Many artists I know will self-identify as introverts. It’s not unusual to find creative people making excuses to stay in, eschewing parties or avoiding large crowds. And that’s OK. As several authors/psychologists have discussed, introversion is not a crime. It is a personality trait shared by roughly 30-50% of the population. And I am not trying to stereotype artists but I think it would be helpful to talk about being an introvert in the art world from my own personal perspective.

My family and friends all know that I am a quiet person. When I was a kid this was more commonly called SHY. Growing up, I heard worried whispers from adults about how I hated meeting strangers, how I spent so much time alone, how it was impossible for me to speak in public. Luckily my parents are educators and well-versed in child development. They didn’t panic or force uncomfortable situations, but they did encourage me to test my boundaries.

They knew that once I found something I loved; the fear would fall away. So, I tried gymnastics, soccer, diving, summer camp, theater, dance, cheerleading and photography… Surprisingly I loved it all. But I never would have known unless I had been pushed a little.

With a more modern perspective, books like Quiet by Susan Cain and The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron have shown that introverts have hidden powers and should be celebrated. I agree. But I also keep in mind the words of Johnny Marr and Morrissey:

“Shyness is nice, and
Shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life
You’d like to.”

So, my fellow creative introverts, this is your reveille - A call to all who cherish the refuge of their studio, who have their phones on silent, who hover near the exit. If you want to find success in the art world, try being more social.

This can take many forms. Find what’s right for you. It can be one-on-one or in a group or even online. Putting yourself out there is the best way to find your audience and your tribe. As noted in the 2018 research paper from Columbia Business School titled Fame as an Illusion of Creativity, “Fame correlates statistically to the diversity of your personal and professional networks; it is based on the company you keep, not your product.” In other words, it’s who you know…

*Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, and Grace Hartigan in 1957.*

If you’ve ever wondered why famous artists come in groups (the Impressionists, the Bauhaus School, the Surrealists, Beatniks, The Factory, the Mission School)… it’s probably because they formed associations with other creatives on the rise. So get out there and mingle!

Here are a few tips (from an introvert) on how to grow your circle of influence:

1. Recognize the value that you bring to the world. No one is like you or creates what you create. Appreciate your unique perspective and others will be drawn to you.

2. Your style of communicating may not be what others expect, but introverts are known to have deep insights and incredible focus. Find others who are willing to listen and not talk over you.

3. Set a reasonable quota of socializing each week. Look at it as an assignment and part of your artistic practice. After you meet your quota, let yourself off the hook and restore yourself with some quiet time.

4. Bring a sympathetic friend to large events. Arrive early before the peak crowd and leave only after you’ve introduced yourself to at least one other human.

5. Ask for referrals from colleagues and acquaintances. Most people are happy to network with you.

6. Ask a lot of questions. If you don’t like the focus on you, turn your nervousness into curiosity. Learn other artists’ stories and you’ll pick up some ideas on how to talk about your own work. Here are some questions to ask other artists.

7. Use your alma mater. Art school can position you for success by staying in touch with your classmates. It’s very common for alumni artists to exhibit and network together. If you didn’t go to art school, you can still use school ties to meet movers and shakers. Learn how to find alumni on LinkedIn.

8. Use modern technology – LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Shapr, Bumble BFF, Meetup. These are just a few apps that help people connect over shared interests and allow you to screen out frivolous interactions in public.

9. Build your contact list slowly. You don’t have to talk to every soul at the soiree. Find one kindred spirit and get their contact info. Offer to add them to your mailing list or follow up with a “nice to meet you”.

10. Read up on your introvert superpowers. Here are some great titles that will help you shine through your shyness.

“So, if there’s something you’d like to try
If there’s something you’d like to try
Ask me, I won’t say no, how could I?”

Being Social