Artist Ellen Lindner recently wrote:

"Something in your recent newsletter struck a chord with me: Do I emit confidence?

"I AM confident in my work, but I've also been taught not to brag about myself or to appear cocky. (Especially true with women, I think.) How do we, as artists, turn off that tape recording in the back of our heads, that sometimes makes us respond in very humble, even self-deprecating terms? Any thoughts?"

The first thing every artist must understand is that there is an ocean of difference between emitting confidence and bragging. I'm sure, deep down, you probably know this already. Perhaps it would help if I went over it briefly here.

According to my Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, confidence is "faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper or effective way." Bragging, on the other hand, is "to assert boastfully" or "engage in self-glorification." No one likes to be around a bragger.

The confident artist walks into a gallery opening with head held high--knowing that she has done her best and is showing her best work. She also knows she is well prepared. She can speak confidently to anyone about her work because she knows her stuff. She is just as interested in other people as she is in herself and her work. She's a magnet. Everyone wants what she has.

The not-so-confident artist might hide behind her hair or clothing or even another person. She hopes no one sees her. She's not sure of herself because she's not sure of her work. She might be just starting out or she might be trying something new and not sure how it will go over. If she wants it to go well, she'd better gain some confidence. No one wants to buy art from someone who can't stand out in front of her work.

The bragging artist is at the same opening. She is dropping names left and right. She tells everyone about the time Curator X came to her studio and absolutely fell in love with her work. She talks about all of her one-person shows coming up and no one even asked her about them. She's probably bragging because she has little confidence.

Confidence comes with experience. Read "Gain Confidence," a recent article in this newsletter.

I hereby give you permission to emit confidence, which has nothing to do with bragging and everything to do with believing in yourself and your work.

Incidentally, Ellen followed my guidelines for addressing individual questions, posted at http://www.artbizcoach.com/consulting/personalpolicy.shtml

"It's not bragging if you can back it up."                                  --Muhammad Ali

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION Begins today, February 6 This is stuff every artist (every person who owns his or her own business) must do, which is probably why it's one of my most popular classes: $50 includes lifetime membership to discussion group and telegatherings. It's not too late to begin.  Info & Enrollment THE RELATIVELY PAIN-FREE ARTIST STATEMENT Begins Monday, February 20 Write and speak more articulately about your art through the process of writing your statement. You’ll use it for Web site text, grant applications, media releases, and so much more. Still just $75, which includes my help. Info & Enrollment WORKSHOPS: April workshops in Michigan and Alabama (details coming soon)! If you're interested in hosting an Art Marketing Action workshop, see what is involved at ArtBizWorkshops.com NEW ARCHIVE SECTION: Previous newsletters can now be accessed by subject matter. Start here.

THIS WEEK:  ►Offensive moves ►Blogging programs ►Start a conversation about your art Find out more: Art Biz Blog

Newsletter Archives Subscribe to  have articles like these delivered to your inbox each Monday. NAME:    EMAIL:    I respect your privacy! Your name and email will never, under any circumstances, be shared with or sold to anyone--ever! Personalized Support Art Marketing Classes Books & Audio About Alyson Order Resources Site Map Home