Fam, lets run through some important points together as we discuss your art.

• Your art is special. For real. It is a big deal. Yes, it might not look exactly like you pictured it in your head, but it still unique. It is unique because it is a piece of you. It came from you and represents your unique and valid point of view. It is to you, who a child is to a mother.
• There are two types of exposure : Valuable exposure and Wasteful exposure.

Valuable exposure is a properly planned occurrence. You don’t perform simply because there is an audience. You don’t perform with the hope that, perhaps, someone in the crowd will like your art product or service. You must ensure that the audience is the right crowd. Task yourself and do some research. These questions are quite valuable :

• Will this audience be willing (and able) to pay for my product and services after this performance?
• If i get a favourable response, will i be able to handle this level of demand?
• Is my product/service good enough to blow them away?

(Your art is unique, but it might not be of significant quality yet. You need to ensure that it is good enough to compete and win.)

Also, if you are performing in front of a crowd (like with a live sketch or a speed painting), ensure that the crowd knows your name and who you are. Give out business cards too. Network. Get feedback.

Wasteful exposure does not take these factors into consideration. Its aim is usually vainglory, the need to show people just how uniquely gifted you are as a visual artist. It is a pointless exercise.

• Even under the right conditions, do only a few freebies a year (1 or 2 should suffice) to reduce the risk of brand dilution to the barest minimum.
• Do not beg for exposure. Present your craft as an opportunity for them, just as it is an opportunity for you. Teach yourself how to sell your craft.
• Spend more time improving yourself and ensuring that you are very good at what you do, before you seek exposure.

Remember : You have to stand out. You have to be spectacular!