Introduction
We all fangirl, right? We all have favorite artists who thrill us to the moon and back, yes? We all have that It Artist who’s an unceasing source of admiration and inspiration for us, don’t we? Of course we do! Probably quite a few actually, given the depth of talent and mad skillz in our genre! Absolutely, it’s a smorgasbord of delights out there and what a lucky, joyful blessing it is to savor this good fortune every day! As such, we may want to show our support for our creative gurus the best we can, to become part of their happy minions who fuel their aspirations throughout their creative journey. When we show our love, we show our deepest, truest respect and enthusiasm and — trust me — there’s nothing more powerful than love to fuel artistic creation!
Being so, we may enthusiastically collect their work, which is fantastic! Showing our support through our buying power is a potent and effective way to support their continued efforts. Indeed, it allows them to continue to do what they do on firmer financial footing. But even so…sometimes we’re just not in a position to do that. Hey — that’s life! Or then again, perhaps we just want to blow even more wind into their sails but aren’t quite sure how to do that. Happily for us, there are actually many more ways you can shore up, encourage, comfort, support, and motivate your favorite artists beyond the dollar, ways that are equally powerful, if not more compelling and motivating! Huzzah! Even better, not only are they free to slather around, but they always work no matter the developmental stage or professional standing of the artist. Really! They’re no-fail, sure-fire go-tos that won’t only billow wind into those sails, they’ll crank out a powerful headwind an artist can ride for years! And it’s one that you created and can recreate every day! So what are some of these magical ways to lend a proverbial hand? Let’s explore them…let's go...
Real Ways To Also Show Your Love
Understand that all artists are works in progress, on their own developmental trajectory at their own pace. That’s to say that if you really want to support an artist, allow them the room to grow, make mistakes and faceplants, and respect their creative space without succumbing to the temptation of gossip, ridicule, mockery, disdain, careless treatment, or criticism. Always — always — show artists great compassion, empathy, and sensitivity no matter how armored up or detached they may seem. Remember — you’re talking about a real human being here, not some objectified thing. Truly, creativity is probably one of the bravest and most frightening reveals of our humanity we can practice, especially when we debut our work to a volatile public, so practice kindness relentlessly with all artists. In turn, you’ll find they may become a lot more courageous in their artistic choices and confident in their skills, and that spells one thing: Greater joy for them in their own studios and so more and better work for all of us. It’s just a good vibe that always results in good things.
Understand that every artist will create problematic pieces at some point in their career— they’re fallible human beings. And every piece has its ugly stages — it’s unavoidable — so just gut it out with them. And, of course, no piece of art is ever perfect, even the most painstaking realistic-seeming piece — only Nature can create perfection. All this is simply the way of it so give artists the grace to blunder, explore, and discover on their own terms. What’s more, be the helping hand that pulls them back up when they fall, because they will crash and burn at some point. Really, a positive comment, a showing of care, reaching out in support at a vulnerable moment can make all the difference. And encourage each little bit of progress, no matter how small because the truth is no step forward is too small. And here's the thing, too, many artists, if not all of them, battle internal demons that try to drag them down — they’re human, remember — so being that encouraging voice in the dark can do far more good than you may realize!
Embrace the reality that everyone starts out as a beginner. Yes — everyone has to start somewhere. That’s just the nature of learning a new skillset — we’re all pretty bad at something before we get good at it. And understand this can be immensely frustrating for some artists who have this Vision in their head that wants out but they don’t have the hands that’ll cooperate yet, creating this terrible conflict in the materials. Then to meet with failure after failure after failure time and again in attaining that Vision can usher in a whole new level of confidence-shattering frustration. But giving them the grace to be a beginner and offering them positive reinforcement every step of the way and embracing their early works as the necessary phases that were needed to get them where they are now are great ways to shore up their motivations. And this applies throughout their creative journey, too, even when they become established, seasoned artists. See, the thing is, the artist is probably also already their own worst critic. So being that outside voice of balance can go farther than you think in keeping them moving forwards with enthusiasm. Helping them to avoid that occasional negative vacuum is far more powerful than many people realize!
Which brings us to: Know that every artist wrestles with self-doubt on some level. This is a biggie. Those inner demons again — they’re noisy and persistent. Know that there’s always an internal battle going on inside every artist to some degree. For some it’s mild and fleeting while for others, it’s an all-out war between their confidence and their self-doubt. Every artist questions themselves and their choices, during the process and upon completion and even years afterwards when they revisit old work. No artist really is ever truly satisfied — that’s the terrible burden of creating art. Martha Graham called it the “divine dissatisfaction,” and it’s absolutely true. No matter how proud an artist may be of their finished piece then, on some level, that dissatisfaction seeped in, if not now then later. But this is partly what drives an artist to progress and explore, a necessary thing that keeps them ever reaching for their potential. But gosh — it can be demoralizing at times. So again, be the balance, that voice of optimism, hope, and encouragement, especially when they’re having a hard time finding that within themselves.
Recognize that everyone sees a piece differently based on their own aesthetic and biases. Absolutely, no one Sees a piece of art exactly the same. And no one Sees a real horse exactly the same, either. Each of us is a unique Universe unto ourselves with a wholly unique way of perceiving reality. We each have our own knowledge bases and knowledge gaps, things we See and things we’re blind to, and we each emphasize things we value and dismiss things we don't. A single piece of art work is many different things to many different people! But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? It makes so much more room for so many more ways to enjoy art. It also means that no matter what kind of art it is, there’ll always be someone out there who’ll enjoy it as much as the artist. And that asks for respect and thoughtfulness, doesn’t it? Just because we may like or dislike a piece of art doesn’t mean some else should as well — they should have their own space to react to it. But whatever that reaction, there’s one true Golden Rule — be kind, courteous, and generous with your compassion, particularly if you don’t care for the work. Because that’s part of the respect, right? The artist clearly loves it and someone else clearly loves it, too, so give them the grace to enjoy it without being poisoned by earshot negativity. Indeed, the enjoyment of art is a messy proposition and there’s more than enough room for every style and inspiration. Respect that space. Be accountable.
Follow an artist’s social media outlets and actively engage, share, and “like” their content. The more activity generated by their posts helps them realize they aren’t posting in a vacuum chamber but tells them that people care. For many artists, if there’s anything they outwardly yearn for more than connection and understanding, it’s knowing that people care about their efforts if even just a little. Also, join their mailing lists or such bulletin boards they use to connect to their collectors, and tell friends and family, share their work with others enthusiastically. Plus, write about them and speak about them in podcasts, publications, or other such avenues. Share their work, speak their name, let them know that their efforts are being noticed and valued. See, there’s this, too: Creating art is ultimately a solitary endeavor in a vacuum. Even in a crowded room, that moment when the artist touches tool to piece, that’s instantly narrows into a solitary event. Art is a practice done in solitude. So being active on their social media and sharing it is a great way to motivate them when they “pop back up” by showing them that — yes — you’re paying attention to all the devotion they’re pouring into their work. And trust me, that does a world of wonder for encouraging them!
On that note, at an in-person event, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and chime in with how much you love their art! Artists love to hear how their art affects you in awesome ways, so let them know! Now yes, it’s easy to be starstruck — I know that feeling all too well, too. But if you can, find a way to take a breath and start a conversation. Keep it short and to the point though, because remember, they’re working (and probably already tired and overstimulated), but getting to know the person behind the name is a great way to inject even more meaning into your enjoyment of their work! Just please don’t be offended if they have to cut the conversation short for working reasons — nothing personal. They’re just being pulled in multiple directions at once, which is exhausting. But trust that your kind words will stick with them…forever. It’s the gift that keeps on giving! Truly, your kind words are the greatest gift you can give to an artist.
Focus on positive reinforcement, focus on the positive rather than attempt to “improve” their efforts with uninvited “helpful criticism.” Trust me, positive reinforcement does 100% more good in the long run than the one uninvited “helpful comment” that can do irreparable damage to their enthusiasm. I’ve known far too many artists who have simply given up on a piece, even creating entirely, all due to this plague of uninvited “helpful critique.” Never — never — be “that guy.” See, you may not know it, but artistic confidence can actually be a house of cards for many artists, no matter how capable, confident, or self-possessed they may seem. The private life of an artist can be a tenuous, delicate place because artistic motivation is a painfully fragile thing. So always — always — wait for a prompt by the artist before offering “critique” and in the meantime, only offer positives. "That's how we're gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love," says Rose Tico, Star Wars, The Last Jedi. And there’s always something nice that can be said about any piece, even if it’s just all the love, hard work, and Vision the artist has put into it.
This brings us to: The Golden Rule — if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Psychiatrists believe we have a “negative bias” hardwired in our brains for evolutionary reasons. This means that an artist can hear kudos all day long, but the one negative or careless comment they hear will outweigh it all and resonate louder than all the praise. Forever. It can’t be helped — it’s an automatic, instinctive reaction. Now they can try to create balance by reminding themselves of all the high-fives and by considering the source, but the truth is, this takes mental gymnastics that can be exhausting. So if you can be louder than the clanking public comments that pound in their head, you can help more than you know in a very tangible way. Be that Jamie Lee Curtis for Michelle Yeoh. And always be painfully careful with your words if they can be heard by the artist, even through the grapevine. Know that one moment of carelessness can get back to them and devastate them, and you could be the reason they quit. Do you really want that? Is voicing your opinion that important? Is making that quip that necessary?
Likewise, understand that the typical artist has thrown their entire being into their piece, their heart, soul, tears, hopes, and their dreams. This makes them inordinately sensitive and prone to taking things personally — because it is personal. Yes, there are those artists who can detach themselves better, but the truth is there’s always a tether, always a conduit straight to their heart which is tender and weaved of their humanity. So always hold their work in gentle hands and generous regard. Again…focus on the positive, always on positive reinforcement or say nothing at all. Creating art is about as personal as it gets and remembering that can do a world of good.
Every so often send them supportive private messages, telling them how much their art means to you and how much joy it brings you. You don’t have to go crazy and blow sunshine up you know what, but every now and again, let them know that their art means a lot to you in wonderful ways. So often artists are sequestered in their studios, contained in a self-induced fishbowl and so even one encouraging, kind message out of the blue can light up their day and keep them energized for weeks!
Share and talk up their work on social media and in social circles. Spread awareness of their skills and talents and openly oogle and admire. There are huge forces of negativity out there as you know, people who fixate on the negatives in our genre’s art. Criticism, carelessness, cruelty, and callousness are their calling cards. And the unfortunate thing is, these people tend to be the loudest, the most vocal, the ones the artists hear the most. So be the rebuttal, be the retort, act as the counterbalance by injecting tactical kindness and strategic enthusiasm wherever you can. On top of that, role modeling positive, supportive behavior can do wonders as well by setting the tone of any given social setting. On that note, that goes for the negativity artists generate within themselves. Truly, artists are their own worst critics. So being a soothing voice of comfort, encouragement, and balance can go farther than you think in dampening the artist's own noisy internal world.
Act in ways that show you understand their confining realities. Absolutely, studio life and running an art business aren’t easy. Honestly, it’s demanding, stressful, full of sacrifices, and loaded with uncertainty in which love, hope, patience, diligence, and hanging onto the dream can be the only things that keep them going. It’s certainly a blessed life — yes — but it does come with its own set of unique challenges, challenges that can crush and bruise. What this means then, practically speaking, is to respect their policies, make payments in a timely manner, give them the professional space when they have to wear the Business Hat, respect their boundaries, and don’t test their parameters unless there’s a genuine hardship involved. And never forget — you may be one person, but they’re dealing with multiple people, each with their own demands. Be patient, be understanding, and be accommodating. Really, many artists are already exhausted on some level and just want to get on with the business of arting rather than the art of business. What does this ultimately lead to? Happier artists who are spending less time in the office and more time in the studio creating exciting work for you!
Be supportive, positive, and curious about any sideline projects or sideways creative pathways an artist takes away from their regular work. Though it may not be something you’re interested in buying or even interested in at all, it’s clearly interesting to that artist, it may even be a heart project. So show your positivity for it or, at the very least, don’t poo-poo it. If you’re not interested, that’s fine, just don’t discourage the artist from following their own path because remember, this is their art and their journey, not yours. Something special is drawing them down that path and that’s to be respected. And this is how innovation happens, too, so the more we encourage it, who knows what’ll pop out!
Remember to repost their work with attribution, with credit, preferably with a website link for others to find their work. This is really important — give due credit where credit is due. This is how an artist’s name grows and it’ll have a tangible effect on their livelihoods and positive experience in the studio and the community.
Give an artist the benefit of the doubt before simply indulging a knee-jerk negative reaction. Consider the reality that you don’t know all the facts, are unaware of all the backstory, and you lack the full totality of that artist’s experience — and you aren’t owed that, either. It’s not the artist’s job to make you feel more comfortable with their lives. So give artists the space to be human, to live their Truth, to make their own mistakes, and to follow their journey in their own way. Practice compassion and empathy at all times, and know that most artists are working in good faith. We all have our reasons, right? So always employ wisdom and practice kindness.
Similarly, role-model positive behavior — be the light, the beacon of positivity and good will in this miasma of negativity out there. See, the truth is that negativity thinks quite highly of itself, it’s arrogant and self-important. This means that negativity is typically very loud and very vocal — it likes to hear itself yap — and so this is what artists usually hear day in and day out, this constant feed of ick. But if more folks role-modeled better behavior, they could help set a new tone in the community, one that can become louder and so filter more into the artistic experience. What does that translate into? A better atmosphere for all of us and improved enthusiasm in the artistic camp which only bodes great things to come!
Never pirate an artist’s intellectual property, never plagiarize their work or use their images without permission. Stealing their work — no matter how much you love it — is never a form of flattery. Real flattery just doesn’t work that way. Indeed, showing due respect for their intellectual property is a great way to truly flatter them. It also protects their livelihoods, their reputations, and also their time as they have less to chase down. And what does that mean? More time in their studio happily creating new work for you!
Change the narrative if you hear someone complain, criticize, pile on, or otherwise indulge in careless and cruel negativity pointed at our arts. There’s so much negativity out there, the Internet just seems to attract those who thrive on discord and damage. But we can shape our community to be something different. Imagine if each of us worked to lift each other up rather than tear each other down. Imagine if the works of artists were greeted with more positives rather than so many negatives. What kind of landscape would that generate for creativity? How many more people would become artists? How many artists who have quit would start up again? How many pieces that were shelved out of fear would be revisited? It’s nice to think about.
Conclusion
So see — there are loads of ways to show your love and support for your favorite artists that not only make them feel better about what they’re doing, but they also make you feel good because it pumps positive energy back into the community. It’s a true win-win! And believe me when I tell you that artists thrive on the positive vibe but wither when pelted with negativity. If we behave in ways and support those things that empower artists then, all we’re really doing is helping our community grow exponentially and in greater diversity. What does that mean? More and better work available to us! So if we want more great work from more people creating it, we hedge our bets with a community bursting at the seams with a vibe that bolsters the confidence, aspirations, efforts, and dreams of all its artists, established, new, and still untapped. We can do this, this is something each of us can practice every day. Each of us can be a light. It’s a conscious decision to embrace the humanity of another person, a person who is laying their humanity bare for you with each piece they create. When they do then, remember the trust they’re placing in you, trust with their heart and soul. It’s a sacred trust and we have the power to do so much good with it. Remember that and keep it real because that’s as real as it gets.
“…For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it”
- Amanda Gorman