The Artist's Uniform (2024)

You said it all and I, for one, completely agree with you Keith.

I so agree with Keith! There is a time for work cloths, and a time to show respect for your work and others, show it by dressing for the occasion. Besides, a show is a party for you art, have fun and wear something festive!!

I agree with dressing for the part - after all we are professionals and should be proud to be showing our work.

Originally I made my living as a fashion designer so I have always been a clothes horse but have had trouble making a good painting outfit. I like having pockets so I have tried hiking pants but recently switched to a fishing vest. I will always take a nice outfit for the reception but sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate. Especially when the event is outdoors, as many plein air receptions are. Sometimes too cold or rainy for that nice dress. I have found it saver to always have a nice pair of slacks and sweater.

Uniform is a loaded word that conjurs many negative thoughts for artsy types. However, an art opening is a business event and one should dress accordingly. The artwork is the main attraction, and why would an artist want to detract from the work? Most artists would not display poor taste with their work (sadly, some exempt themselves). Why should they do so with their dress? Dressing well doesn't mean being drab.

Robert Burridge described his wardrobe as clothes covered in paint and clothes about to be covered in paint. This is a real hazard for me.For outdoor shows I wear my dress up sunday go to meeting jeans and a nice western shirt or tshirt with my art on it. For Galleries I get more fashion-y but no more power suits for sure. I'd of burned them but I am sure they did more good at Goodwill.

Yeh, I remember being told in university that I did not look like an artist. LOL

I totally agree with you, Keith. Many people commenting make good points as well. If we want to be seen as professionals and taken seriously, I think it behooves us to act that way, which includes a little dress up for our art receptions, whether it's for our own show or someone. This dressing up allows for a lot of leeway and isn't too rigid.

Maybe it's my science training, but I decided to test Lori's advice about wearing a dress to your own opening reception, and while the sample size was inadequate, and there was surely sampling bias involved, I have to say that I did sell 4 pieces that night. Who can say if there's anything really to it, but it's a bit of harmless mental magic that might help and certainly can't hurt. Thanks, Lori!

Hi All, I totally agree with all of you. It's good to dress up for our receptions and for other people's. One thing I had trouble with in high school and college. I didn't "look" like an artist because my clothes were too ordinary. When I started to dress a little more avant garde, people started to believe me! I want to dress up more when I teach workshops, but I don't want all of my clothes to have paint all over them! ...and I think you are right...no one wants to buy from a starving artist and I don't want to be one either!! How about when we are just about town?? should we "hide" the fact that we are in working mode??

This is a great arena for sharing such stuff!

Nice subject Keith! It seems like, of all people, artists would realize that fashion is art...I love any excuse to dress up...I relate to Joeline's comment about our shows being a party, yes...a celebration!...and Donald's right, dressing well isn;t necessarily drab! We don't want to take away from our art...but the most interesting people take what the designers give them and make it their own...I try to "do unto others".., would I want an instuctor teaching me art looking lazy/not creative? and would I want to buy from such an image? Image is something, but maybe not everything!

Hey thanks! I didn't know what my problem was. I thought I was just a slob. Now I know I am really an artist. :) When I am in 'mode' I have to make myself think about my dress style. I have a need to be comfortable and just be myself, which does not often include dressing up. I guess I should work on that.

Good points... but no matter what we end up wearing on the outside in a way we're playing a part. Perception is often at least as important as reality.

Because I have to wear such terrible clothes while painting, I find it a bit of a thrill to have a reason to dress up! Likewise, I dress up a bit for teaching my private drawing lessons because: 1. I want my students to view me as a serious professional (they are paying me!) and 2. I want my students to respond to me by being serious in their attention and attendance (again, they are paying me!)

That's a good point!

Everything is so casual these days especially in the southwest so it is fun to dress up on occasion. I agree with the shoe problem though.Joanne. Maybe I should try Jack's idea with the boots they are really comfortable but I don't think it would work. Good topic and I certainly don't want to be dressed like a starving artist/bum. And it does give you some extra confidence when you are on your selling stage to wear your performance attire.

Valid points Keith, yet I also think it is best to be authentic to who you are and to feel good in whatever you wear when out in public.

Carol, too true! I would look dreadful in one of Mikki's white silk suits but always feel good in a long floral skirt. And if I iron one of my husband's polo shirts, that is a formal occasion for him! Where we live, good Wranglers with boots and a jacket but no tie is Fancy Stuff for men.

Painting in the studio, I wear old t-shirts and jeans. I have white men's dress shirts from the Goodwill to wear as a cover-up for demos and an apron (with watercolor society logo) for teaching. For openings, it's fun to bring out something dressy and a bit exotic - but not weird - that can be off-putting to some. A really unusual, eye-catching necklace is essential - it helps people figure out which one is the artist. While out and about, I try to wear something a bit different but nice. People have said, "I thought you might be an artist." and they remember that.

Thanks, Joanne! I kept a little stool hidden behind a display panel that I sat on in between bouts of visitors, and that helped with the feet. If you have a place to hide it, it does come in handy.

Jack - thank you for the encouragement on the boots.
you're the best

Thanks for a great article, Keith. I was interested to see a fellow in overalls with many paint smears on them and a shirt that was also paint smeared at a show I participated in last year. My first impression of him was that he was a painter - a house painter. As time went by I saw him several more times and learned that he painted paintings, not houses. What a poor representation of himself as a professional.

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