Fake it Till You Make it??

That phrase is a funny one...at least I think so. Some people live by it, but I always felt that in a way a person would be lying to get where they want to be. I thought to live by that phrase you are just in this continuous mode of not being who you actually are.

...but I have in fact used this philosophy.

Start calling me a hypocrite right abouuuuuut.....NOW!

In the creative field, be it fine arts, film industry, or even marketing, whatever you decide to put in the creative block, not many opportunities are given. You somehow have to prove yourself, and provide evidence that "Yes! I have done this job successfully before, and I can deliver with this next task!" Hell forget the fact that I said creative field. All of this can apply to the job market in general.

All I know is no matter what a person has to start somewhere. It is so aggravating to see so many job posts saying, "Requires 3 to 4 years of experience" but it was labeled entry level? huh? Did I miss something here?

I cant speak for all fields, but I know in the photography, and film industry they abuse the whole intern system. All professionals say that "You're going to eventually have to do free gigs, you cant avoid it." What? This is where half the people who had dreams in the creative field say "Fuck!" Working for free? Who honestly has the time? People have rent! And probably about 8 or 9 other bills. Who knows? I don't know everyones situation. This is also why you have a ton of people working in job that they absolutely loathe!

**I will make a small comment on the interning problem. Yes, people abuse it massive, but if you have a full time job, and you have extra time, taking on a free gig on the weekend here and there wont hurt. Or even in my case with this art club, I set up the art show that I will be in next month. I def did not have to take on that responsibility, but it was for sure in my best interest. Nothing is easy, but hard work pays off. It may not feel like it now, but it will. I can promise that.**

This is where the phrase comes into play. I'm not going to suggest lying on your application or resume. I don't do it. Not to mention the fact that its a federal offense...right? "Fake it till you make it," let me tell you it can go wrong, and downhill very fast for you if not executed correctly, or if you don't have enough common sense to make the right moves. Once I realized that I had that whole quick learner ability thing I knew what that phrase meant. It's not even lying. I guess it is really knowing your limitations. What you can handle and take on? Its all about knowing your talents, and your ability to pick things up.

I think the difference in my thought process about this is that fact that I use to be given a task, and would tell that person "yes," or "no" if I could do such task. Now, I think about it a little bit more, and try to scale if I can try to do it if it is something I've never done before. **side note: When I have to tackle something I've never done before I get a massive amount of anxiety. Of course I don't show it, I research the shit out of it, and figure it out. ** Once done I just gained experience, and learned something new! Well damn, that whole process of "fake it till you make it," worked! The person that gave me the task or whatever, is pleased, and now knows I have that certain skill without even knowing that I never once did such a task. Now you have the potential to be promoted, or when you switch jobs that manager, supervisor can vouch for you on even more levels, and skills!

I bring this up because I'm finding myself tackling a lot of things that I never have done before, and finding out that I'm not half bad at doing them. I guess I say "ok, I'll do it," to a lot of things without even doubting that I can actually do it, even though I never have previously. The "ok, I'll do it," method that I have acquired in my everyday life is building my skill set. I guess I am using the "fake it till you make it," method as well, but I see it as just having the confidence level in myself to take on new things. I'm not scared to learn new things, or at least try things on my own.

Confidence goes a looooong way in any career path. Isn't that the foundation of "Fake it till you make it?" I do so believe.



So, people have confidence, and I guess I can say, "Fake It Till You Make it!" 

...Just dont lie. lol

My First Major Art Show

I had a previous post discussing organizing an art show/exhibition. I have to tell you that it has been such an experience to actually co-ordinate a show, for myself and a large group of included artists. I learned a bunch about how to set one up, and a bit about the Art Gallery business. All of it being very useful to me, and my long-term goals.

My title "My First Major Art Show" is just that. I entered my photos a couple of years ago into a small Buffalo gallery for holiday art show. I entered two of my favorite pieces, the show was juried, and the fact that I was accepted into it was such a big thing to me. I was super happy about it. The show was up for a month, but I didn't sell anything. That kinda broke my heart to be quite honest. I was super green to the whole fine art world. I couldn't expect to sell anything that quickly...right?

A lot went through my head. I had a number of questions. Did I price my items too high? Did I make the right decision printing them on canvas? Did I pick the right photos to print to begin with? I feel as though all of this is a hit or miss. Could I even say it's a lot of trial and error maybe? What I do know is everything takes a lot of practice. The one thing I like about myself is I keep going, and even if I feel down and out about what happened in the past I still press on, and try something else. I cant give up, and whatever it is you're doing(or want to do) you shouldn't either.

Why do I classify this art show coming up in September the "First Major" one? I tend to think NYC has higher standards. As I should, right? It's the epicenter for art. Some can argue that, but if you want to test your art in a market NYC is the one to do it in. Buffalo is great, but in the art realm??? I'm not sure to be honest. I don't know how competitive that show was. If they accepted everyone, or if they actually selected certain people. Who knows? I saw that as no big deal, even though I was still happy to be in a juried show for the first time.

I have certain anxieties going into this new show for sure. Them being similar to what I thought after the Buffalo show. Did I pick the right photos to exhibit? Am I going to frame them in the best or most flattering way? Will I price them right? Will I sell anything this time around?? Will people like my work? Will I be anyone's favorite? The group I am exhibiting with consists of mostly painters. Which could be to a disadvantage, or a major advantage. That one I have no clue how to predict. It's definitely a lot to think about.

We recently just got the postcard/invite done, finalized, and printed. My name printed among the artists exhibiting. There's always something so special about that. I keep down playing it, and the whole art show altogether, but the other artists are extremely grateful I stepped up to co-ordinate, and secure this show for all of us. The president of the club I am associated with through this show also is very excited about this. Once I saw this:

"Looks good! Make sure the PDF goes to *** and *** for The *** website and the *** blog... should put the announcement on the face book page as well ... should also write a press release that can go out to places that list exhibition information.

Job well done!!!!!"

...I knew that this was a bigger deal than I anticipated. My boyfriend was super excited for me. I'm so happy to have support from him, and from my family and friends. I really wonder if I should get excited. Why shouldn't I? Maybe because I have such anxiety. I don't really know. 

As an artist it is really scary to have your work on display for everyone to see, and judge. It's basically you on display when you really think about it. I just picture myself standing on a lil stage, with my head wide open projecting on the wall all my feelings and thoughts for all to pick apart. I'm still going to go ahead and keep putting myself out there though. It's what you have to do as an artist, at if you want to make a living from it. Not everyone will like my work. I know that. Some will. I know that too. All Art is super subjective. Hopefully I do well at this show. I definitely have positive thoughts going into this. I know it may not seem like it because of the down play, but I really do. I'm just chicken. Haha. 

This is all very surreal to me. I'm more than grateful this is all happening. I think I worked for it. I think once I have my own Art show featuring JUST my work that might be a moment I wont be able to think is really happening either. It's going to happen though. I just don't know how I'm going to handle that. 

The show will be great. I'm looking forward to the opening reception too! The post card is below. I love it. Another member of our group designed it. I'm very happy with it, and the fact that all this is happening!