Lee Herman, scientific illustrator, shows us beetle
specimens behind the scenes of the
American Museum of Natural History

The most pivotal lesson I have learned about how to be successful in the art world from Project Dumbo is the ability to market yourself as a person as well as an artist. As it has been repeated from artist to artist, success relied upon meeting someone who could help them network with other important people. Being in a world more connected than ever with Internet, it is easier for artists to contact others and make connections, but often one can get lost in the pure vastness the Internet has to offer. Making it in the art world surely relies upon digital media, but being present, going to gallery openings, studio visits, art fairs, and hangouts can help influence the success of any person pursuing a career in art. Once those connections are made, it is unbelievable how generous people can be with their time and resources. 

 "It's all about who you know.
If no one knows what you know,
than you may as well not know
anything at all."
 -Discussion with Marc and Gina on train

 

Walking the High Line in Chelsea, NY

 Of course, to make those connections and have discussions with people involved with the art world, it is important to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. It has been reiterated from many of the people we have met that family, friends, lay people and other artists can have a large impact on how one feels about him/herself and their future in the art world, but it is an artist's responsibility to take control of how one will deals with the inevitable judgement that one may face when saying that they are an "artist."

Detail: James Gortner's The Lovers

Sold my first painting in NYC!

The art world has it's own lifestyle, lingo, and group of people who communicate, but it is also family of sorts. To be successful, the ideal of the secluded artist, unaware of the world outside the studio, couldn't be more untrue. They become masters of their subject matter beyond paint and graphite; a true artist strives for dialogue with the viewer through imagery... which often starts with a discussion from a fellow artists or like minded individual. The modern artist must not only be active, but proactive in forming ideas and concepts for future work, but also have a strong basis of what has been done before.

   Jeff Koons Gazing Ball Show

The city truly breathes and appreciates art more than any other place in the world. Marketing yourself in a small town or city is surely doable, especially for a starting artist, but a place like New York offers so much more in terms of exposure, money, and opportunities to grow.

On a more personal note, I have learned the extreme commitment it takes to be an artist, and also the risk. A serious artist spends a good amount of time thinking and planning a piece, to actually working on it, and then fixing it to perfection... when later on, it may or may not sell. To get started, I may have to take on a couple jobs to afford supplies, let alone food or rent, or live with parents. I may have to sacrifice time with loved ones and be more selfish in my endeavours to work in the studio. But it is all worth it when it means to live out my dream. After Project Dumbo, I feel more confident, more inspired, more prepared, and ready to work harder than I ever have before to one day live and breathe New York City as a professional realist painter.

-Christina Nurczynski