The only way to survive is to intently focus on how the art world operates. Once you understand how things work, you can find a solution to the problems you are facing.

While I was still going to embrace social media, I knew I had to do things that nobody else was doing. I decided I had to meet as many people as I could - face to face. While most artists would email galleries, I would show up in the lobby. Instead of liking an art show or exhibition, I would go there and meet everyone. And while most would send a magazine a press kit, I go and meet the editor. This notion of face to face contact became my mantra.

If you look on the history of art you observe how the most popular forms trample the rest. The abstract expressionists destroyed figurative work for more than 30 years.

I realized that I could have been in galleries much sooner. I just needed to get past the fear of rejection. I still feel nervous when I approach a new gallery, although it has become more like a job now. The first step on this long road was getting past that initial fear.

I think the artists of the recession will end up being a very strong force in the future. They learned about survival.

How do you get into magazines? How can you get on TV or in your local newspaper? What can you do so others will take notice of your art? When I was first trying to get noticed, all of these questions went through my mind. After a lot of trial of error and a lot of reading, I began to understand the world of public relations.

Within the next five years, I predict major changes in the art world and it will look nothing like it did ten years ago. Just like the sport of skateboarding, the new innovators will define the future. I believe the art world will become more vibrant and usher in a strong healthy market for new works.