Appearances shouldn't matter, but we all know they do. We only have seconds to make a good first impression because, like it or not, people start forming an opinion of you from the moment they see you or your art, hear your voice or read something you've written. As much as I would love to focus solely on the presentation of my client's work, I can't avoid addressing the equally important aspect of the professional appearance of the artist themselves.

You are your brand, and with the ever-increasing emphasis to be seen on video and social media, it's not only important that you look your best, it's critical that you feel your best. Looking your best can help with feeling your best, and my guest today knows how to make sure that happens. Brooke Harker has been working with artists over the past year as the organizer of Saturday Night Live Art Shows. You'll hear how, after some traumatic events, Brooke regained confidence with other people and in front of the camera with the help of a makeup lesson and a whole lot of interior work as well.

Highlights

• 'I make cityscapes that are portals into other worlds.' Brooke Harker shares her work and updates from Saturday Night Live Art Shows. (2:27)

• Face your fear of the camera by focusing on the fun. (7:16)

• Looking confident as an artist does not start with emphasizing your looks. (11:50)

• Making a 180-degree shift by focusing on the internal first. (16:09)

• 'See yourself as a beautiful piece of art — you are a blank canvas.' (21:52)

• Brooke shares the routine that helps her feel prepared for anything. (24:16)

• Refocusing your attention on others starts with taking care of yourself. (29:10)

• The benefits of being seen as an artist, and sharing rather than hiding. (32:00)

• Telling your story is shaping the future of art history. (36:30)

• Finding the courage to take the first step to feeling your best inside and out. (37:35)

• Everyone sees you and hears you, so figure out how to own it. (40:55)

Mentioned

• Samina Malik Makeup & Image Design

• Episode 62: Facebook Live Group Art Shows with Brooke Harker

• 11-year old Bhavna Dubey on Saturday Night Live Art Shows

Resources

• Full show notes including photos and listener comments

• Art Career Success System

• Art Biz Success Community

• Intro and outro music by Wildermiss

Quotes

• "I had a sense of purpose that was bigger than, 'how do I feel and what's comfortable for me?'" — Brooke Harker

• "If a person says, 'I'll do it when I feel comfortable, I'll do it when I feel confident, then they might not do it. You've just got to do it anyway." — Brooke Harker

• "It's definitely possible to be in a very low place and shift to a higher energy, more positive place. We get to choose which place we're in." — Brooke Harker

• "See yourself as a beautiful piece of art — you are a blank canvas." — Samina Malik

• "There's a clarity that comes with sharing that doesn't come with hiding." — Brooke Harker

About My Guest

Brooke Harker is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her lively paintings of cities and coastal scenes are characterized by energetic brushstrokes in ink and thick oil paint applied with palette knives. These vibrant depictions of daily life capture a sense of motion and highlight moments of synchronicity. Harker calls herself a historian of the ordinary. Her paintings are a collaboration with all of the people who've contributed to a place over time: architects, engineers, city workers who've placed street signs and pedestrians whose colorful fashion landed in view at the perfect moment. All of their individual actions brought together one moment, fated to be captured on canvas. Follow Brooke on Instagram: @brookeharker.

First posted: http://artbizsuccess.com/see-yourself-harker-podcast

Let's do this together: https://artbizsuccess.com/community

Music by https://wildermiss.com