Meet JJ Galloway

We were lucky to catch up with JJ Galloway recently and have shared our conversation below.

JJ , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I once heard an art critic say if an artist isn’t making money off their work, they’re art is “just” a hobby. (eyes rolling)

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with art being a hobby. And second, it’s that kind of thinking that makes artists question their abilities and business potential. The fact of the matter is the road to “success” is long and very winding. It takes a tremendous amount of courage, determination, and hard work to be seen. When a doubter steps in with negative opinions, it makes the road that much harder. And believe me, there are those kinds of people waiting at every turn.

Early on in my art business path I remember, very clearly, a turning point when I decided to be successful at this art business, I needed to make my success happen rather than waiting for someone else to do it for me. I started taking steps toward independently showing my own work…and every step of the way I suffered from imposter syndrome. The fact of the matter is, at least in my case, imposter syndrome isn’t something you overcome, it’s something you learn to live with. Despite my current successes, I still get imposter syndrome every now and then. I’ve just learned to work with it.

You manage imposter syndrome by having a clear idea of what your personal version of success looks like. Whether it’s art as a hobby, a part-time practice or a full-time job. Know what you want to achieve and get after it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I own JJ Contemporary Art Gallery. We are a virtual gallery that represents artists from all over the world at international art fairs. I’m also an artist with work in both public and private collections/galleries around the globe. When I’m not in my studio working on my art or at an art fair selling others art, I give lectures, mainly for the Smithsonian, on topics ranging from the art process to the business of art.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The first, most important quality an artist must have is to believe in themselves. Sometimes you have to believe in yourself so much that everyone else will just begins to believe in you too. Following along that path, an artist must be authentic to themselves and their craft. Don’t look at others success and try to copy it. Be brave to find your own way. Collectors can tell when an artist isn’t being authentic. Last, be realistic about your artwork and where you are in your art career. I’ve seen so many artists either hold back or over reach and neither finds success.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

My art gallery is virtual and shows only at international art fairs. As a result we are often dependent on the “mood” or economic climate of the location we’re showing in. It’s a very risky business and we often have just hope it works out despite all our marketing efforts. But the fact of the matter is, “hope” isn’t a good business plan. I’ve always said the job description of “artist” is elastic at best. The challenge all artists and gallery owners face is the ever changing business climate of the world. We have to constantly adapt. That’s what I’m working on now in my business. Looking for the gaps and ways to fill them in to reduce risk.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jjcontemporaryartgalleries.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjcontemporaryartgallery/

Image Credits

© JJ Galloway