Have you got what it takes to be an ARTIST?
Here’s my Top Ten List of what takes to succeed:
1. Failure. You’ve got to work through the bad in order to get to the good. Failure is an integral part of being an artist.
2. A website. Sorry, I know you didn’t want to hear this but it’s true. Having a website is a sign of professionalism in the art business.
3. Self-confidence. Confidence isn’t something you are born with or that someone else gives you. It’s a skill that you learn–through doing the work.
4. Time and space to develop your ideas. Art is more than just pretty pictures, the best art explores ideas and ideas need time to develop and grow. Respect that and give yourself permission to take this time for your work.
5. A community of other artists. Other artists aren’t your competition, they are your colleagues. Join them.
6. Resilience. You’re going to hear the word “no” more than you will “yes,” and it takes resilience to keep going. Put on those Big Boy pants!
7. An understanding of the history and issues of your medium and/or subject matter. Never stop learning.
8. Professional marketing materials. This is a business, remember?
9. An understanding of the business of art. As a working artist, you are a self-employed small business owner, you have a responsibility as any other entrepreneur does, to understand professional practices.
10. Do the work. You don’t get to be an artist if you don’t make the work!
11 Comments
This is a great article
I really like the way you are describe the Artist to succeed, Thanks for sharing an amazing Post! Discover the collection of great artwork at one place grouped by colors and theme.
Thank you for this list, I am still working on 7 and 8. I think I will write this list on a paper an stick it in from on my working desk and see it each day.
I love number 8. That someone has said it, because from what I’ve seen, quite a few older artists are really outdated with their marketing. Their websites are tragic: broken CSS or hacked content. A lot of the “my work speaks for itself” kind of mentality. For some reason the aesthetic they pursue in their work doesn’t reflect in their presentation of their website. I’d say this actually extends to also older art magazines/ online magazines which have become rather tacky. With the exception of Art Business News of course.. which at least cares.
Can you please mail me info, us postal system, address 25249 Wagner warren, no 48089. Thank you
Just what I needed to spur me on. Thank you.
Great One..
It takes a prime location…
One thing I have observed about artists, people who create, a generosity of spirit! Thank you for your tips! Precious observations! Encouraging & confirming! THANK YOU!
As a full time professional artist and owning a business I agree with all your suggestions…. but I might add for
(#2 A website. Having a website is a sign of professionalism in the art business.) A WEBSITE not a Facebook page! Do not use a third party site as your main web page that you direct everyone to, people don’t and won’t sign up to look at your posts, your goods,etc… Facebook is not and should NEVER be your “website” if you want to be treated as a professional, invest in a website (.com) there’s plenty of affordable options that are easy to make yourself.
Thank you for the wisdom in a few sentences.
Your’s sincerely,
Wilhelm Roux .