Note: Summoning the muse
I was having a hard time getting through to successful artists. I would send my dutiful email detailing at length why they should exhibit at Studio E Gallery.
It was oh so earnest, that initial contact. Ticking off our years in biz, our affluent area, what stellar people we all were.
But it wasn’t working. Not often enough.
One day I loosened up. More in line with my persona, I decided to throw in a little impishness — and to discard the corporate art speak.
We are besotted with your work!
Crowds are massing outside, demanding to see your paintings. I’m afraid to turn them away, things could get ugly.
My wife is crazy for your artwork, please save my marriage….
Enthusiasm and a touch of goofy did the trick.
The first artist I approached with this lighter touch responded! She was tickled not to be getting the standard entreaty.
We’d been trying to land her for five years and all it took was adding a little humanity, a little levity.
Since then I’ve worked hard at infusing personality into my communications, just as I would with family and friends. It’s refreshing. Even those artists who are overcommitted for the foreseeable future circle back with a response.
When all else fails get lighthearted, get playful, get silly.
. . . . .
You know what summons the muse?
Playfulness —
Evan Griffith
#NotesForCreators
For insights and stories on the connected creative life, check out these bookitos:
The Creative Morning Challenge
Burn Baby Burn: Spark The Creative Spirit Within
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