What Can Artists Learn About Preparedness From The Day The Paparazzi Chased Me?

Artists can learn the importance of preparedness, always having business cards on hand, and dressing the part, even in unexpected situations. This lesson comes from a harrowing (and true!) story where the author, Crista Cloutier, found herself unexpectedly on the red carpet of London Fashion Week while dressed for the gym. It was a Monday morning and I trudged to the gym in the London drizzle. I was wearing no make up and my hair was piled atop my head. I was wearing baggy sweats and a mighty fine hangover. Let’s just say it wasn’t my best look. But hey, I was only going to the gym, who’s cares? Suddenly, the sidewalk got crowded. Someone motioned for me to GET BACK but I ignored him. I just wanted to get this workout over with, I didn’t have time for tourists. But then there were people all around me and I found myself in the middle of a very strange crowd. Who were all these people? Why were they so thin? What were all those lights? And why were those photographers taking my picture? Oh my God! I’d wandered onto the red carpet of London Fashion Week. And I couldn’t get out! It was mobbed with models and designers and other fashionistas in very nice shoes. AND ME! In my sweats and ponytail with no make up! I struggled to find my way out of the sea of well-dressed skinny people holding poses. Photographers stood behind ropes, snapping away while screaming at me, “Get out of the picture!” I was mortified. It took ages to escape. I looked a fool out there. As I stumbled down the walkway toward the gym I wondered what kind of God would allow me to leave the house dressed like this? Suddenly, a small band of photographers ran right in front of me, crouched down, and start snapping like mad. “Are you kidding?” I screamed at them. Then I realized that there was a very tall skinny girl walking behind me. The photographers were trying to shoot around me but it was like she was using me as a human shield. And I couldn’t shake her! I ran, serpentine, to escape the model and her paparazzi. I ran as far away from London Fashion Week as I could. As I ran I thought of all the nice clothes I had at home and why couldn’t I have been wearing those? How had I let myself become a Glamour DON’T? You never know who you’re going to meet or when opportunity will arise. No matter if you’re going to the gym or an art gallery, always have business cards on hand and for God’s sake always dress the part. I don’t mean you have to be ready for the red carpet, but do represent yourself. Because take it from me, you never know when the paparazzi are going to chase you!   Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)