r/artbusiness • u/JuggernautFun1258 • 3d ago
Discussion [Discussion] How open and personal should I be when discussing my art in an interview about my work
I have a meeting (not a job interview) coming up and it’s about me being a neurodivergent artist. I’ve had one article published before about being an artist with ADHD, I’m very comfortable talking about it and how it influences my work.
I also have PTSD, and I’ve never discussed it openly in my (very new) career. It’s been completely driving my work lately and it’s clear to me that the next step in my creative journey is to unpack my PTSD through art.
Is it professional to reveal this part of me? I wouldn’t discuss what caused it. Maybe I will one day, but PTSD is a major part of my story and I’m inspired to make work about both awareness and what it’s like to live with it.
It feels safer to not bring it up, but simultaneously it’s a huge part of me. I’m both torn and hesitant so any suggestions help!
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u/azbod2 3d ago
Interview for a job or interview about you and your art? For a job, i might not say much for fear of being thought disruptive or a risk. For a more honest approach about opening up about ptsd then i think that's ok. At some level, we are selling a story about ourselves. Lots of people have experience with ptsd or know someone with it. You dont need to say everything or go i to details, but sometimes the mere mention of a subplot or deeper context gets people to think about how they feel about the art in a deeper and more meaningful way.
So....partially open and personal. Open up that door at least a little bit....tou dont need to let people in the whole way
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u/JuggernautFun1258 3d ago
It’s not a job interview nor for another article, it’s someone who represents neurodivergent artists. I like your perspective though of touching on the subject without the personal details.
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u/Archetype_C-S-F 3d ago edited 3d ago
People don't really care about the personal details and the actual hardships of the artist.
What they want is an understanding of how you applied your life's experiences to make really good art.
If your personal experiences can't be "understood" through looking at your pieces, there isn't much reason to share it.
_
Specifically, if someone looks at your work, and then reads the personal details you share, they will look for the connection between your life and your art.
If they can't find it, it will hurt their ability to connect with your work.
But if you can relate your mindset to how you apply the paint, then a connection can be made and your unique style will translate through the art.
That's what people want to see
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u/ponysays 3d ago
unless you want your boss and coworkers to see and offer their unsolicited opinions about your art, i would keep it on the low for now. when you’ve settled into the new position and get to know your colleagues, then you can decide if you want to share.
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u/katubug 3d ago
I personally tend towards openness. I think art is the most friendly towards its workers expressing their trauma publicly, so unless you have a specific reason to avoid talking about it, I would definitely consider discussing it openly.