Using your network

Someone contacted me recently about a problem they were having with their photo scans.  Now they work in a different medium than I so I know there are subtle differences when scanning the work, but I have complete faith in the person I use.  It turns out, it might be the way they are changing the size of their art files.  I was able to offer some advice, suggest different avenues for scanning, some assistance in learning how to photograph their own work, and where to go to learn how to adjust the size of the files. 

I like talking to people, especially about art and the business of art.  I ended up meeting people pretty quickly when I came back to Spokane, but I also knew several when I left.  The art community here is incredibly supportive. Most cases we do help each other. We compete for grants, awards, and shows but when the chips are down and the conversation is about problem solving; we share our knowledge.  Being a part of an art school like I am, I make even more connections and I am in a place where I can promote art education. 

I don't know what it is like in all art communities; but I can tell you from my experience, being competitive all the time has you ice skating up hill.  Think of what you do and how personal it is.  It doesn't matter how much you share, in all my years I might have seen one or two people copy someone else, but it doesn't take long for what they do to become personalized and then different.  No one technique is ever kept to yourself, someone figures it out eventually through experimentation or networking.  Don't be afraid to share, we lift each other up and get farther faster with our own careers with help so return the favor. I can always turn to the network I share, to get help from others myself.