This week we sit down and talk with John Melick – President of Blue Medium. John has more than 20 years of visual arts, design and travel related public relations expertise. Prior to starting Blue Medium in 2000, he was a consultant at Fitz & Co, a visual arts public relations company in New York (October 1997-February 2000). Prior to this, John was the Managing Director of Boom Communications, Inc. (1993-1997), a public relations company specializing in cultural tourism and the visual arts. John currently serves as a Trustee of Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, and is a board member of both the Esopus Foundation (publication) and Non-Objectif Sud (artists residency). John has also lectured on visual arts and design public relations at New York University, Christie’s Education, New York State Council for the Arts and the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. He is married to the artist William Eric Brown, has a son and a dog named Tubs. We could not wait to get this Aussie’s answers about working in the arts. Enjoy!
What is the best piece of advice you can give about working in the art world?
Find a niche within the art business, stick to it for at least 2 years, and get involved with an art-related nonprofit. If you have time, also pursue a nonprofit or hobby outside the art world so you don’t become too insulated and can bring fresh ideas and energy to your job.
Insular = narrow minded and we are in a creative, global industry.
What is something you encounter often with employees that tests your patience?
Lack of ownership, accountability and punctuality.
What has an employee done that happily surprised you?
Told me that they are fearful of something and asked for help to tackle it. Related to this is coming in with a problem but offering a few ideas for solutions. This shows depth of ownership.
What makes a person hirable?
Basic skill set for the job including great writing, clear understanding of what we do, enthusiasm, sense of accountability, and kindness. Dog-lovers preferred but not essential.
What is the most frowned upon trait for an employee?
One who thinks being in the art world is glamourous or when they ask: what can you do for me? The “me” people don’t last long.
What are things a person can do to make them stand out in the workplace?
Staying curious and bringing new ideas and relationships to their practice.
What are things you can do proactively to boost your CV?
Showcase your writing and software skills (nearly every art job needs them), demonstrate interest in an art nonprofit and/or something beyond the art world. Show you like to give back: even when you don’t have $, you can offer up some time. Good move, good karma.
What does professional mean to you?
Being respectful of our work culture, our clients and the media we serve while having a touch of cynicism to keep things real. Also, you should never have to apologize for what you do. It’s a healthy job market at the moment, so if you have to make excuses, move on or out of the art world.
Are there any tips you can give people entering the workforce?
Come to an interview having done your homework about the business and the person you who is interviewing you. Wear decent shoes.
Are there any tips you can give for increasing your online presence? Whether with your linkedin, art frankly or other accounts?
Work-wise, focus on one or two platforms and don’t be too passive. Respond, repost and engage with other people’s posts and achievements. Whether it’s fair or not, potential employers also scan social media when considering you as a job candidate. Your digital image means something today. That said, make one platform private so you can let loose.
