Your Insecurity is Showing

Found this which I had saved as a draft and never posted back when I began this blog journey in 2009. So, I'm adding it now. Seems that life always presents moments when I question my path, and my insecurity shows through. But, the joy is being able to march through it and discover again:-)
Happier days are always around the bend.
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So, I took the first step, now what? I was meeting with my mentor once every two weeks, had discussions with potential artists that were unsure about being represented by anyone, was reading all the material I could find about starting a gallery, establishing an online presence, developing business relationships. Met with the Small Business Association at City Hall, was provided references to a number of artists and galleries. At the same time, I was working full-time and dealing with life's events. The list of 'part time' evening activities grew longer and longer. It became overwhelming to me! My insecurity started slipping into my lap, and seeped into my skin. AAARRRGHH! Could I really do this??
So, I stopped. Awful response, but that's the way it was. I made efforts to reconnect with my plan, but nothing happened...
And then these strange coincidences began...found an old high school friend on facebook who happens to be an artist, received mail from art galleries that I frequently visited inviting me to gallery showings, received email from my mentor who asked how I was doing, got a phone call from my domain company asking if I needed any assistance enhancing my domain...
After each event, my confidence started building again - my dream was tapping me on the shoulder and reminding that it was not going to let go until I started again. So, I did. With a few alterations:
I decided to establish my community presence through a blog hosted by my website, and started to focus on my story (which you've been reading) to let people know who I am, why I'm here, and that a journey can present obstacles that force you to stop sometimes. I also realized that I have to physically BE in my community volunteering, interviewing gallery owners and artists, looking at other artist blogs to see "how the other half lives" and find ideas and marketing techniques that will help me transition into a quality Art Rep when the time comes. I also have to be an ardent blogger myself: reading other blogs, and writing my own.
For now, this is what I am doing: learning how to establish my name, website and credibility in the Art world. The Representative can wait until I've built a firm foundation.
Stay tuned for my next Post...I'll be looking at new artists and artistic happenings...
Till then, Stay Happy!

Andrea

Andrea's Art Tip: One of the undiscovered avenues I found while searching for information was City Hall. Check out your city or town to find options for marketing, selling, establishing contacts. In my case, I found that all of these are free! You just need to go online, call or stop in to find what's available. Enjoy!