The Power of Community in Art: Why Artists Need Each Other
Taking a Leap into the Art World
Leaving behind a stable career to pursue photography was a big decision for me. It meant stepping into a world of uncertainty, competition, and self-doubt—but also one filled with creativity, passion, and the potential to build a strong artistic community.
At first, I thought I could find success in the NFT art space, and for a while, I did. My light painting flower collection sold, and one piece, Fiery Passion, even sold out! But I quickly learned that being an artist isn’t just about creating art—it’s about staying visible, constantly promoting yourself, and working hard to get noticed.
I believed that the metaverse and social media would help me grow, but I was wrong. The online art space is saturated. With the rise of AI-generated art, it’s even harder to stand out. The daily grind of posting “GM” (good morning) and “GN” (good night) on X (formerly Twitter) to stay relevant became exhausting.
Finding an Artistic Community
But then, something unexpected happened. Social media led me to real people—real artists—and a supportive community started to form.
I met amazing photographers, painters, and digital artists. People like Randy, a talented photographer and marketing expert, and Morvixity, who I collaborated with on projects I love. Rachel Wood, a well-known influencer, even recognized my work!
We are all different—different ages, cultures, and artistic styles—but we support each other in ways that matter.
Supporting fellow artists isn’t just about buying each other’s work. It’s about:
- Being the first to like and comment on a post
- Sharing words of encouragement
- Meeting for coffee to discuss ideas and struggles
As Pastor Rick Warren once said, “Pulling people down is easier than pulling them up!” That’s why building each other up is so important.
The Strength of an Artistic Community
The Bible often uses powerful imagery to describe the strength of unity. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says:
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” And this I found incredibly true in the artistic community.
Artists understand each other’s struggles:
- The excitement of selling a piece for the first time
- The joy when someone admires your creativity
- The frustration of a creative block
- The disappointment when a piece you love gets ignored
That’s why we need encouragement and strength from one another. Galatians 6:2 reminds us: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
A strong artistic community also brings opportunities. If a client asks me for wedding photography (which I don’t do), I can refer them to a talented friend. It is about building each other up and encouraging art lovers to enter our world.
I love the statement from Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We grow together—offering advice, learning from each other, and sharing wisdom in a safe space.
Why Community Matters for Artists
Being part of an artistic community has given me:
🎨 Inspiration and Growth
- New ideas and perspectives
- Exposure to different styles and techniques
- Motivation to push beyond my comfort zone
🤝 Networking and Opportunities
- Connections with curators, collectors, and galleries
- Collaborations and commissions
- Word-of-mouth referrals
🏡 A Sense of Belonging
- A safe space to share struggles and celebrate wins
- Support from people who truly understand the creative journey
🎉 A Place to Celebrate Success
- Genuine excitement when a friend sells a piece or lands a gallery show
- Encouragement during creative dry spells
My Journey as a Photographer
Do I have everything figured out? No.
Am I having fun? Some days, yes. Some days, no.
Is the community I’m building worth it? Absolutely.
Art is magical—it connects people beyond language, culture, and background. We all share universal emotions, and we need each other to grow.
As I move forward in my photography career, I hope to keep meeting new artists, learning from them, and getting inspired by their work.
Let’s Connect!
If you’re an artist in the Calgary area—a photographer, painter, singer, sculptor, or creative of any kind—I’d love to connect!
📸 Want a free photo and a chance to share your story on my blog, VISIBLE? Let’s meet up! I’d love to capture your journey and grow together.
Send me a message via Instagram or X or Contact Form, and let’s grab a coffee. We are stronger together. 💡🎨
