice to see what they were interested in, what they had questions about. It helped me to see what they wanted to learn. It made me think for the first time that maybe I could do some classes that maybe I had something to give. It was fun to answer questions and share some of my process with others. It gave me the desire to share more.
It made me pay attention. There were so many synchronicities, things people said or wanted to purchase that inspired me. The weekend was full of surprises and opportunities and kind words that made my spirit soar.
It helped me make new friends. I am also so excited about the connections I made_new friends and art buddies. I love having art buddies as we can inspire each other to keep on going. I am pretty sure I will still connect with a few of the people that came by and we can help inspire each other on our artistic journeys.
Did I make sales? Yes.
Was it hard work? ABSOLUTELY
Would I do it again? ABSOUTELY!!
If you were one of the people that visited my open studios and or helped support me in any way my heart is full of gratitude. I can’t thank you enough!
And if you are an artist considering doing open studios I say “Go For It!” What do you have to lose?
And of course everyone needs a little cheerleader to help you feel special!