1.) If something has not been working for you, don't be afraid to say "bye bye."
2.) Keep multiple lines of opportunities open while you always continue to explore what is new on the horizon.
3.) Take a class in your medium or outside of your specialty if you have not taken one for a while.
4.) Know you medium and the level of work that is out there. For example, if you are a photographer, spend at least 2 hours a month looking at other photography work and not just from the iconic photographers. Know what distinguishes a poor photo from an average photo or an average photo from a great photo.
5.) Maintain integrity in yourself and your art work.
6.) If you have provided others art opportunities and/or advice and it has not been reciprocated and/or appreciated, remember that next time.
7.) It is great to be supportive of others work but you are your number one client. I have had several new artists ask me about forming "alliances" for promotion and I assume they mean informal agreements. While informal personal alliances (I promise to tell everyone you are a great artist and promote your work as long as you ALWAYS say the same thing about me for every breath I take) may help beginning artists, they can be risky and difficult to manage. Often long term they typically tend to profit the more experienced "top dog" (or two) in the group who has the balance of power. Never aim to ride anyone's coattails.
8.) Don't play counselor to wannabe artists who tell you they do not want to work hard or learn things the right way.
9.) I am not a big fan of art sites that recommend you establish fixed numerical goals such as "contact ten art consultants in a month". If you contact one and get a "no" response, pursue a different opportunity in another direction for a few months (i.e. another juried show) vs. a robotic mentality of "next."
10.) If you are having success, you are bound to receive an occasional catty comment. Ignore the trolls. It just confirms you are doing well.
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