The Four Pillars for Artist Success
Everyone feels that the artist life is glamorous and easy, but
that's the furthest from the truth. The number of artists making
their living from their art is small and those who do have a
sustainable business work very hard splitting their lives
between creativity and business.
If you want to create an "art business" the four pillars of
success are: vision; challenge; perseverance and motivation.
Developing actions surrounding the four pillars will give you a
giant leap from "Starving Artist" to "Successful Artist".
Vision As artists we have over developed right hemispheres of
our brain so creativity is not in short supply. The interesting
thing is that we don't use that creativity as it pertains to our
business. Having a vision for your business will enable you to
begin a different type of portfolio, a business portfolio.
Take the time to be specific about how you want your art to
serve in your life. If your art is your bread and butter then
you must treat it that way, with respect and lots of elbow
grease. If your art is an avocation, then what do you want to
accomplish and by when.
It's important to develop the road map to success or you'll
wander aimlessly, you'll become discouraged and you'll put out
the fire better known as your dream. Set an intention and once
you've set the intention build upon that intention. Each action
you take should support your vision, shoring up the first pillar
of success.
Challenge If the business of art were easy then every artist
would be successful. When we challenge ourselves creatively we
are looking for new ways to express ourselves. The same is true
in our business, the challenge is to show potential buyers that
you wear more than one hat and you do it with conviction.
One of the key challenges for artists is not confidence in their
work, but in how they present their work to the world. Artists
are notorious for engaging in conversations from a one down
position. We feel as if there is a caste system and we struggle
to be taken seriously as an entrepreneur. Standing in the role
of entrepreneur takes practice. It takes support from others and
encouragement from peers. When you take yourself seriously as an
"artrepreneur" others will follow suit.
Perseverance I've heard it said that it takes three years to
become an overnight sensation. I believe that to be true and I
see it as I attend gallery openings, poetry readings and other
venues of artistic expression. Those who have separated
themselves from the pack have one thing in common, perseverance.
The successful artist has to be focused and find renewable
sources of energy to keep moving forward on the journey. The
primary factor that hinders perseverance is isolation. When
artists have a support system they are more inclined to stay the
course toward their vision. They are able to unload the
emotional detours that arise from not getting selected for a
show or not getting a call back for an audition. We gain
strength by the cheerleading squad we've assembled in our lives.
Create a success team to help you navigate your unchartered
waters and you'll be amazed at the results.
Motivation You would think creating beautiful work would be
enough motivation, but that is the external motivating factor.
How do you keep the internal flames that propel you forward
burning bright? Reward yourself! We all love rewards and by
creating our own incentive program keeps us in the game.