Starting out in the art world (or any world, really) comes with one golden rule: make life easier for your manager. They’re juggling inboxes, deadlines, client dramas, and probably a questionable coffee habit. The more you can become the person who just gets it, the faster you’ll stand out. Here’s how:
1. Be Coachable (aka, Create the Vibe)
Managers adore people who are open to feedback without getting defensive. Nod, listen, take notes, and show that you’re willing to learn. No one expects you to know everything, what matters is proving you want to.
2. Don’t Make Them Chase You
Think of your manager’s brain as a tab-cluttered browser. Every time they’re waiting on you for an answer, you’re another tab open. Close it quickly, reply, deliver, update. Keep their mental desktop clear and you’ll become indispensable.
3. Communicate in Their Style, Not Yours
Some managers love bullet-point emails, others want WhatsApps at 11pm (lucky you). Tune into how they like to receive information and mirror it. You’ll save both of you time and frustration.
4. Think Ahead & Anticipate Their Questions
If you’re sending over a draft press release, answer the questions they’ll have before they ask. (“Yes, it’s been spell-checked, and here’s the quote we’ve secured.”) Anticipating needs makes you look switched-on and saves endless back-and-forth.
5. Be Crystal Clear About What You Need
Need a decision? A budget sign-off? A contact’s email? Don’t bury it three paragraphs deep. Spell it out: “To move forward, I need X by Y date.” Clarity is kindness.
6. Replay Things Back
When you’re given instructions, repeat them back in your own words. “Just to check, you’d like me to confirm the artist’s travel, draft the email, and send over by Thursday?” It avoids mistakes and shows you’re on the same wavelength.
💡 The bottom line: Managers aren’t looking for perfection. They want someone who makes their life less chaotic. Master these six habits, and you’ll become that person fast.
