Attitude Towards Art: Generosity

To be an artist, I feel that one should be open to the feelings of others. One should assist others in their journey. I've learned that art can be an aggressively competitive field where artists jealously guard their "secrets" (their techniques, their marketing efforts, etc.). Of course, This isn't always the case, but it is common. Early on in my professional career, I was faced with the "crossroads" decision whether to help market my adult students. My husband thought I was crazy having an art show and featuring my students! "They are your competition," he said. Well, he was right, but I felt that a greater principle applied. I knew then that the "right" decision was to help others in their journey. That night, I sold nothing but a good friend sold her first piece. It has started her on her professional art career. Since then, I've continued to help my students market their work, assisted other professional artists through art marketing seminars, and been totally blessed! I have felt that one must have their priorities straight. Relationships before profit, generosity, and giving back all must be adhered to. I regularly donate art to charities and you know what? I get much more back! The exposure is unmeasurable, the charities get the money from the piece, and another person is a collector of my work! Everyone wins. This is, by the way, one of my "mottos" that I conduct my business by. I desire that everyone who has any contact with my business, art, or self be blessed. Everyone can win when generosity is practiced!