>>4264740Disappointingly past a certain point it is really going to be about who you know and/or having money. There was a study out some years back that quantified how much your location, existing wealth, and existing connections affected your ability to be successful in the art world. I'm probably remembering the numbers wrong but something like 90% of the people who were successful had access to wealth and good connections before becoming an artist. This included being in areas where it was possible to cultivate and take advantage of those connections and wealth. The study focused on US and to a lesser extent Europe so depending on where you are at this may be different.
It was possible to become successful without but it is more difficult. After you hit a certain level of competence and vision your success really isn't tied to your work anymore but your ability to network and advertise yourself and work. If this isn't something you're good at you will need to identify someone who can do it for you. Traditionally this a well connected gallerist or someone who is affluent, or someone influential in the art world.
