Show Up For Your Art

Last September, I had the amazing chance to exhibit my work at an art fair in New York City. I was super excited to show my art in such a creative, iconic city! It felt like a big moment for me. I even made a special collection just for the event, and I had big hopes for how it would be received—especially since New York is known for its bold, iconic street art, which I thought would be a perfect fit for my work.

But none of my pieces sold during the fair…

Also, I wasn’t there in person—one of the galleries I'm working with was there to represent me, and they did an awesome job. I know they did everything to present my work well, and it was on the big wall that everyone could see when they arrived at the booth.

Looking back, I realize that by not being there, I missed a chance to connect with people face-to-face, to share my story and my vision, and to really make those personal connections that can make all the difference.

Every day, I was waiting for updates, fingers crossed! But it didn't happen.

What this whole experience made me reflect on is how essential human connections are as an artist. It’s not enough to simply exhibit our work—we also need to be there to tell its story, to share the meaning behind each piece. Because, in the end, art is emotion, and that emotion is felt even more deeply when we’re present to explain it, to hear people’s reactions, and to exchange thoughts with them.

I remember another event in 2022 where I felt discouraged. Everyone was passing by my booth saying “It’s cool!" but, again, no sales. And then all it took to brighten my day and to get me out of my head was one person telling me how much my work had touched them. Then everything started to make sense again.

Those moments are precious. They remind us why we create. They bring us not only opportunities but also friendships, meaningful conversations, and sometimes even insights that help us grow in our artistic journey.

Social media is a great tool, but nothing will ever replace a face-to-face conversation, the shared experience of standing in front of a painting and having an authentic discussion about what inspires us. Attending exhibitions, going to local art community events, meeting fellow artists and collectors—all of this nourishes our practice and opens doors.

So if you’re hesitating to represent your work at an event—go for it. Your art deserves to be seen, but more importantly, you deserve to be there to present it, to carry it forward, and to create those connections that make every experience even more meaningful.

Go meet those people, make connections, and share your unique beauty with the world!

Ready to take your art career to the next level? At Milan Art Institute, we believe that mastering your craft is just the beginning—building connections, sharing your story, and confidently representing your work are key to success. Our programs equip artists with the skills, mindset, and strategies to thrive in the art world.

✨ Don’t just create—connect, inspire, and sell. Join a community of passionate artists and learn how to turn your talent into a thriving career.

👉 Explore our programs today and step boldly into your artistic future!