1) Artists are humorless, so make jokes sparingly. Generally, artists see the world from very pessimistic, sarcastic, hyper-critical points of view. There are countless examples throughout art history that can verify this point, so in finding yourself in the company of artists, speak when necessary. Don't make extraneous comments because they will either think you are insulting their taste or that you're just plain stupid.

2) Do not get precious when artists talk to you about projects. That means do not think you have some special connection with an artist because he/she comes to talk to you about a project. Artists ask everyone about their own projects. They are narcissists, and they are not listening to your opinion as much as they are listening for chances to speak more about themselves.

3) Artists have the last say. When an exhibition goes up, no matter how many times an artist has stressed a certain piece or point or lighting, if they change their mind last minute, just make the changes. Don't argue with them. Don't try to change their minds because actually every artist is a swirling pool of emotions and thoughts, and the slightest form of doubt can send them reeling for days, months, years.

4) Use "fabulous" often. Have you ever been asked by, say, a girlfriend if what she's wearing "looks good?" The correct answer is always "yes." And likewise, if an artist or curator has something already hanging on a wall, you should just say it's "fabulous." You can use any superlative you want. Just make sure that he/she knows you appreciate their unique aesthetic perspective, that it's exciting and fresh--even if it's cadaver eaten by feral cats fresh.

So those are four small suggestions for when you're in the company of artists or art-minded people. Generally writers are not as nasty as visual artists. And architects are an entirely different story. Good luck!