It’s not the accolades and booming sales of art that matter most, but the lessons you learn on the way.
We stand on the shoulders and learn from the invaluable insights that our artists generously share with us on a daily basis.
“Don’t stop. “Small incremental steps add up,” says oil painter Rebecca Prince.
Instead of being overwhelmed by your goals, it is better to take small steps and progress slowly. However, obstacles like fear, resistance, and discomfort are formidable enemies.
Rebbeca looks back at the challenges that she faced and explains how resistance was her biggest enemy this past year.
She has been able to transform this resistance by pushing through the uncomfortable. “I’ve had the best year yet by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”
Her advice? Her advice?
The Artwork Archive Tip
Set SMART goals by setting specific, SMART, realistic, and timely goals.
We created a worksheet that will help you set SMART goals. You can also use it to develop quarterly goals and large intentions. It will also show you the steps necessary to reach your vision.
Let your art evolve, but diversify it.
It’s easy to get caught up in a particular style or medium when you first start your career. You may even think that selling your art is your only source of income.
Angela Fehr, a watercolor artist, advises artists to avoid specializing in their medium or craft too early.
She suggests that you should think of your early years in life as an apprenticeship. Use that time to explore methods to diversify your artistic practice and develop your skills. “The more diverse your influences are, the greater number of options you can create for yourself.”
Consider offering art services such as illustration or art writing. Accept the beginning of your career in art as a period of learning, growth, and experimentation.
Remember that your art practice will always evolve – it doesn’t have to be the same.
Angela says, “This year I decided to pace myself more deliberately.” “I don’t want to say yes to every project that brings revenue. I want to focus on what will move me and my work in the direction I desire.”
Take a growth-oriented approach to your career in art, and let it transform along with you.
Take on challenges as opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
It is never too late to consider your creative direction.
The multi-media abstract painter John Paul Berry used the slower period of art sales this year as a chance to explore and discover himself.
John didn’t want to dwell on his setbacks. His goal was simple: To see if he could change or take a new direction.
Think of challenges such as the closing of a gallery as an opportunity to re-evaluate your direction and how you can improve.
Arriving on time is only half the battle.
There are days when he seems to avoid us.
Every artist has faced this dilemma at one time or another. You may have told yourself, “I’m too busy/heartbroken/my family needs me to much/[insert excuse here]” in the past.
Even more difficult is to stay motivated when your work does not sell immediately.
How can you keep your creative juices flowing and overcome these obstacles? Cate Kauffman, an oil painter, has a simple but powerful solution. “I just force myself to go into my studio.” I usually can work when I get there.”
You can take charge of your creative direction when you stop making excuses and refuse to give in to the fear disguised as resistance.