Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Miller.
Julie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was a kid, my goals in life have always been to be open to opportunities and happy. I never had a solid plan like a lot of my peers. I just wanted to stay true to myself, and never do anything meaningless. While I have had to make a few exceptions, admittedly, I think my goals have stayed the same.
I graduated with a BFA in Painting from SCAD in 2014, and even then, I would joke that my degree was more about talking about art than it was creating it. I reveled in critiques and discussions and rarely felt comfortable putting my own art on display. I had a very distinct feeling that I didn’t have anything important to say. At least not as a white, cis-passing, hetero-passing, barely queer woman.
Right out of college, I dove into the Savannah gallery scene, first as an intern and then rising to management at more than a couple of local places. I found that no matter what gallery I was working with, no matter what level artist I was working with, the only thing they ever had remotely figured out was their art. I would find myself staying up late helping them design flyers, proof-reading announcements, and artist statements, helping them price work – even teaching them how to properly hang and display it. Then, I met the artist who eventually would change my life – Nen. Nen was a local independent artist and commercial illustrator who was not only supporting herself with her art but her family as well. Meeting her obliterated my worldview on the disparity of fine art and the oligarchy of the White Cube. She dragged me to workshops and conventions alike, and I learned just how receptive the world can be.
As her personal assistant and business partner, I did nothing but learn and apply my knowledge. I was able to interact with artists at all levels of success and kick up that supportive fervor. Fast forward three years, and I’m making a living helping artists make a living – especially those who are struggling to get their art out there. Which, if I’m being honest, is where it all started anyway.
Helping artists and creatives make a living is very noble work. Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Wanting to help people isn’t something that pays well, especially when you’re working with artists who are struggling with their voice. Very especially when you’re working with artists as a whole. No tea, no shade. People are passionate and easily distracted. It took me a very long time to get the contacts, clientele, and experience needed to be able to charge for my services. It took me an even longer time to overcome the Imposter Syndrome that plagues our gender and generation. It’s something I still struggle with every night.
What eventually tipped the scales for me was realizing that no matter what I thought of myself, it was the people around me that gave me value when I couldn’t give it to myself. Surround yourself with people you know not only love you but will tell you the truth when you need it. Your friends are not only your biggest emotional supporters, but they will often be your first customers as well. Choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with people you look up to – be a small fish in a big pond. It’s ok. Challenge yourself, and ask for feedback. Remember, it’s ok to be wrong, as long as you strive to do and be better.
What else should we know?
I specialize in helping aspiring and independent artists find a way to operate their businesses without becoming overwhelmed. In my travels and experience, I’ve found that across the board, artists are really passionate about their art and making money off of it comes second. That money often comes in the form that we were taught was acceptable: contracts and commissions. Be it with a gallery, an individual, or a corporation, contracts are tough to negotiate and often, along with commissions, come with a personal sacrifice for the artist. These personal sacrifices add up over time and contribute to resentment and burnout, which eventually leads to job loss. I help folks find alternatives that align with their passions.
I’m known for being supportive and for helping people see the requirements for success in an accomplishable form. I work with people one on one to create a plan that isn’t totally intimidating, and that’s something I’m truly proud of. A lot of the information I deal with isn’t new or groundbreaking, I’m just putting it into a new personal context that’s easier to approach and understand.
There’s a hunger in our world for meaning, and art creates meaning. Those who can’t create themselves want to support those who can. I’m just here to help connect those searching for that meaning, be it artists or consumers. Well, artists AND consumers. They’re one and the same.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Honestly one of the things I love most about the industry I work in is gender diversity and not just female/male. Every year I meet new artists, female and non-binary alike who have realized that they have a voice. With the exception of the comic industry (all tea, ALL shade) there is SO much happening with independent women and non-binary artists. They’re all fiercely driven, and I am honored to be able to offer my two cents when asked. Other times, I just revel in their strength and vision. They’re all unique, every one of them, and bring new and varying worldviews to the table. They teach us creativity, empathy, and vision.
Some of the biggest barriers I think women and non-binary folks face these days in my industry, in particular, is not necessarily that we need to stand up – it’s that we stand up too much for those who are used to being in charge. How many articles have you read lately trying to pick apart my generation? We know our rights, our worth, and we refuse to compromise. It’s important that in order to accomplish change in this industry that we keep to that. Do NOT back down. If a contract is too restrictive, you don’t need it. Negotiate. Look people in the eye and challenge them to tell you you’re not worth it. Be unapologetically you. Because in the end, YOU are valuable, and YOU are the one you have to answer to at the end of the day. It’s possible because I see it succeed every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://julieannmiller.squarespace.com/consulting
- Phone: 14436555099
- Email: julannmil@gmail.com
- Instagram: ephemeralaphemera
Image Credit:
Loraine Flegal
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