Why do some artists become famous? | Albert-László Barabási

[@bigthink]

What artists do you think should get more credit?

[@michaelalmasian4710]

Richard Serra. Sally Mann. Fiona Apple.

[@Schnuersenkelfon]

Kevin Zamir Goeke and Julian Dieckert

[@kimi9572]

Janet Sobel: the one who actually pioneered the drip painting, not Jackson Pollock.

[@rohitmadashri7250]

​@@michaelalmasian4710 Did you just randomly throw names of some famous artists or do you have reasons to backup?

[@bostoneventlighting794]

Lighting Designers 💡

[@niasearth]

always honor the statement “it’s not what you know it’s who you know” but think deeper and acknowledge it’s truly “it’s not who you know it’s who knows YOU.” put yourself out there

[@Viececiyt]

Love that

[@luiz.pip4]

nice shot

[@VomitandoLagrimas-fu5fc]

This is the comment I needed, thanks ;)

[@Billionaireben]

And 'how they know you.'

[@invox9490]

As someone who as worked on a museum at the middle level for years, let me give you the answer: Someone who is already famous or is inside the art world needs to give you an entry. Without that, no matter how good or skilled you are, you will never get in or even be considered an "artist".

[@invox9490]

they usually come from money, parents or family are already in the "bussiness", lots of free time to travel and try different things... sometimes art

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@invox9490 The truth. It's all nepotism and gatekeeping.

[@twilliams3600]

@@celurean Basquiat...Andy Warhol helped him...not sure how that all came about though. But that might be an example.

[@lordbunbury]

Yeah, but without exceptional talent, skill and drive you won’t be anywhere either. It starts with talent and skill, and an environment to develop. If you’re undeniably exceptionally good, nobody can deny you access. There will always be people who want to capitalize on your talent that will “help” you in.

[@invox9490]

What you talk about is true BUT it is very rare because those artist are up against people that put two platic tubes together, call it "art", and sell it for thousands because someone else (the "reputable insider") said it was so... many times right on their first work(s).

[@wahnano]

This is in every field in life. It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.

[@carlkligerman1981]

Insert cynical outsider trope here

[@coins8602]

not exactly that's one way and another is to make people know you.

[@Wakandafheva]

Not really, if your a fast swimmer you’re gonna get noticed lol. There’s not way to measure how good an artist is

[@Pedov]

If you do you will meet people who do

[@grafito4438]

That is how people relate to each other, that's why it's in other fields. They way we measure, is they way we relate to it.

[@blinkinglightbeacon7704]

I've known a few artists who became, not household names, but well known. The way they did it was by going to a fancy art school (where I also went) and becoming friends with the professors who connected them. They did this by being talented, smart, engaged, extremely hard-working (almost obsessive) and pretty much all of them were also kind people. I wish I were that kind of person but I'm not, therefore I languish in obscurity.

[@skygrey4867]

What is a fancy art school?

[@blinkinglightbeacon7704]

@@skygrey4867 Calarts, the MFA programs at Yale and Columbia in particular

[@skygrey4867]

@@blinkinglightbeacon7704 you mean fine art MFA?

[@abrahamhunterart2318]

Really good to know

[@j6backup626]

"kind" LOL. Most big artists are anything BUT kind. It takes tenacity, ego, self-obsession and delusion to make it big: Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Marina Abromovic, I could go on...

[@Amelia_PC]

As an artist with art as my day job, I strongly believe that having the financial means to sustain our creative pursuits is one of the most critical aspects for many of us. It allows us to avoid being stuck in jobs where we don't contribute anything meaningful and risk exhausting ourselves. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to fulfill essential needs such as life insurance, healthcare plans, retirement, and so on.

[@claybarrel]

Could not agree more. As a graphic designer who dreams of one day leaving that job, to a full time one of painting, it has been a rough road so far. It's a world of lots of compliments, but not a lot of cash.

[@Payote88]

It’s called fundraising, sponsorships, even bartering at times.

[@AC-wz9tx]

It could be argued that the art you produce could also not be meaningful. Other than to yourself of course.

[@Amelia_PC]

@@AC-wz9tx I'm a veteran in the industry, at least someone hires me so I can pay my bills, since it's my day job XD

[@morgankitsis1123]

True and not, i've got the chance to work my art daily and you' re creativity get stuck at some point because it's too much , i think you can do something incredible by practising 2hrs day as 8hrs and you probably know what im talking about sometimes inspiration are here somtimes no ...

[@trezenx]

I am an artist. Professional, if that makes sense. The most successful artists I know spend maybe 20% of their time and effort actually *doing art* and 80% promoting it and getting to know the right people. It's not a secret to anyone - you also need to be a charming extroverted sales agent to make money off your art. Some luck may help, but with the existence of social media platforms you can do it on your own, if you do that part good enough. The bottom line is this: no matter how good or shitty your work is, there will *always* be a client for it. Always. Your job is to find that person, and for that you need exposure or status.

[@ronaldolamont]

@Cerulean Galleries have never been the only gatekeepers, you have to include museums and other art institutions as part of the so called gatekeepers, he even mentions that in the video! And I would push back on your idea that galleries are no longer the gate keepers, they still are! It depends on where you want your career to go and what is important to you! If all you want to do is sell your wok, then you are correct, you don't need a gallery or any of the so called gatekeepers. But if you want your career to exceed further beyond just making a buck, then you most definitively still need those so called gatekeepers in your corner! To some artists, making money is all they want, for other artists, they want more than just money, they want recognition as well! Either way is ok, it's about preference! and what's important to each individual artist!

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@ronaldolamont True. The question that needs to be answered is what kind of artist you want to be and proceed from there.

[@ronaldolamont]

@@gardeniainbloom812 Agreed!

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

I couldn’t figure why I wasn’t getting anywhere with my art. I’ve been trying to do as much art as possible so I’m probably doing 80% art and 20% promotion. I’ve been going about it the wrong way. Thanks for this comment ❤

[@kayden-x369]

Not very appealing, but oddly encouraging somehow 🤔

[@bryantforrest2722]

Things are changing. I'm an artist/ collector and opened my own gallery. I take the profit and reinvest into upcoming/ small artists. Any one can do it and if more artists did, we wouldnt have to depend on becoming "famous". you can be an anonymous artist and be successful/ making a living.

[@guilhermedourart]

Hi! Out of curiosity, where can I find your gallery? Do you have a website that I can access? Thank you!

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

If you're a successful artist than you're not anonymous. There's a difference between autonomy and fame. Not every successful artist is famous. Not all famous artists are actually talented. Success is subjective. Fame is fleeting/fickle...

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Reflect upon the Past. Embrace your Present. Orchestrate our Futures." --Artemis 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope’s strength re-steeled. But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain, We must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@kea5763]

@bryantforrest2722 I have won peoples choice and 4th place a couple of different times in a prestigious East Coast/NYC abstract art show back in the late 60's. A couple of years ago, by chance, a famous artist saw the paintings and was impressed so much he started pressuring me to paint more and give it a shot but he died in a car accident last year so I'm looking around on my own for the learning process and your story intrigues me. 😅😊 Do you have a website that I can check out? ❤😊

[@henryigba5671]

Thanks for this great initiative of providing a ladder (platform) for the younger artists to grow their studio careers. I call on the famous ones to take a cue from this loadable contribution to the development of the Visual Art landscape.

[@valoriebroderick]

So pretty much network with the right people and be talented.

[@BifolikaDesigns]

except "talented" can be different things for everyone. Mark Rothko for example, he was famous, but I don't find his work very impressive

[@galamotshaku]

Basically it's being at the right place at the right time, having connections and gaining the favor of rich people that think that your work is worth to speculate on.

[@funnytv-1631]

In her poem, the Summer Day, Mary Oliver ends with these two lines: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? As your habits are fortified each day, dedicate a few moments to pondering her question. No rush to answer, just invite the question. Gently. This is one great tapestry you are weaving, one stitch at a time, but know it is a wondrous and beautiful thing you are creating. We want to learn what you plan to do with your one wild and precious life. Keep on your quest and the path will reveal itself.

[@bethalbertson7893]

This moved me. Thank you.

[@raw_dah]

I like this. I want to read more of such

[@calblue8694]

❤

[@hmmmnope2455]

​@@raw_dah Me too

[@abrahamhunterart2318]

You win for best comment! Exactly what artists need to hear. You’re the one who should be famous and successful

[@patodlmm]

There's one main valid success measure in art, and it's how the piece touched an individual audience member. The depth of a connection between maker and experiencer. All else is a means to that end.

[@VambraceMusic]

Which is subjective to every individual but the commonalities between art who connects and that which doesnt is a helpful guide to creating good work.

[@EGarrett01]

Today I learned that if an artist's work is in famous galleries, they will be famous.

[@PlutoTheGod]

To be a good artist, all you truly need is to be happy with what you’ve created. To be a famous artist, people just need to know who you are as one. There’s been many artists who never made a dime yet were very well known for what they do.

[@jamie.miller.inspiring]

Exactly, banksy is a prime example 🙏

[@anameyoucantremember]

@@jamie.miller.inspiringBanksy makes millions of dollars lmao

[@123a-o5d]

In a similar vein, if you love the process of making it then you win either way.

[@MichaelDooney]

Brilliant distillation of how the art world/market operates and how the old proverb - It's not what you know but who you know - is as relevant as ever.

[@d3r4g45]

If you think "talent" has do do with anything ask yourself where are the talented artists from Africa, from India, from the poor countries? Do you think less "talented" people are born there? How come all the talented people we hear about are from USA and Europe? Do you think there are no Van Goughs and Picassos from Africa? Of course there are, but it's never about "talent". "Art" is an emerging property of power/wealth nodes. Not surprisingly the big art comes from the power holders of each time. Roman art when the Roman Empire was strongest. Italian art from the Renissance when Italian mechant-city states were very rich. English art from the English Empire. US art, only recently, when US took the throne for wealth and power. Now Chinese artists start to emerge as China is getting more powerful.

[@hansika7656]

wow, i have never thought about it like that but this makes a lot of sense to be honest. i am quite offended but i do get what you mean to say ... well thank u for making this point. take care.

[@АлександрАлександрович-т8ж6й]

What do you expect from africans who can't even write their names in most cases to do an art? It has nothing to do with "power", its about culture, education, creative environment etc

[@АлександрАлександрович-т8ж6й]

And, by the way, unlikely africans need or even appreciate art in any form. Its beyond they level of intellectual and mental development

[@Cyanideone]

Good perspective, but still rather limited. I tend to think the churners promoted by these 'institutions' have little to do with art or talent.

[@vinayseth5899]

Contemporary art has always been about the avant garde, just like notable science or technology etc. So nothing notable about your observation.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

He's basically just confirmed that connections are what make a "great" artist. And from the shit art I've seen over the decades, he hasn't told us anything that we didn't already know.

[@IMeMineWho]

Connections make every kind of job there is with the possible exception of surgeon and dentist. There seem to be a lot of comments from ppl who never took art history and believe everything they read on the internet..and whose own creative endeavors were never nurtured. And a cynical host of this video who equates fame with talent.

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

his study is mostly based on "connection" not just on artist. but on general.

[@BSPoK]

Did you miss the part where he talked about talent was what might get you into the network of the few that can propel your career? 🤔

[@rohitmadashri7250]

Nope. Without talent connections mean nothing. My neighbour is a super smooth wheeler dealer who also dabbles in art. Doesn't mean anything. Good for party talk, thats it.

[@JohnVKaravitis]

@Rohit Madashri You've never seen what passes for modern "art".

[@RichardAmesMusic]

The advice I always give in the music world is that success is based on some combination of networking, quantity and luck. I've not seen a measure of "quality" or "talent" that can predict success.

[@Ponchiboy444]

Quality and talent are crucial to predict success. If u don't at least put it as another factor you just refuse to see statistical facts. You mention luck and not talent? That's way less tangible.

[@mtnvalley9298]

The quantifiable value of art through an algorithm is a brutal truth apparently. Still, I'll stick with the obviously undeniable feeling it gives me in my passion driven creative soul, and I'm as true and valued artist as has ever walked this planet.

[@nashonholloway]

❤❤❤❤ thank you for this.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

Just keep convincing yourself

[@mtnvalley9298]

@@karlabritfeld7104 and you must have written the algorithm

[@claybarrel]

Yep. Same. The social media game has been a rough ride for sure.

[@danieljeftic6181]

What you are really saying is that it is not actually about artistic value and artistic brilliance, but about the the people who control art. The people who are in the centre decide what is talent and what is not talent, and what is brilliance and what is not brilliance. Sadly we as a broader society are missing on some amazing art, because the the artists are not connected, or do not know someone...You mentioned 250 artists who were lucky to break through in an unconventional way. How many thousands of artists just as talented or even more talented, were not lucky to brake through.

[@kellywhite3741]

Lol, you know, I'm form Russia and we have there a really strong academical art basis. _Many_ people over here are not just talented, they are gifted by GOD, I don't know what else can that be X). The thing is that though they have talent+education most of them can make little to no profit from their artworks. No one knows about them, unless you are really into searching for people like this. That is really sad, I'd say.

[@jeremyboon]

I'm sensing a major parallel between art and media. Fake news and fake art. But the real reporters and real artists play their own game. The DaVinci of our time that is remembered in hundreds of years is probably not at MOMA right now.

[@SearchOfSelf]

Art's success is a multidimensional puzzle, involving talent, networks, and institutional recognition. It's fascinating how these interconnected factors shape an artist's trajectory and reveal the complex nature of artistic value 🌟

[@rickh3714]

Tell that to Vincent. Network- his brother Theo VG. Clientele - Theo, his Dr and the local Postman & his wife.

[@23rahulgarg10]

@@rickh3714 What? Vincent van Gogh is a great artist, but you cannot deny that he had a large network to rely on. His Father and Brother were both art dealers who worked in auction houses. A lot of his pieces were shown to the world but nobody was willing to pay for it. Theo bought a majority of his paintings. Before he passed away some of his work was seen by the President of France in an exhibition. Not only that, but Vincent tried to be an art dealer in London as well. Vincent might be the best painter in the world but that doesn't mean you can deny the fact that he was connected to the art world.

[@kea5763]

@PSYonion I think you're spot on!

[@milkbunnies]

@@kea5763you forgot to mention “luck”, and don’t say it doesn’t plat a central role cause it does.

[@UNOwen-pe1bj]

My dad is a relatively famous digital illustrator. He works with video game, movie, and other entertainment companies mostly to create concept art and occasionally promotional art. He has enough work and enough recognition in the digital illustration world that he is able to support our family completely and also live in a very expensive US state, so I guess you could say he's successful.. He was not born with some innate talent for art, instead he just worked at it for decades and decades, his whole life practically. He works late into the night and has ever since I was a child. He also says that drawing is very important in being able to paint. I don't really know how he marketed himself starting out, but he has a great agent who goes out to wrestle and negotiate with the big companies for him. Any time beginning illustrators ask him what his 'secret' is to painting well, he just has to tell them that painting more is the only way to get better..

[@fernandososa6507]

Out of curiosity, what did he do before living off his art?

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

Yes! The myth of talent has already been disproven by actual scientific research. The most famous being of course, Anders Ericsson's research. It is about hard work and practice. Only about less than a tiny percentage of people actually have an inability to improve to that level.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

That’s not really art per say. Art is when you work on your own inner motive, not for a client.

[@noracosa]

​@@Maxime-ho9iv Wenn das so wäre wie,Siexes behaupten, dann müsste man alle Museen der Welt räumen. Sie sollten dringent ein bisschen Kunstgschichte, studieren.

[@norajancso2592]

I find it so astonishing that I want to the same school in a little romanian city as this man and he managed to get successful. Such an inspiration

[@brandsarealive]

Every artist should learn how to make money directly from art "consumers" while staying true to their vision. Don't listen to anyone who tells you that promoting yourself is more important than expressing yourself. You're just not in the right environment. Also, the middleman is bad news for everyone, except the middleman itself.

[@brettblaster]

so every gallery is bad news for artists...hmm, maybe think deeper

[@hwway4488]

Another field in which merit is assigned by the establishment placed and everyone else just nods along. Note how talent is really only discussed in the last fifth of the clip, which leaves the impression that even the most exceptional work is not particularly noteworthy in an uncountable cumulation of equally brilliant derivatives.

[@IMeMineWho]

👆Word salad written by someone who was told that their own creative endeavors were not all that by teachers who were underpaid and indifferent. Artists generally do not care about critics; we just want our work appreciated and it doesn' t matter if it is by 20 or 200000. Oh and to make enough sales to live. The vast majority of artists just want the same ability to make a good living as a realtor. Lord knows we contribute more to the world's beauty.

[@Sid-69]

I agree wholeheartedly. Although the video discussed visual art, I believe music, entertainment, and many industries unrelated to art function in the same way.

[@JohnSmith-nz2yq]

@@IMeMineWho "do not care about critics; we just want our work appreciated". So you really don't care about critics? Really? Is it up to you to decide if someone else in a world of billions of people appreciates your work? What if not a single person does. Then what? How much is "enough sales to live by?" Wanna get into economics, philosophy, ethics, now? "The vast majority of artists..." Oh really? You have data on this? And what about those who are outside of your self-defined "majority?" Do they not have a right to continue as artists then? I guess you would be the fella telling them that their their own creative endeavors were not all that by teachers who were underpaid and indifferent. After a while, I realised that artists are really full of crap. Not just the gatekeepers you are denigrating. The rich patrons who buy crap are horrible. And the artists themselves who expect society to feed them.

[@michaelalmasian4710]

@@IMeMineWho AMEN to the AMEN. 🎯 💰 🏆

[@michaelalmasian4710]

@@JohnSmith-nz2yq Then what? Then you are you. The honest you instead of the ambitious unoriginal cowardly you. Kinda like Van Gogh. Right?

[@jeremiahnoar7504]

It's worth considering that out of all artists only 5% have reached world recognition. And out of that 5% only 5% of their work is known. This is true for authors, composers and other forms of artists to. What's interesting is its true for composers even in the days of music streaming where theoretically the populum decides what's good and what's not.

[@LordMountbutter]

Because actually it's consumer's work to discover artists. And consumers are lazy asf. I know thousands of small artists, and there are many people like me, that create income for these small artists. And average consumer just takes what he's given. Meh

[@ewamenamiesz]

*0,5%

[@casperfrancoispretorius2978]

So you figure 1 out of every 20 artists have achieved world recognition? 😂

[@jeremiahnoar7504]

@@casperfrancoispretorius2978 yes, that's about right

[@lynnkitty59]

Inside my creativity & when it designs out, I have my art.

[@GinaHara]

I’m really surprised this study didn’t look at class, race, and finances. I went to art school in three different countries and my overall experience is that The first few institutions that wok with you is not determined by talent, but who your parents know. Also, whether you can afford to spend your whole day working on your craft and career, versus work a 9-5 to pay your rent, then do your art as a second job. Most of us have to do it this way. And compered to us, people backed by parents money (and network) move up the network at light speed.

[@Superbustr]

1. Success in art is simple. Success comes from making enough money from your art to fund making more art. 2. For someone to want to buy your art they must like it enough to want to put it up on their wall at home. Essentially your art is just something to decorate someones home. 3. For someone to know that your art exists you must display it somewhere, where people will find it. While also presenting a visual piece that is marketed towards the right audience and connects with the audience. 4. Art institutes like to promote art that is of poor technical skill or in poor taste because the shock factor makes an artwork different and thus more sellable. Being different is everything as almost everything has been done and people like to buy what is thought of as new or innovative; people like to be part of new trends as it boosts their social status... even if it comes with the high price and or ridiculousness of buying a sculpture of a porta-potty.

[@AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc]

Concur.

[@aberwood]

Biggest lie in art is that you need institutions to be successful. You can make a great living without having to grovel to people wearing pearls or colorful glasses. However, it requires a dedication to learning marketing and PR that most people are not willing to commit.

[@gilejoksimovic3168]

5:56 Two great questions that make a clear cut between art and kitsch.

[@jimk3487]

An artist's work speaks for itself. I have seen a completely unknown and undiscovered artist not connected to any institution managed to get into the frontline very quickly by chance discovery from some gallery guy with keen eyes. The artist works is unique, talented and skillful. Unlike those common artworks that are more likely identical to anyone else, often try to enter the top, but get stuck along the way, because it's doesn't stand out from the rest but merged with it.

[@jamie.miller.inspiring]

Precisely, I was having a conversation with a friend months ago and I had absolutely no idea that they had indirect connections in the well known art community and much to my surprise my artwork crossed their eyes and I was shocked at their positive response 🙏 I create purely for the love of it because it lights me up like nothing else, a gallery has no impact on my level of success because that comes from within 💖🙏

[@emanuelherreraalvarez1312]

I'd say this apply to any career path in the world.

[@IMeMineWho]

Thank you!

[@disarchitected]

I’d say only those driven by ideology. Technology isn’t for example. The people, companies and technologies at the top are replaced by the next big idea.

[@kattimate]

My ex-step dad is a very talented artist whether it be painting, crayons, charcoal, pencils, marker; However, nothing he did was enough. He ended up going through university who only to be looked down on his talent because they were narrow minded. It's sad to see so many years of talent so easily discarded because people are more into abstract and regurgitated milk splashes. (If you don't understand the last one, someone sold canvas "art pieces" from regurgitating milkshakes onto it.) My ex-step dad is now just teaching (one on one), however, those kids-adults he's teaching have one hell of a good artist teaching them.

[@gendalfgray7889]

Schools will not learn to be unique. If he had unique style he could try to sell his stuff over internet.

[@redguy2076]

Sorry, but a lot of successful people and artists start out being looked down on or being called delusional. Rich kids included. The emotions probably got to your ex-step dad and he decided to step away. People always forget that Monet and the Impressionists were frowned upon by the French Academy when they started. They were criticized for making "unfinished" paintings. We're usually being told a sanitized story to save the academic institutions from the shame of being wrong about them.

[@kinematics4999]

"Not everyone is an artist but everyone is a fkn critic" - Marcel Duchamp

[@saaramohamed8921]

So real omg

[@ericswain4177]

As an ART collector with over 300 works, the only thing that matters to me is Talent and the ability to Communicate effectively and in a way that moves me. The rest is just smoke and mirrors and illusions. Making it to financial success and in top galleries has little to do with being a talented or a great artist these days. Branding yourself or being branded by the art world is what it's all about these days.

[@gelidsoul]

Branded. Mark of the beast

[@andre.as.kyriakou]

Not that I disagree with your position, I would ask: how do you even find out about the works you collect? With a planet of 8 billion, the chances of any one artist's work coming to your attention are infinitesimal, therefore supporting the argument in this video. As an example, there are roughly 100,000 new songs added to Spotify and other streaming services per day, so 3 million per month. At this point, it truly doesn't matter how good you are if you can't get through the noise, typically with the help of established people with connections. I agree that talent SHOULD be the deciding factor, but it's just not that simple.

[@ericswain4177]

@@andre.as.kyriakou Over the 20+ years of collecting art and researching I have got to where for me the only thing that matters to me is Talent and the ability to Communicate effectively and in a way that moves me. As a wise man said once "It is only as complicated as one makes it" After many years of navigating the complex world of Art I determined for myself the way I wanted to collect and interact in the art world and broke it down to the simple factors above. Everyone should find their own way because everyone is uniquely different just like Artists Collecting is an art form unto itself.

[@hwanglee3330]

Do you have Instagram? I want to know your collection bro.

[@krunkytv4353]

Oh yeah? Add my work to your collection ; )

[@tan-xyz]

True talent will always find its way..

[@BSPoK]

This is a profound lesson for anyone aspiring to gain social success in any field!!🎉

[@motherisape]

Why you need social validation

[@adisaikkonen]

@@motherisape Bruh we need to eat

[@figgettit]

its not a lesson, its self-evident to everyone involved, and conveys no information that will guide anyone to do anything at all.

[@anameyoucantremember]

@@adisaikkonenDo you eat people? You can get money without social validation

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

I think one of the main factor is their power to connect or relate to people. Aside from captivating their eyes with their masterpiece, they are able to touch their hearts as well. 😌💯

[@lordbunbury]

It starts with talent and an environment where you can develop your skill and realize your potential. If you’re good enough people will try an capitalize on you and thus let you ‘in’. There are probably people with the skill level of Michael Jordan, who never reached their potential because they never played ball, but nobody would deny Jordan acces to the NBA. If your work is exceptional, you will be recognized.

[@karlabritfeld7104]

You don't need any taken to be famous. Look at some of the relatives of famous actors. The kids are dreadful actors.

[@YogaBlissDance]

You are briliant! I'm an artist and bit past midway in video- yes if one wants' a career in "high art" there are unspoken rules and a path that is "respectable" but the competition is fierce along that path. And it usually takes time but now folks are grabbing "hot" artists out of grad school....And TOTALLY the Insta famous and even selling your work will usually NOT, repeat not lead to the gallery/museum route...it doesn't so a artist literally has to decide...and it's a tough call. To artists reading this- if you want to make money, be in control and your art is "likeable" to the general public then go the Instagram, self-promotions, popular gallery route...you can make money. BUT IF YOU want a chance at a like respected career and mention in the art canon even if regionally then you've gotta do: art residencies, show your work as much as possible and don't cheapen your work in any way...

[@official_mawdur]

As a creative, this blew my mind on a much deeper level and makes a lot of sense… not necessarily the networking piece, but the fact that as creatives, our talent is just the tool we were graced with to create connections between other humans… and the network increased by how well we’re able to connect people together through our art…

[@sha1658]

Calling artists 'creatives' is insulting. The word was invented by 'executives' a few years ago to separate artists (or writers) from the bean counters, the producers, and others in production. I despise the word. It makes artists in the business a commodity and is condescending. It is a recent development. No one said that word ten years ago. I first heard it in the early 2000s. I hate it.

[@official_mawdur]

@@sha1658 you sound like an hurt. It’s the same thing and you’re reaching way too deep to create an argument because you’re triggered by a word you perceive to be belittling because that’s how you view yourself. I and others are empowered… go project somewhere else. Please and thank you.

[@sha1658]

I apologize. Just explaining the word from my many years of experience in the field, and the fact that it is a recent phenomenon. The word is comical (to me only) and lumps all writers, and artists, entertainers under one umbrella. Executives/gallery owners, etc., do not use that word as a compliment. It's is a convenient buzzword bantered about amongst themselves. Like 'brand' -- "we must be true to our brand'. Artists would have never invented that word to define themselves. i.e. 'I'm a creative.' No worries, didn't mean to offend, just giving the genesis of the word as i see it. @@official_mawdur

[@ZaneYeet]

Two types of talents are needed the talent of making art itself and the talent of showcasing it.

[@marinellaartist]

Well, well, the right connections and the right place. I started since I was a child. I couldn't go to art school because I'm dyslexic (bad teacher so bad at school) and also my parents did not approved. Since 2014 I'm working every day, all kind of art depends what period. My art for me is everything and my biggest success is happiness. Art is my therapy that no one can take me that away. "Embracing forgotten values"

[@nervosa68]

Interesting and the "network with as many as you can" has always been true. I know this especially well because while I may be a decent progeammer i struggle with social skills and have often been asked to "clean up thr mess" or just assist others but I can't get promoted and get pass over on interviews. Society does not necessarily value work first but how good you are at "water cooler" talk. I'd wager that there is a vast amount of great people in all professions that are overlooked because of communication and socisl skills. Don't ask me about the fantastic goal whoever made last night, I was dabbling in Linux in my spare time last night. I would find the work it took to map relations the way his team did rather than sit in front of a camera and explain it. Maybe society is just a little skewed by the way it determines what "has value".

[@sp123]

Yes success is more politics than raw ability

[@SchoolOfUnlearning3]

It’s people want someone who can understand them, value them, who can they can rely on tough times !!!

[@AlbertBalbastreMorte]

I think he's even being optimistic at the end. The first five venues you work with are not necessarily an indication of your talent. It can be about connections from the very start.

[@IMeMineWho]

What the host fails to realize is most jobs now have to do with connections.

[@AlbertBalbastreMorte]

@@IMeMineWho parents with money and connections are best way.

[@d3r4g45]

It's never about "talent". Even strictly considering the "talent" is not what you think talent is. Talent is more like capturing the cultural spirit of the time. Talent is understanding what all the gatekeepers of the moment expect to see as an artwork, and providing that. Talent is knowing your customer, and knowing the gatekeepers that are.

[@gardeniainbloom812]

@@d3r4g45 Agree because let's face it with enough motivation and application most people can become competent draftsmen but capturing the zeitgeist in a new and interesting way is the real challenge. Thankfully there are art markets and therefore people who simply want pretty pictures to fill a wall.

[@lordbunbury]

@@d3r4g45 Jordan or Kobe are miles above everyone else in the nba. So are Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and a couple 100 artists each century, above everyone in the art world. If you’re good enough nobody will deny you access. There are too many snakes trying to capitalize on that special talent. Acting like it only takes connections is nonsense, since very few made lasting impressions on just mere connections in both art and the NBA.

[@lars7282]

It’s simply like social media creators: Galleries and the art scene/fandom ALWAYS need new content. And u as an artist/creator need to be at the right place at the right time

[@emekaoputa4963]

So basically : who you know determines what you know!

[@NathanHarrison7]

The most scientific analysis on art ever seen. Thank you.

[@margomoore2538]

Sure, connections matter and all that, but one nugget from him is that ARE YOU IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN... then IG numbers and exposure won't matter too much. Just make GREAT art. Make a great body of work over long time and then show it.

[@Sid-69]

I think you got the wrong impression. The host said he found 200 people who successfully made it in the art industry despite having no connections. What you're missing is these people are the _few_ who made it. There are thousands more individuals who did the same exact things and never succeeded... The IG exposure matters a whole lot.

[@IMeMineWho]

@@Sid-69 The author of this hardly represents the billions of people on this earth over time immemorial. He represents one channel that instead of Big Think could have been called One Guy's Opinion or One Sided Thoughts and then viewers would not give this one dude's hypotheses much credit at all.

[@rohitmadashri7250]

​@@IMeMineWho He is a network research scientist and has studied the data available about artists from books, catalogues exhibitions etc over a long period of time. So try to educate yourself before criticizing.

[@bluebrightstar1117]

" show it" um where & how exactly?!

[@golshaddarroudi5099]

Thanks!

[@bigthink]

Thank you so much!

[@steveogle3679]

Integrity. Its all you have in life.

[@AL_THOMAS_777]

AND authenticity too !

[@krunoslavregvar477]

I suppose it is accurate. But, at the same time, it is totally insane!

[@MichaelFlynn0]

right on...... accurate. and totally insane!

[@noras.9774]

Even today I suffer for Van Gogh! He sold one painting in his life time, from 900 that created!

[@doloresmitchell2087]

If he had lived longer a more positive outcome might have been possible since he was just starting to be recognized in Europe

[@noras.9774]

@@doloresmitchell2087 He was appreciated after his death when his sister in law, first she published the letters between him and his brother. After that, people were interested, immediatly!

[@CHANDRIKABISHNOI]

Hey , i am from India 🇮🇳 Your are uploading very good content.. It was very knowledgeable.. Thank you for uploading it ...

[@mAthXjAzz]

All about unique visual characteristic and been seen

[@PositiveLee-eo9rt]

I smiled at the slightly shy humiliated remembrance of frustrated over reactions that bursts out of my egotistical limitations as I once again soak in the Brilliance from esteemed persons as yourself, while I sigh in relief that trusting, those who have vision far more superior to me also implement and share their knowledge in a timely manner to those who reach a place of balanced capabilities in order to progress in a more refined manner of expanding beyond their own capacity to envision at a larger scale. I salute you for patiently and brilliantly weaving, or orchestrating in so many different methods an inspired path of possibilities. You and those who you choose to interact with are indeed fortunate, as that in itself is wealth. Thank you for this Beautifully inspiring message. 💋

[@kleckerklotz9620]

Mr. Barabási is talking about capitalism and not about art. A true artist doesn't care about the audience nor about success. He is the first and only audience of his own art. If you want to have an example of what Mr. Barabási is talking about, watch "Exit Through the Gift Shop".

[@mr.flipbook4921]

Ur wrong

[@lars7282]

A true artist is not a dreamer. It’s someone who knows that art is his job and he also has to pay some bills.

[@Kingfarter]

what does exit through the gift shop have to do with anything you said? also you are wrong

[@photonicenrico]

Anyone who checks the plants on background understand , can understand how useful this video!

[@garisinau]

And the fact is the people who struggle in society like Vincent Van Gogh would never be known if there's no Theo and Johanna help him to be noticed.

[@peterv7258]

The main reason to be discovered, or get recognition, or however you want to say it, is so that the work itself can be monetized, so that the work is the work that that artist is able to do, because fitting art in between something else you do for a living will always make the quality and quantity of the artwork suffer. One has limited time and resources, and the art calls, endlessly, in the imagination, to be, and to get made.

[@bemtheman1100]

Lmao as a scientist this is 100% true in science as well. Where you went to university and who you worked with in those universities will be a massive driver in your ability to succeed as a scientist

[@zuowang5481]

As a machine learning engineer, I found this quite short sighted. It’s like saying your first 5 jobs on LinkedIn determine how good an engineer you will be.

[@donerecooper]

As an artist it is not our job to be discovered, only job we have is to create whatever it is that we desire.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Reflect upon the Past. Embrace your Present. Orchestrate our Futures." --Artemis 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind’s journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul’s fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope’s strength re-steeled. But to earn final peace at the universe’s endless refrain, We must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@gabriele5785]

Albert-László Barabási is my hero. I wrote my thesis based on his works

[@figgettit]

you wasted your time.

[@trippy6183]

Define “success.” Define “talent.” Define “value.”

[@d3r4g45]

“success” = being in the top highest earners “value” = how much money people are willing to spend "talent" = measure of the “success”+“value” you manage to produce

[@AnantMall]

@@d3r4g45 nicely put!

[@BSPoK]

If even time was found to be relative in Einstein theory of special relativity, I don’t see why things much less complicated like success, value and talent won’t be lol

[@soylentlolmilk]

@@d3r4g45 I'd argue talent is very subjective. You can be a total hack and still earn a ton of money. Maybe you're a talented carnival barker who can sell anything. Know what i mean?

[@leststoner]

Me

[@denizkaptan5482]

the most well-spent 6 minutes of my life. great video!

[@niccilefevre]

When I went to art school we were told only 1% of people who pursue art actually end up earning a living through art. Very disheartening.

[@sheikhlitu5315]

As an artist myself, let me breakdown what this guy just explained, "Pay more attention/respect/rewards to local non-famous artists."

[@donerecooper]

Basically it's harder being discovered as artist. You have to be of certain stature and have the right accolades to be recognized as valuable.

[@DougHolt-h5r]

The quantifiable value of art through an algorithm is a brutal truth apparently. Still, I'll stick with the obviously undeniable feeling it gives me in my passion driven creative soul, and I'm as true and valued artist as has ever walked this planet.

[@crawkn]

Because art competes largely on subjective values, there will always be an element of randomness in the "natural selection" process. Obviously self-promotion is a very significant factor, which involves further subjective values in social interactions, personality traits and relationship compatibility are primary contributors as well. But all else being equal, quality and quantity both matter. Few succeed without some degree of persistence and lucky breaks, even within the most promising pathways.

[@CoreyChambersLA]

The chronometer of artist is the dollar amount that buyers pay for the art, along with the fame of the artist.

[@quartytypo]

It's like going to trial. You hire the best lawyer. So, artists have to get the best art dealer. Pay them to represent your art.

[@theceralbox]

Talent ive literally seen 3 lines make 1000000😅 what talent is that

[@MariaMilenovasArt]

Exposure is a big one. Van Gogh wouldn't have been discovered or become so famous, had it not been for Jo van Gogh-Bonger, his brother's wife, who decided to start exhibiting his artwork, publishing his letters, and pursuing to make Van Gogh known to the world after his death.

[@KeithGreenan-d9e]

A prominent art critic to promote your work is what you need.

[@erik_carter_art]

Is there a way to access that node network that he talks about in the video? It would be cool if it were a kind of online tool so you could plug in information and see where it leads.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Me, at 32, with zero exhibits..OOOOOO yeah baby! I'm going to the TOP.

[@jareduxr]

Kind of makes sense. Artistic economic success depends on experience and exposure in both art and networking. Being prolific in both creating and presenting increases skills and probability. Increasing opportunities and being prepared for them is how it works for everything. Of course, this is just economic/social success.

[@figgettit]

being prolific has nothing to do with it.

[@meganbright94]

wow, the last sentiment, so beautifully spoken

[@dreadwinter]

This is basically just sucking off the out-dated galleries, the gatekeepers, where random rich, old people just decide who is a good artist and who isnt, while dismissing social media as a valid measure of success. I believe the appropriate response to this is "Ok, boomer".

[@d3r4g45]

"while dismissing social media as a valid measure of success" Well no. Say a painter has a huge social media success. That would translate to sales and fame. That inevitably will attract the attention of the "old" art system. Gallerists and collectionaires will hear about him. And like to put him on shows and so on.

[@lartistecrypto]

Yes, I hope that with Web3, this old-fashioned way of thinking will be left far behind us. Artists should be able to live through the support of their audience. Perhaps the main goal of an artist is not to become famous or to be exhibited in the MoMA, but simply to create art and find their audience.

[@dreadwinter]

@@lartistecrypto Web3 is not a thing and no one likes crypto bros.

[@lartistecrypto]

@@dreadwinter Hey Donnie, I understand that you have your own perspective on Web3 and 'crypto bros'. That's what makes discussions interesting, right? As for me, I see Web3 as a technological evolution that provides new opportunities for artists. Regarding the 'crypto bros' label, I believe it's important not to generalize. There are passionate and respectful people in every field, including crypto. All the best to you!

[@dreadwinter]

@@lartistecrypto That technological evolution provided new opportunities for NFT rugpulls and crypto ponzi schemes like FTX.

[@ezbless100]

The good news is that now with social media you can circumvent the gatekeepers.

[@pixywings]

I make art because it makes me happy. If other people see it and it makes them happy, then that is wonderful! But I didn't make it for them. Also...I'm way too introverted and terrible at networking to ever be successful in the art industry.😭

[@cthymnn2010]

I hear you completely

[@kurtlindner]

Key statement, "...that resonates with the time." Additionally, sadly, most sadly maybe, if you're too ahead of your time, you lose.

[@thisaintart]

Desire is what creates value. These gatekeepers are just dealers of high value to a list of people with high desire. You’re just renting their marketplace and list. Marketing 101.

[@leststoner]

More

[@kaushitakbhattacharjee]

Great content! Loved it!😊

[@craven5328]

There is a great set of Freakonimics episodes on the modern art market. Some of the stories told in those episodes resonated with my own experience working in a high-end gallery for a short period of time: The art market has a pretty severe power imbalance problem: Lots of wealthy, powerful people taking advantage of, and sometimes exploiting desperate, poor artists. It's also murky as he'll in other ways: "The art market is so opaque and illiquid that it barely functions like a market at all. A handful of big names get all the headlines (and most of the dollars). Beneath the surface is a tangled web of dealers, curators, auction houses, speculators - and, of course, artists."

[@markv7458]

This video explains a lot about the art market, but it leaves the question of just how to get those first connections and shows to establish your work. The mistake I made early on was to create beautiful art and expect that galleries would just see the beauty in it because they know good art. People need the words that unlock their minds to see what you see. Otherwise, it's just another painting or sculpture. I would say the skill of creative writing, along with a clear vision of who you are, is as important as the creation of the art itself

[@paulpease8254]

Would love to see this analysis done for academics as well. I think it’s another area where networks of people and institutions plays a huge role in success.

[@delancyj67]

There is. Cal Newport explains it in one of his books, either 'Deep Work' or 'So Good They Can't Ignore You'.

[@BicycleFunk]

It is well known that connections are the key to success. Other factors are important, but that is critical.

[@figgettit]

oh you think. i love it when people make outrageously obvious observations and attribute these to themselves.

[@hana_arte]

Thanks for this great video ❤

[@realnaveen]

Very interesting and agreeable! Nature is amazing artwork by amazing artist! 💜

[@figgettit]

that's not what agreeable means.

[@ivonmorales2654]

This applies to any product that can be traded. And in art, from a song to a performance. The novelty here is that from the first 5 connections in the graph, you can predict what will happen in 20 years... But we end up with the same thing. You need to promote yourself, and advertising has a cost in money. Therefore, you need money. Who has not seen "Trash Art" and oversized artists, just for marketing...

[@randre83]

Great video! Where could we find the interactive map of the art institutions?

[@normapadro420]

Hello. I like your video. For many years I admire other artists. I always point away from myself even though I'm a creative person. It's time that I keep promoting myself as an artist. Enjoy your day. Very nice video.😊

[@TheNightshadePrince]

Most famous artist aren’t well loved until they are old or dead. :)

[@mistersample]

I appreciate this video. It defines a clear trajectory for artist in a easy to digest explanation. Good work @AlbertLaszloBarabsi

[@kshould]

There may be some hindsight bias built into this equation. Specifically, it's predicting success over the past 20 years, but who is to say those same institutions will be influential over the next 20?

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

probably you can predict the longevity of an institution by the number of their "connection" rise and fall

[@kshould]

@@bluedragontoybash2463 That would be a lagging indicator though, as it shows what has happened, as opposed to what may happen in the future. It might be the best way to forecast though, as institutions with rising connections are becoming more influential, but it's no guarantee they will continue in this path going forward.

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

@@kshould what do you propose ?

[@kshould]

@@bluedragontoybash2463 Only that they acknowledge that these predictions are accurate because they are using data that was not available at the time of making a prediction. As stated in the video “it allowed us to predict artistic success. That is, if you give me an artist and their first five exhibits, I put them on the map, and we could fast forward their career, where they gonna be in 10, 20 years from now… and the prediction were incredibly accurate.” I suspect if you were to run this prediction for an artist today and check back in 20 years, you’d find it’s much less accurate as the institutions of influence will change over time. In short, it is "incredibly accurate" at explaining past artist success, but far less accurate at predicting future artist success.

[@bluedragontoybash2463]

@@kshould FYI : The prediction algorithm wasn't actually designed for artist at first. It was the research on network effect, then the prediction algorithm created, then the use of its algo on artist. You should read the book first I guess.

[@oscarmora4919]

I love this video, and from time to time, I revisit it