“A jumped-up pantry boy who never knew his place. He said, ‘return the ring.’ He knows so much about these things.” – This Charming Man, The Smiths`
If you’ve ever considered reaching out to your favorite author, musician or expert in any field for advice, I say go for it. It’s okay to ask for advice from people whose work you admire. There was a time when I reached out to an artist I follow on Instagram in hopes he’d answer a question I had. Over the last couple of years, I’ve formed crushes on pretty much all the girls he draws. He also collaborates with his significant other on a clothing line featuring bold patterns and fun silhouettes that are pretty crush worthy too.
It all started with an art contest. Did you know there is an art contest specifically geared toward people living with IBS? Yeah, neither did I until I stumbled upon a tweet from a follower. Talk about a niche.
When it came time for me to create some art of my own to enter into the contest, having put down the pencil for at least about 4 years at that point, I had to admit I was nervous. I wasn’t sure where to start and if I even owned all the necessary tools. I knew I wanted to use Prismacolor pencils and markers on paper but wasn’t sure which paper would give me the best effect. In a moment of blind courage, I did what made the most sense to me at the time: ask an artist. I pulled out my phone and DM’d Rik Lee to ask for his advice. That’s right, the same woman who refuses to double tap photos after midnight as to avoid disturbing the folks she follows is whipping out her phone and messaging artists with casual questions.
I couldn’t believe I shot off that message as if I was asking a friend for their input. Why would this cool, talented, super busy artist stop to answer a question about paper?
Hours passed and I didn’t hear anything back. So I started to get discouraged. Eventually I decided I’d call it a loss and figure out what paper was the best option with a combination of googling and wandering through the aisles of the art store.
I figured Rik was like, “Aisha who? Girl, go look that up.”
What I failed to do is give the man some credit. Who is to say he didn’t want to offer help to developing artists out there?
I pulled up to the art supply store feeling a bit defeated but determined to find what I needed with or without the help of Mr. Lee. Before I left the car I took another glance at my inbox and there it was! Rik’s response was sitting there in my inbox and I couldn’t believe it. He told me about the paper that he used and how he had access to it as a result of where he resided. Then he suggested options for me. It was useful information and even insight into details I had not noticed in my time following him on Instagram.
I entered the store feeling prepared and like a true artist. I walked away with a notebook full of multimedia paper and ideas floating in my head.
What resulted was this image with deep colors layered on. I spent hours filling in the white space so there were no traces of it. I wanted the viewer to be consumed by the colors and maybe a little hypnotized by the figure at the center of the picture.
Although the old adage, “If you’re not first, you’re last” remains true, a third place win felt pretty awesome. The picture I drew made it into the top three picks for the art contest.
My lines weren’t straight. My illustration was flat. I could think of a million reasons why the picture I created was flawed, but the judges saw beyond that. They saw the story I was telling and they understood.
For someone battling with an illness that gives no obvious external signs of its existence, being understood can mean the world. Also it could mean a $100 gift card.
You never know how much of an impact a simple question can have on the person whose work you admire. Expressing your interest, desire to create and the role they play in that may give them the motivation you never knew they needed. As creatives, we sometimes encounter rough patches and need sparks of inspiration no matter how successful we become.
If you have a burning question for the person whose work you follow, just ask. Type it up. Press send. Write it down and mail it. Don’t be afraid to boldly ask them, because although there’s a chance your inquiry may go unanswered, the potential for a huge win is always there.
Tips on Contacting Your Fav:
- Think through what information it is you need.
- Form a proper question.
- Make sure you’ve reviewed your question for grammar and spelling.
- Be clear as to what your intent is.
- Be courteous.
- End your question with a thank you (sincerity goes a long way).
- Send it!
- Did the information they gave you help? Follow up with them. Express your appreciation and let them know the way in which their response helped you.
Shoot your shot. You got this!