JPG Magazine: Stories: The Project: A Good Start For A Starving Artist

The Project

A Good Start For A Starving Artist

By Pamela Hubbard

4 October 2008

I have been told by many to do something with my photos. I have been told that I have an 'eye' for photography. I finally found the courage to walk into the local coffee house and ask if they promote the local artists and handed them my card. To my shock they surprised me by inviting me to be the featured artist for the month of October!

I spent the last month and the last of my bank account, preparing to hang my art photography on the walls of THE CURIOUS CUP coffee house! Let me say that they have the best cup of java I ever tasted! Well it was a lot harder and stressful than I thought it would be but most definitely worth it. My dear friends Terri and Chris helped me get everything up on the walls and were my main support in keeping my feet on the ground. Terri who all along has been my biggest encouragement is my very own personal cheerleader! Oh and I especially owe much thanks to my dear sweet hubby for not saying anything about how much I spent on this project. I noticed his eyes rolling a couple of times but never said a word.

There I am with a big smile on my face, giddy as all get out! I have even more good news. It's only been three days since I displayed my photos and I got a call that one of my pieces sold! Woooooo Hooooo!!!! Someone bought one of my bicycle photos.

Well there you have it. I am now officially "A Starving Artist!" Now I want ask, are you starving for recognition? Do you keep telling yourself, "I'm not good enough?" Are you wondering how you can get your name out there?

The first thing you want to do is get a portfolio of your best photos together. Always have it with you, or at least in the car where you can run out and get it! What size? 8X10 is a economical size to have printed. Then you need to have some business cards printed. I recommend using one of your favorite images, you know, the one that will make anyone say, "Wow!", when you hand it to them. The last thing is the hardest to do. Every place you go to, every restaurant and coffee house you stop for coffee or that pastry, don't forget to hand them your card, and as you hand them your card ask them if they promote the local artists in the community and tell them you are looking for a place to feature your art photography.

I was lucky enough, by chance, to run across THE CURIOUS CUP and was invited to be a featured artist. You can do it too! Now if you happen to live in Colorado, then I suggest you head straight for 1377 Forest Park Circle in Lafayette, for an amazing cup of coffee served by the friendliest people at THE CURIOUS CUP. You might be given the opportunity of a lifetime!

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8 Responses

On 4 October 2008 Catherine Kurvink gave props:
I really enjoyed the story and the encouraging words! Yay you!
On 5 October 2008 Vidyavati Chandan gave props:
very cool....congrats...may you flourish far and wide ;-)
On 5 October 2008 Vidyavati Chandan said:
and yes, my vote :-)
On 5 October 2008 Patrick Westerfield gave props:
Got my vote.
On 5 October 2008 adniloj gave props:
Way to go Pamela, keep up the beautiful work!
On 6 October 2008 Spectre Photo gave props:
That's one good story lady..thank you!
On 8 October 2008 Lynn Hathaway gave props:
Super shot and essay!
On 10 October 2008 Marshall gave props:
i like that you choose to share this success story, hopefully it can give encouragement to those that need an extra push... not trying to be negative, but "starving" artist? actually, there's lots of them out there, it's not very fun... i don't think you're starving, but thanks for the story and all the best!