1) It's impossible to paint every single day.
Today, for instance, is Election Day, so I'll be voting and cleaning the house in preparation for a party I'm hosting this weekend. I have a stack of bills to pay and our dryer is on the fritz. So if I do work some painting time in, it will be a short session.
I no longer stress over how often I paint! If there is a deadline to meet, I arrange for that and have longer paint sessions. I give myself plenty of time on commissions or charge a rush fee to make those midnight hours worth it.
I do believe inspiration has to find you working, so even if you don't feel like painting sometimes it is worth it to begin if you have time. Another bit of truth: no one will hand you the time, you have to take it for yourself.
I have a couple of art apps on my phone I can open when life allows and make a sketch or two. This way I'm ready when I do get studio time. If you're a parent, an employee, a care giver, or otherwise busy person I find this very helpful to sneak in a bit of creative time.
2) Don't put so much pressure on yourself
I dread doing things that feel pressured or strained. Why go into your studio time feeling tense? You won't find perfection anywhere on Earth unless you embrace 'what is' as perfection already. Your schedule, your paintings, your sales, none of these things are always ideal. Go easy on yourself and enjoy this art journey!
3) Most paintings eventually sell if enough folks see the work
Your experience may differ but I've seen it over and over again! Sometimes it takes years but paintings do sell. You may need to bring a piece to multiple shows, post it online over and over, hang it in a business or your home for a while... but ultimately someone falls in love and has to have it. I love bringing pieces I'm not completely satisfied with to art shows, because those are the ones that often sell first!
4) Your prices are not too high or too low
No one can price your paintings but you, and it is a very personal matter, much like the title of the piece or even your signature. It is a process that evolves over time. There will always be people who think your prices are too high or too low, because it truly is relative. At the end of the day, make sure your prices are paying your expenses, paying you, and are set at an amount YOU are happy with.
It is ok to have sales and discounts a couple times a year. It is ok to say, "if you love it, make me an offer". I've lowered a painting price before hoping it would help it to sell, and ended up putting the original price back on, and it sold later that day!
5) Your art does bring joy
Not everyone will connect with your art, but isn't it wonderful to speak with those that do? You art brings joy to you and to others just by existing, and that is a special thing.
6) Write about your artwork process so you can talk about it
There are many times in the life of an artist that people expect you to also be a writer as well. Your artist bio, your artist statement, your painting descriptions, your website in general, captions on social media, and all the questions people will ask you at an art show (see previous blog post when someone asked me my inspiration).
I began writing about my artwork as another way to process what I am doing and focus my efforts. I wanted a more refined and thoughtful style. I was tired of throwing everything at the wall. So in my regular life, I make lists and goals to organize myself. This is a similar effort.
I write about what inspires my collections, the pros and cons of each. I especially jot down my successes in the art world. Whenever I'm accepted to a show or get a high paying commission, etc I write it in my notebook. It is so wonderful to read all those notes later on once the excitement has passed and it's a random rainy day of no motivation.
What inspires you?
Why do you paint?
What do you like to paint and why?
Do you have a favorite color?
What is your favorite painting?
Who is your favorite artist? Why did you choose ______ for this collection? (size, subject, color palette, etc)
These are all questions you may be asked to explain, so why not go ahead and write about them?
7) Continue taking classes or teaching classes
Oh boy, are classes helpful. When you take a class, you receive valuable feedback on your work, you build relationships with other artists and art lovers, you experience a new method of creating or a new art supply, and you feed that part of you that likes to create in community with others. You never stop learning, so don't be hesitant to take a class even if you're an advanced artist.
Teaching a class gives all these benefits and more! I encourage you to teach something you are comfortable with and be prepared to learned something new and exciting from your students' perspective. You will meet interesting people, make a profit, help others, and participate in your local community in a new way. It is so rewarding to teach.
I've heard my students say that they signed up for art class so they would have to make time to create. This is a great strategy to schedule some time for yourself!
8) Trust yourself
You know what you need. You know if you need silence in the studio, or if you need lots of time to work on a piece, or if you just don't want to be on social media anymore. Trust what you need and plan for that. Give yourself that gift of what you actually need. You'll keep going a lot longer and more enthusiastically on this art journey if you listen and act on what you need as an artist. Despite what anyone else is doing.
9) Hang out with other artists
This is a big one! When I hang out with friends that have 8-5pm jobs we have certain conversations and activities we do and lots in common of course. But when I hang out with other artists the conversations are much different and we have a whole different experience. Instead of grabbing lunch or a drink we are drawing in the park or strolling an art festival.
We need all sorts of relationships in life and as an artist we do need to be around others that are doing this same wacky life that we are!
Go to art openings even if you know no one there. Talk to artists at shows. Reach out on social media. Get in community with other artists so we can encourage each other.
10) This way of life is a journey
Your art will continue to improve, your email list will grow, you'll make more sales and meet more people and have new experiences and ideas. Your creative career itself is like a piece of artwork you're working on. You're building and shaping it as you go. It will be spontaneous and unpredictable at times so hopefully you like a little bit of abstract frenzy in your work, haha. But seriously, each of us artists is making our own path.
Let the words of others advise or inspire but don't compare yourself to others or let their influence outshadow your inner knowing and passion for creating.
We are meant to make our journey as original as our artwork.
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