On Thursday night, I had my first solo show and my first zine launch all in one. I think it went well. The work is still up for the next two weeks. We'll see how it all pans out.

I have learned several things:

There is no harm in overadvertising. Most people are too lazy to show up for opening night, so if I want 50 people at my opening, I should invite 500. Those are, quite literally, the numbers I had, compared to the number I invited.

I need a jpeg of my flier. So I can send it to my (imaginary) mailing list, post it online, etc, etc. Facebook events and paper invites were not enough. I might also invest in getting my fliers printed nicely, although this seemed a bit unneccessary for my casual show.

Music is essential on opening night. People don't talk constantly, especially if they're looking at art. Music makes it more comfortable. I will make a playlist next time.

Other things I need include paper towels, signs for outside the gallery, and more mounting tape. Wine spills, an easy-to-miss door, and having to run to the store for blue tack.

But, overall, the thing went well. I scored two interviews for local magazines. People liked the art.

The next few little steps will be improving this site, taking quality photos of my work, working on my commission from Alan, and figuring out what else I can do as an artist other than just hold exhibitions. T-shirt design, illustration, competitions. La.