The third post of the series is up! For this article, we contacted artist studios and galleries to get a different perspective on advice for emerging artists. Read on to hear thoughts from Print London, JOPP Judge Jacqui McIntosh from the Drawing Room Gallery, Second Floor Studios and East London Printmakers.
To view our other posts in this series, please visit our main blog post ‘Advice for Emerging Artists‘.
Print Club London
Print Club London was established in 2007 and is run by managing director Fred Higginson (Sculptor/ Illustrator M.O.L.) and director Kate Higginson. The duo works closely with iconic illustrator and creative director Rose Stallard, who brings the Print Club brand to life with her inimitable 1970s fanzine-style-artwork and edgy typography. Alongside running the studios Fred, Kate and Rose also curate an annual exhibition ‘Blisters’ one of the UK’s largest poster shows, it introduces a wider demographic to affordable, original artwork, bringing a contemporary art scene to a brand new audience. Whilst providing studio space and selling work is a key focus of the studios, the trio work with clients on projects ranging from bespoke bags for Stella McCartney to live printing projects in store with Nike. Read more about Print Club London on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or website.
‘Perseverance is key! Keep going and ensure that you’re actively putting your work out there, if you get knocked back don’t be discouraged. Take opinions and advice on board but always, always trust your instinct and have conviction behind your work!’
Jacqui McIntosh
Jacqui McIntosh has managed exhibitions at Drawing Room since 2011. She was Project Leader and curator of See Think Different, a 3-year collaborative project between Drawing Room and global media company UBM. Previously she worked in the commercial sector and was a Director of Kevin Kavanagh Gallery Dublin. Independently, she has worked as a curator and writer in Ireland and UK. Her writing has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, Irish Examiner, Contemporary and Art Review and in catalogue essays for galleries and artists. She is a member of AICA. You can read more about Jacqui on our Jackson’s Open Painting Prize website.
‘Stay true to yourself. Be authentic and develop your own individual voice. Don’t change the way you work in order to get approval or to make sales. Be ambitious for your work in the studio.
Be proactive. Find ways to get your work seen – put on exhibitions with other artists, apply for residences, enter competitions. Use social media and keep your website up to date.
Get to know how the art world works and where your work fits in.
Meet people! Opportunities often arise from relationships built on a genuine connection. Try to build professional relationships with others in the art world, especially those you have a genuine affinity with.
Find ways of financially supporting yourself so that you can survive and keep making your work.’
Second Floor Studios
Second Floor Studios & Arts (SFSA) was established in 1997. It is a leading arts organisation providing affordable studio space for visual and fine artists’ and craft and designer-makers. Their core aim is providing best quality studios and facilities at monthly rental prices our members can afford and whom would otherwise struggle to find comparable studio workspace on the open commercial market. You can read more about Second Floor Studios on their website.
‘Being a studio provider we see artists at every stage of their careers. Those who succeed are in their studios working, with rhythm and commitment week in, week out.
They have consistent ideas with a flair for interpretation. Their work develops an unmistakable identity and it is that identity that offers the foothold to success. The stumble we watch time and time again is around pricing of work. Selling one piece at a high price isn’t an indicator that the artist is ready to sell all work at a higher than normal price point. Sell consistently a large proportion of everything made each year before increasing prices and collectors will have more confidence. Finally exhibit regularly.’
East London Printmakers
East London Printmakers is a not-for-profit, artist-run studio based in Mile End. Their aim is to provide professional and affordable printmaking facilities for artists and designers and to create opportunities for them to discuss and exhibit their work. You can read more about East London Printmakers on their website.
‘Connect yourself with as many creative collectives as humanly possible.‘
To view the other articles in this series, please click here.
