Better Language Skills = Control + Confidence

Your art doesn’t speak for itself. It never did, and it never will. People may appreciate your art without the addition of words, but the right words can make critical connections for you.

One reason that communication skills are so important for artists these days is the lack of art education in our schools. Most people were never taught how to look at art and how to form their own judgments. That’s where you, the artist, come in. Part of your job as the number one advocate for your art is educating people, and not in a condescending or lecturing manner. Your approach should come from the heart and be filled with all the enthusiasm you can muster for sharing your art with the world. We want to feel your passion.

When encouraging artists to work on writing an artist statement, blog about their art, or speak in public, I’m often met with resistance. “I’m an artist, not a writer or speaker!” I’m told. But I’d like for you change the way you think about these tasks. In fact, instead of thinking about your statement, blog or speaking as tasks, think of them as an extension of your art — not separate from it. Writing and speaking are opportunities to share your art that shouldn’t be wasted. Isn’t that why you make it in the first place? To communicate something from inside of you?

This spirit of giving and sharing your art is scary at first. You might fear rejection. You might fear criticism. You might fear being misunderstood. But armed with the right words, you can overcome any of these fears. I have clients start by spending a lot of time on their artist statements. I believe that a well-written statement is the backbone for any promotional effort you make, and a good statement takes time to incubate. Until you know and understand the soul of your art, you can’t explain it adequately to others.

Good language skills do something even more important, which is a side effect of educating art viewers. Good language skills put you in control of your career. When you take the time to get the words right, there should be little room for being misunderstood. In preparation for this and more, here are seven ways to improve your communication.

1. Look at art. Look at a lot of art, and then look at more art. Find language to describe how your work is similar and how it’s different from that of other artists.

2. Talk about art. Talk to other artists for “art speak.” Talk to those who know more than you in order to get better. Talk to non-artists to hone your words for speaking to the general public. Recite written text aloud to practice your speaking voice. Get a portable voice recorder to capture your thoughts before they disappear. Practice!

3. Listen. Listen to other artists speak. Listen to good storytellers. Listen to curators and critics. Listen to artists who have “made it” on DVDs, podcasts and documentaries. Attend art lectures and gallery talks. Appropriate what you like, but sure it’s only the good stuff.

4. Read. Read art publications, Web site content and well-written books. Read for the use of language, to increase your vocabulary and to hone your critical eye. Look up words you don’t understand. Circle or make note of colorful phrases and word combinations.

5. Write. Write every day. Write just to get the words out. Strive for imperfection and random thoughts. Capture every brilliant thought you have on paper before it’s gone forever. No one has to see it but you, and you never know where those words will one day lead.

6. Take a class. If you loathe writing, meet that disdain head on, and take a writing class. If you fear public speaking, sign up for public speaking instructions or join a group like Toastmasters (toastmasters.org), or Speaking Circles (speakingcircles.org).

7. Evaluate. Evaluate things you have written or said in the past. This is, of course, much easier to do with the passing of time, but you know almost immediately when your words have been misunderstood. How can you do better next time? Evaluate other speakers and writers. Take a sentence or two from something you’re heard or read and try to make them better.

Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to discover more about your art and learn how to share it effectively with others. Understand that defining your art gives you control and confidence. Once you have the language down, you’ll use it on your Web site, in brochures, in grant applications, in press releases, in gallery talks, and for so many other opportunities.

Copyright © 2008 Alyson B. Stanfield. Stanfield is the author of I’d Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion. The book and her free weekly newsletter are available at ArtBizCoach.com .