How to Support the Artist in Your Life

Many people have asked how they can help as I publish my first book (thanks!) and I thought I should write a blog post about it. Please know that these suggestions are for anyone who wants to help a friend or family member who is a musician, author, artist, filmmaker, etc. So these are just some thoughts I have as I am preparing to launch this fantasy series.

1. Support them on social media. Facebook, blogs, twitter, websites, and whichever social media are specific to their medium should have a way to “like” or “follow” or something. This is a great way to encourage your artist both by increasing the number of their “fans” and because usually whoever you are linked with has increased knowledge of the artist and his product so you are helping to spread the word with a simple a an action as a click.
2. Buy the artist's product. This may seem obvious but it is terribly important and not just because of the money that the artist gets back in their pocket. I think, even more, it is the encouragement of the number of sales going up. Especially in the beginning while the number is low each sale is a boost for the artist, each sale is celebrated. It is a very real way to encourage the artist and support them financially in one.
3. Tell the artist that you liked it. Your friend or family member is taking a great risk to put their product before the world. That is a stomach-wrenching proposition for most and any confidence boost you can give them is much appreciated.
4. Write a positive review on their product. Most products would probably be available on Amazon but wherever you can review it— write a NICE one!!! This is a great way to help further sales for your artist. Please do not think you are not allowed to write a review because you know the artist. Every product has reviews by friends or family— It is only a person who is making money from the sale of the product who is not allowed to write reviews.
5. Do not write a negative review on their product. This comes down to everyone's mama's old advice, “If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.” If you think the product is horrible that is okay. Just abstain from writing a review at all. (Note to artist: Don't nag people about writing a review! It may be they are doing you a favor by NOT writing it!) If you can find something nice to say (“It's a great concept.” “The rhythm is awesome!”) that is great. I am sure that would be appreciated but if you can't come up with anything— don't review it. Remember art is subjective, some people will like what other people will hate and vice versa.
   And if you feel that you need to warn people not to buy the terrible book, album, film— Don't worry someone else will give it a negative review for you. It is painful enough to get a negative review from anyone but it is especially hurtful to get one from a friend or relative. Remember you want to help your artist not hurt them.
6. Tell everyone that you know an artist who has just come out with an album, book, film, or artwork and they should check it out! It is very helpful to the artist to have their friends and family help to spread the word about their product. You are multiplying their efforts— What a great way to support your friend or family member!

Thank you for wanting to support your artist's endeavors!