Howard Sherman's Practical Advice for Emerging Artists

In his Houston studio, artist Howard Sherman welcomed MFA candidates from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, offering candid insights into the challenges of a full-time art career. He pointed out that artists must juggle various roles—creating, promoting, marketing, shipping, and organizing—while emphasizing that studio time is invaluable. Sherman highlighted the benefits of residing in vibrant cultural centers like Houston or New York City for networking and art exposure. He encouraged maintaining connections from art school, fostering local community, and opting for email instead of social media for outreach. Additionally, he recommended reading critiques by Peter Schjeldahl, Dave Hickey, David Salle, and Carroll Dunham to enhance articulation. Sherman also advised hiring a professional photographer for documentation, as compelling images are vital for success, noting that paintings and drawings typically sell more easily than installations or sculptures. He urged artists to explore diverse revenue streams and concluded that impressive artwork and personal interactions are essential. This article is part of Glasstire's 25th anniversary series, Training Grounds: Studios, Students & Schools.