First Impressions Will Always Matter

In a world that feels like it’s spinning faster every day—where economies shift, markets contract, and attention spans continually shrink—you can’t afford to overlook the basics. In 2016, the Santa Fe Opera gave me a shot to be a creative partner and collaborator. This was one of those once in a lifetime moments. I began the process of lining up the most prestigious talent to do a massive photo shoot that would blow their socks off. Besides producing stunning images of professional models wearing world-class, one-of-a-kind jewels, I took a gamble and staged an in-gallery private fundraising event in honor of the opera Don Giovani that summer. It paid off. The opera won and the gallery was forever changed. For the next seven years, we garnered the ongoing trust of the internationally acclaimed Santa Fe Opera, a relationship that proved to benefit Patina Gallery’s bottom line by being introduced to an entirely new audience.

The old sayings survive because they’re true: First impressions still matter. And these days, second and third chances are slim, if they exist at all.


What I Have Learned
I learned this firsthand during my decades as co-founder and creative director of Patina Gallery. Every interaction, every deadline, every small act (or failure to act) told me volumes.  Professionalism wasn’t an optional skill. It was—and still is—the bedrock of trust. The consistency of your interactions must always be “on point.”

Let me be blunt: If you’re not five minutes early to a gallery meeting, you’re already late.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve pulled an all-nighter in the studio. It doesn’t matter if your creative process is messy or your ideas are brilliant. You are running a business and in business reliability is currency. It was imperative that if the Santa Fe Opera was going to put its faith in Patina Gallery, it needed to see how we left “our rooms,” that is the stage, exactly the way we found it. Every room, light and extension cord were accounted for, as though my staff were using the facility as though we were overnight guests of dear friends (main stage of the Santa Fe opera), and left it exactly the way it was found, the sign of being a great guest! So you only get one shot when you put yourself on the line, especially this kind of level of line. “Sixty Shades of Black” was the title of that world class exhibition of Peter Schmid jewels. Let me stress again, when “you” receive a world class break , do not, I repeat do not blow it. The first impression you make will set the tone for other “breaks” may come along, but only if you remain consistent and constantly professional.


Exhibition, “The Fearless Genius”, Steve Jobs. Image by Ivan Barnett


Be Consistent Each Time You Engage
Without clear, consistent professional practices, you damage your reputation and your partnerships. Perform the simple act of following up with a ‘thank you’ to whomever you worked with, at all levels of a project. This habit will come back to you in numerous positive ways. Colleagues will remember you for years to come.

When you walk into your gallery, do you know the names of the staff who greet you? Do you know the director’s vision for the space you’re depending on to sell your work? Have you taken the time to understand the gallery’s clientele, their aesthetic, their brand story? Or are you just handing over work and hoping for the best? As Creative Director, I always retained the ability to decline certain works and not exhibit them due to their lack of “intensity or quality.” Patina Gallery’s reputation was so high because the clientele expected a level of excellence that was impeccable. Outrageous service was the norm. I can remember a few times, in my 25 years there where art jewelry works had to be returned and exchanged. This was never easy to do, but very necessary. You are not in a popularity contest with your artists. Your goal, and primary focus, is to please your clients while also pleasing yourself. That’s what matters.


Homage to Betsy, “Gallery Window,” 2022. Image by Ivan Barnett.


In an uncertain, chaotic world, the artists who thrive are going to be the ones who respect their ecosystem. They don’t just float in and out. They embed and push the levels of their own creativity. They listen. Those artists show up at levels far beyond what the competition would expect.

Ask yourself some uncomfortable questions:
 

• Have I acted like a true partner to my gallery—or just an occasional participant?
• Have I given my gallery my finest work—or only pieces I wasn't sure what to do with?
• Have I ever once asked what they need from me, rather than only what I need from them?

Fine Arts (Santa Fe) Courtyard—Claire Kahn Jewelry. Image Ivan Barnett.


The Greatest Galleries Notice Everything and Everything Matters
In today's world, galleries have many pressures and priorities. They will choose to invest in the artists who invest back. I’ve seen brilliant careers stall—not because of lack of talent, but because of avoidable missteps. If you’re serious about your career, you must be serious about your professional practices.

At Serious Play, I coach artists to expect more from themselves artistically—but also on the integrity of their professional relationships. We build lasting strategies for thriving, not just surviving, in a marketplace that demands more of you than ever before. Always let your passion drive the work you create. You are being watched, and even your collectors are watching you. It is your duty to give them the best of you. When you stop caring, deeply caring, the clients will know, as will the artists and of course your staff. If you are inching toward this situation, do not waste a minute. Get in touch with me at Serious Play. We will immediately have a discussion, and you are either ready to jump back in or ready to jump out. There’s no middle ground.

Because your talent deserves to be seen, your professionalism determines whether it ever will be seen. If you are prepared to show up better, smarter, and stronger—I'm here to help you get there. Stay sharp. Stay generous. Stay ready and stay open to constructive guidance and advice from your peers, as well as always from your mentors.

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.
/ Michelangelo



© Ivan Barnett 2025, All rights reserved.

 

About the author

Ivan Barnett
As co-founder and creative director of Patina Gallery, Ivan played a pivotal role in elevating artists’ careers and shaping the gallery’s international reputation. His expertise in gallery management, marketing, and exhibition planning allows him to support creatives in crafting sustainable careers. Through one-on-one coaching and curatorial support, he encourages artists to refine their narratives, embrace risk, and find deeper creative meaning.
Raised in a family of artists, Ivan was influenced by his father, Isa Barnett, a celebrated painter. After studying at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, he pursued a career in painting, metalwork, sculpture, and mixed media. In 2023, he launched Serious Play, integrating mentorship with innovative business strategies to help artists refine their messaging and expand their careers.
Unlike most consultancies, Ivan’s empathetic and intuitive approach fosters creative dot connecting, collaboration and profound storytelling, proving that art is not just something we create—it’s something we are. Learning the art of playing seriously can transform and propel our lives toward new heights.

Serious Play, based in Santa Fe, NM, is a creative consultancy founded by Ivan Barnett, an artist, curator, and mentor with over five decades of experience in the art world. Ivan helps artists, galleries, and arts organizations navigate the complexities of creative careers by blending artistic exploration with strategic business acumen.
Serious Play’s purpose is to mentor artists and art organizations to tell more of their untold stories.

creativemornings.com/individuals/ivanbarnett
seriousplaysf@gmail.com