When Enthusiasm Meets Etiquette

When I first began pursuing art full-time, I was fueled by excitement and determination. Like many emerging artists, I wanted my work to be seen and felt deeply aligned with certain spaces in Austin. What I didn’t understand back then was that enthusiasm alone doesn’t open doors—respecting the process does.

Many curators and gallery owners are juggling countless submissions, installations, and community events. Approaching them outside the right channels, even with the best intentions, can unintentionally create strain rather than connection. I learned that the hard way.

Real connection happens when we take time to learn how things work, to show up, to listen, and to support others. These small, consistent actions build trust and belonging—both of which sustain a creative life far more than any single opportunity.

If you’re starting out, a few resources that helped me find grounding and perspective include:

Everything for Art: How to Be a Successful Artist

Podcasts like Ask an Artist, Art and Cocktails, The Curator’s Salon, and The Artist Advisory Hotline.

The more we understand the ecosystem we’re entering, the more naturally we can contribute to it—and that’s where the magic really starts to unfold.