I listen to a lot of artists real time.  I watch a lot of forums and blogs. 

I watch a lot of attitudes. 

I see little that makes me think of most wannabe and beginning artists are more than barracudas out patrolling for a tasty meal for their own gain and at another’s expense.  And I don’t like it.  I won’t acknowledged them, and I certainly won’t develop a relationship with them.  I doubt any art dealer, art agent, or gallery owner would either.  Here’s why.

If you carry an attitude around that shouts: “I don’t trust you; I think you are out to rip me off, and I’m going to say so everywhere I can, challenging you to prove otherwise,” what that tells me is that:

1. You’re unprofessional;
2. You’ve got no experience on any side of any aisle;
3. You’re totally self-conceited;
4. You’re completely out-of-touch with reality;
5. You want everything for nothing.

Sound harsh?

I suppose. 

But here’s the facts, gentlemen and ladies. 

No one is going to do something for you if you carry a chip on your shoulder, are suspicious of everyone’s motives, and use demand as your technique instead of polite query.

PROFESSIONALISM

Doesn’t mean “mean.”

Doesn’t mean “can chew nails.”

Doesn’t mean “snide and snippy.”

Doesn’t mean “willing to take it where the sun don’t shine.”

Doesn’t mean “willing to give it where the sun don’t shine.”

Instead, try investigating a service, gallery, or art rep with open eyes, but without a suspicious attitude.  Because anyone who approaches a situation with suspicion automatically gets labelled by those receiving that suspicion and by those observing that suspicion as being themselves unworthy of trust.