Why I Want to Support Other Artists – and Why You Should Too

 

Gummy Bears, 2022, 16″ x 16″, acrylic on panel. SOLD.

Happy Thursday! 

I just wanted to make a very quick post about something on my mind today: showing support for other artists. Sometimes, I think people, artists included, think every artist is in competition with each other. I guess the thought is that there are only so many customers in the art world. But it’s really important to consider that this type of negative, combative approach brings very little reward, either monetarily or emotionally. If anything, it will make you feel way more stressed. And being a ruthless, stressed-out business guru is not why I left the business world to become an artist.

Instead, when I get a nice comment from another artist on my social media, or when I send one to another, I feel like it’s a little moment where we are choosing to lift each other up, learn a bit from each other and grow in our work. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to receive a kind comment from a talented artist (and there are many out there!). I also try very hard to send a few meaningful, positive comments to other artists each week. Sometimes, it’s just a brief, “Great work! Love!” Sometimes, I try to be very specific, which I think can make the comments a lot more personal and sincere, like “Amazing colors!” or “Exquisite detail!”.

So today, even if your day is crappy, even if you are stressed about your work, or your life, take a quick moment to send an artist a compliment, either on social media or through their website, blog or email. Do this no matter if you are an art fan or an artist yourself. It’s a simple way to make someone’s day a bit brighter and make yourself experience the art world in a more positive light. We all have the power to make a little more happiness in the world. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

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Kim Testone

Artist Kim Testone

I’m a full-time acrylic realism and trompe l’oeil painter creating whimsical food paintings inspired by real-life creations that I bake, decorate or scoop in my kitchen. All of my paintings are flat, painted with many thin layers of acrylic paint, aiming to look at three-dimensional as possible. I hope you’ll join me on the journey of creating art that brings a little happy magic into the world. I’ll be sharing my process, my insights, and hopefully some things that will inspire you to appreciate the little things around you every day.

The Formal Stuff:

  • B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Central Florida
  • M.A. in Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Former Art Magazine Editor
  • Represented by Hidell Brooks Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina

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