ARTISTS' PROFESSIONAL TOOLBOX ::
More Local Artists' Advice

Continuing tips from local artists of all disciplines about their best advice for other artists on "how to survive as an artist."

Nhien Nguyen
"People say Seattle is a small town, and it's very true, especially for those in the arts. I have learned that it pays to meet lots of different folks who are interested or working in the arts. If you want to apply for grants, you never know who is going to be on the review panel. It could be the person you met at a party a week before, who happens to have a side interest in the arts!"

Nhien Nguyen is a local writer, a Seattle Arts Commission Literary Award winner, and editor of the International Examiner.

David Paul Mesler
"How to survive: the successful creative life is one of aggressive self-discovery: The resultant work, ultimately, whether commercial mainstream or decidedly off-the-map, should be a rich blending of your own idiosyncratic obsessions. Do what thrills you, what taps into your most energizing enthusiasms.

"How to make a living: marketing and relationship-building! First, have your marketing ducks in a row. A concise, professional, uniquely attractive set of promotional materials is paramount. Then, who do you know? Whose work makes you fall over? Think big and approach powerful people. Informational interviews work! Mix with those you genuinely admire who are already successful in your chosen field.

"What to keep in mind in trying to make a life as an artist: when creating, love each artwork generously, intimately, in the ways only you can. When trying to make a living as an artist, shake off that dreamy, hyper-concentrated inspired state, and live in the real world -- respect your audience, and respect your clients."

David Paul Mesler is an award-winning pianist, Emmy-nominated composer, vocalist and bandleader who has performed for a multitude of celebrities, politicians, prominent philanthropists and business people, as well as for film projects for Disney, Warner Brothers, MGM, Touchstone, Handmade Films, and ABC.

Carla Barragan
"Most artists share a common quality... we take risks. If we keep doing so, whether the result satisfies us and others or not, our craft becomes more sophisticated."

Carla Barragan is an Ecuadorian dancer, choreographer and educator who is faculty at Arts Corps and Velocity Dance Studio teaching dance. She has successfully combined her academic work with her artistic career presenting her choreography with Birlibirloque Dance, her company, in several festivals and self produced concerts in North and South America since the 1990s.

Wes Kim
"Always be working on something -- every minute you sit around waiting to hear back from a festival, a producer, a distributor, is a minute you could be using to develop another project, improve a script, hone your craft. But finish what you start -- don't let the allure of a new idea keep you from completing something you've already invested time in."

Wes Kim is an award-winning filmmaker and coordinator for the Northwest Asian American Theatre Film Festival.

Amy Denio
"Consider collaborating with other artists - if you can stand the challenge, you'll learn a lot, make new connections, and go in directions you perhaps hadn't imagined."

Amy Denio is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, owner of Spoot Music publishing & record label, and plays concerts around the world.