People. You need them. You need people to buy your art, people to show your art, people to attend your shows, people to write about your work and let's face it. You need people to support you emotionally along the way. You need other artists around who get you. It's in these friendships that you will find understanding as well as ideas that challenge you to be a better artist. The relationships you nurture can sustain you, but you'll never know to what extent until you start taking them seriously, until you believe with all of your soul that you can't do this on your own. But what do you do if you move to a new place and don't know anyone, or if you're just getting started? Where do you begin? In this episode of The Art Biz, I talk with Laurence de Valmy about how she has used her bonus talent as a writer to make connections in all areas of the art world. It started with the thought that there were people out there who knew more about how to be an artist than she did. She trusted that she could learn from them. Even if you aren't a writer, you'll be inspired by her boldness and creativity. Here's my conversation with Laurence de Valmy. Highlights “This is the place to take the leap.” Laurence reflects on her artist journey. (2:32) Have you ever Googled ‘how to be an artist’? The birth of The Curious Frenchy blog. (5:42) Laurence’s publishing schedule is shaped by the artists she meets. (8:14) How to more effectively learn from others while promoting their work. (9:52) What was it like interviewing Henry Matisse’s granddaughter? (13:40) Embracing the value of personal relationships with people. (15:30) Opportunities that have come to Laurence as a result of her blog connections. (17:05) How Laurence leverages and promotes blog content on social media. (21:17) The difference that one-on-one relationships can make in your business. (23:29) Tools for organizing your connections and contacts. (25:58) A look at Laurence’s typical workday and schedule. (27:57) How to meet people when you move to a new location. (31:32) Simplifying the sharing of content on social media (32:29) Laurence’s advice for artists who are intimidated about reaching out to form new connections. (34:08) A look at what’s coming up next for Laurence. (36:16) Mentioned Sophie Matisse Dominique Lévy of Lévy-Gorvy Gallery Allan Gorman French Quarter Magazine Femmes d'Art Unik Magazine Laurence de Valmy Laurence on Instagram The Curious Frenchy The Curious Frenchy on Instagram Resources Show notes, images, and listener comments Grow Your List program at Art Biz Success Free e-course: 31 People Who Can Help Sell Your Art Quotes “All I knew was that I didn’t know. And so I had to learn a new job and in order to do so, I started to connect with other artists.” — Laurence de Valmy “I quickly realized that’s how things happen. It’s through the people you know.” — Laurence de Valmy “People work with people that they like.” — Laurence de Valmy “The worst that can happen is that nothing happened. It’s as simple as that.” — Laurence de Valmy “If you are prepared, you will know what to say.” — Laurence de Valmy   Guest Bio Laurence de Valmy invites us to reflect on the links between artists through times and the relationship between art and social media today. In her POST paintings, she revisits art history through imagined Instagram feeds of the past. Her recent work explores the place of hashtags in our communication. Laurence is French American and lives in the U.S. She writes about art on her blog The Curious Frenchy and for art publications. First posted: artbizsuccess.com/reaching-out-devalmy-podcast