Learning from Those Who’ve Tread This Path
Mood: Open | Post Type: Behind the Scenes | Weeks Until Show: 53
This is my first solo show. I’ve visited several exhibitions at No.10 Gallery and spoken to artists who’ve exhibited there — each conversation offering up little snippets of insight.
Podcasts: My Go-To Resource
For me, 90% of the time, the answer is: podcasts.
They're a priceless vault of experience — free gems, generously shared.
I spend six to eight hours in the car each week, so I make the most of it. I listen — and learn.
Here are a few of my regulars:
Art Juice – Now finished after 6 years, but co-hosted by artists Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher, Art Juice is an honest, often humorous podcast about the realities of making art and building a creative career.
The Creative Kind - A beautifully reflective podcast that blends creativity, mindset, and practical advice
Art Biz – Hosted by Alyson Stanfield, this podcast offers clear, actionable advice for artists who want to build a sustainable, professional practice.
My Crafting Life - Hosted by Dom (from Make it to Market), a passionate advocate for independent makers and small creative businesses.
Searching with Intention
Until recently, I listened casually — whatever came up next, sometimes my pick, often Spotify’s. But now?
I’ve started actively searching for content around solo exhibitions — typing in keywords like “solo show” and digging through show notes.
And it’s been so worth it.
Standout Listens
I’ve picked up useful thoughts on mindset, logistics, marketing, even how to handle nerves. I might not take on every suggestion, but hearing other artists’ experiences makes the whole thing feel… more possible.
Here are a few standout episodes that have really stuck with me (and that I’ve returned to — especially now that I’m in the thick of planning!):
🎧 Nitty Gritty – Kate Florence: Creating a Positive Mindset for a Solo Exhibition
🎧 Art Chatter – Get Ready With Us
🎧 Ask An Artist – 6 Tips for Putting on an Exhibition
🎧 Arts To Hearts – How to put up your own solo art show (with Emily Mullet)
Images shown for illustrative and educational purposes only. Cover art remains the property of the original podcast creators, sourced via Spotify: Nitty Gritty, Art Chatter, Ask an Artist, and Art to Hearts.
So, what have I learned so far? Here’s a collection of thoughts — in no particular order — gathered along the way.
Independent, Artist-Led, and Self-Funded
It important to share that this is a self-funded show — something many people might not realise. It was described to me as an independent art show, which really resonated. Since then, I’ve come across other terms like self-produced exhibition and artist-led show — all of which reflect the same truth: this is being created on my own terms, with me as the main financial backer.
What If You Sell Nothing?
A useful mindset check: try not to focus too heavily on sales. Visualise the best- and worst-case scenarios — what’s your “just right” (Goldilocks) outcome? For me, covering the gallery hire and framing costs would feel like a success. But more importantly, ask yourself: If you sold nothing, would you still want to keep making glass? If the answer is a resounding yes — crack on. That’s your why.
Treat It Like a Project and an Event
A solo show needs project management: planning, timelines, and logistics. But also remember, it's an event. There’s the run-up, the show itself, and the aftermath — all equally important.
Many people focus solely on the launch and miss key opportunities like:
Following up with visitors
Thanking supporters
Reflecting on what you’ve learned
What’s Your USP?
Ask yourself: What’s the magic of this show? What makes it different?
You don’t need drama, but nuance matters — especially for press and local media. A show with a clear theme or story stands out more than “here’s some work I’ve made.”
Rethinking Marketing
Relying solely on social media won’t cut it — this is an in-person event, and that needs a different approach. Mix it up:
Flyers, postcards
Email newsletters
Community boards
Conversations and word of mouth
Repetition Isn’t Boring (If Framed Differently)
In the run-up, you might feel like you’re repeating yourself: “Here’s my show, please come.”
That’s okay — just vary the message:
Share process updates
Behind-the-scenes glimpses
Artist intentions
A spotlight on individual pieces
Same outcome, different angles.
Show the Experience
Document the show. A well-shot video can show how your pieces feel in a space and help galleries or buyers see the value of the overall experience.
Let Go of Perfection
You’ll achieve far more if you let go of the need to get everything perfect. Focus on consistency, not flawless execution.
Sales Flow Strategy
This tip might suit larger shows, but it’s worth noting:
2 days before: release to email subscribers
1 day before: publish online
Preview night: in-person launch
Add a QR code beside each piece — it can link to more info and a sales page, giving people the option to buy instantly or revisit later.
Give People Space
Having a nearby café or spot to reflect is invaluable. Some visitors need time to make a decision or discuss the work — gently guide them to a local watering hole.
Plan the Work First
Before diving into the sparkle of planning and promo, figure out how many pieces you need — and work toward that. It's easy to get swept up in the sparkly parts, but the work itself is the heart of the show.
To Wrap Up: Before I finish, I want to give a shoutout to artist Emily Mullet, whose interview on the Arts To Hearts podcast first inspired me to start documenting this journey. Emily shared her experience of putting on a solo show — hosting it in her home studio, in the US, and vlogging the whole thing. For me, the setup’s a little different: I’m hiring an exhibition space, I’m based in the UK… and, well, I’m not quite ready for vlogging.
So for now? It’s a blog. At least until I feel a bit braver x