Artists' Guide to Success

The following article appeared in Long Island Life
on 9/18/2005

Book Review
By Aileen Jacobson

Paul Dorrell became a gallery owner and art consultant in part because he couldn't get a novel published. He's written 10 books so far and counted 177 rejection letters.

But he did get one in print, finally, and it's now out in paperback: "Living the Artist's Life: A Guide to Growing, Persevering, and Succeeding in the Art World." The well-received guide offers visual artists tips ranging from how to get shown in a gallery (research appropriate ones, find the name of a staffer not at the top, approach carefully and try to get an appointment) to how to deal with self-doubt, a subject Dorrell knows from first-hand experience.

"Artists suffer enormously from depression," says Dorrell from his Kansas City office. "They're in a very tough game, where it's difficult to make a living. The pathway to success is littered with rejection, sometimes for decades." Many famous artists faced years of struggle, he said, including Pollack, Van Gogh, Calder and Gaugin. "Artists often underrate what they've done. They're hard on themselves."

Susan James, a founding director of Artists in Partnership, which is sponsoring Dorrell's speech tomorrow at the Long Beach Public Library, said Dorrell has "down-to-earth advice. He helps people believe in themselves." Her group, based in Long Beach, includes performing and literary artists as well as visual ones. "We have such talented people, but they don't always know how to present themselves." Dorrell will give a reading and signing at Long Beach Public Library, 111 W. Park Ave., 8 p.m., 9/19.

A Guide to Growing, Persevering, and Succeeding in the Art World