How to Feel Great as an Artist
In response to Keri Smith’s “How to Feel Miserable as an Artist”, let me offer a more positive direction, to encourage budding artists everywhere.
How to Feel Great as an Artist
(Or, What to Do, Underline Any That Currently Apply)
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Celebrate your own unique skill set and style.
- Share your passion with like-minded creative folks. There are plenty of artists out there who share their love for the medium, just like you. Form a group and cheer each other on.
- Base your success on your own artist growth, tackle as many projects as possible.
- Challenge yourself constantly to push yourself to the next level.
- Be confident in your knowledge and your ability to creatively problem solve.
- Do it because you love it.
- Follow your own vision. If you build it, they will come. (and if not, you can be happy that you accomplished something all on your own terms.)
- Do work because you enjoy it. Please yourself first!
- Share your thoughts, concerns and feedback with the client / customer / gallery owner / patron. Frame your dialogue with the intent of helping your clients succeed.
- Set realistic goals, both short term and long term. Re-evaluate and refocus your goals. Take the time to enjoy the artistic journey.
-Krishna
These beautiful and intelligent people wrote
Tell me what you think!
Kevin S
April 3, 2012 at 4:30 pmThis should be titled: “How to Feel Great as a Person”. All of this stuff (perhaps with a few minor tweaks to the phrasing” applies to everyone, not just artists.
This is why I went into business for myself, doing something I love to do. Even though i’m not making boatloads of cash, it’s often very hard to motivate myself, and I work long and often unusual hours, but it’s been a challenging, rewarding experience right from the start.
If you hate your job, it’s time for a new job. If you’re not doing what you love, then why do it?
Thanks Krishna, for the incredibly inspiring post.
Krishna
April 3, 2012 at 4:32 pmAbsolutely right, Kevin. This has applicability to everyone, not just artists. So many people don’t love what they do, because they are too afraid to do what they love.
Celeste Masinter
April 3, 2012 at 5:25 pmThis is awesome Krishna! Thanks for writing this!
Krishna
April 4, 2012 at 9:20 pmThanks, Celeste!