OK I admit it. I watch American Idol. And when I do, part of my fascination is watching what’s required of these emerging artists. Many haven’t found their true voice and clearly their skill requires honing. Obviously it’s about their talent but the underlying story is their ability to weather the very public humiliation and rejection and still keep going. It’s like being in a Roman Colosseum battling emotion and ego.
Artists engage in their craft because they are passionate about it. It gets them high, so to speak. What an artist shares comes from the depths of their heart. So rejection and criticism can be biting, at the very least. Of course, we don’t have to put ourselves out there. Except if you want to get paid, you do. A plumber, a doctor, a financial analyst never has to deal with such deeply personal matters of rejection or acceptance.
And when we place our treasured craft into the world of commerce we are subject to the market’s whims and we have to understand and play by the complex rules of business. This does sometimes leave me feeling like I maintain a split personality.
But I not only accept this, I embrace it. The good news is that I’m only trying to win over a very select few, a clearly defined targeted market of art and wine enthusiasts. In fact, I thought that David Mathison, author of “Be the Media” put it well. He said you really only need a 1000 fans. This is also a lesson taught by Chris Anderson, author of the “The Long Tail”. Anderson explains the new economics of culture and commerce and “why the future of business is selling less of more.”
Once I read my letter of recommendation from Wayne Thiebaud in 1999, I found one part most flattering, but also the most important thing I always remember is “She has a well-developed confidence and personal inner resources allowing her to use critical confrontation for positive results.” Without this I think I’d be headed straight for the lions.
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I have lots of unfinished canvases because of “the fear”. Can’t be judged if it is not completed. Piles of ‘em.
Thanks for writing this. I needed to read it, now. I have multiple show entry deadlines approaching. I have all the painting I need, just that none of them are 100% finished and signed. This weeked is my last window to complete them and I’ve been procrastinating.
@Andy discussed that this also applies to designers. Funny, I can make that separation. By day I am a designer. It’s my trade. I churn things out and put them on display to used or torn apart every day. I don’t get hung up on whether or not things are accepted. It’s work. But my fine art is different. It’s self generated and all the content is Me. So if/when people critique my paintings, I am very sensitive to their comments. They come from my soul and represent me so I care.
This is also the case with designers. A designer works hard by researching, concept sketching, prototype building, etc. only to open themselves up for criticism at review meetings where sales, marketing and others are free to comment either way – up or down. This is as it should be and designers as well as artists need to have that “confidence” going in. Confidence and belief in what you are doing helps to overcome many objections – especially those who are reluctant to embrace the “new”. Anything new or something that hasn’t been seen or done before is always suspect.
I like your good news about only needing a clearly defined targeted market.
Good advice.
Hi Andy, Yes. It’s true of all creatives. And yes confidence in your creative capital is essential. -Ann
Thank you Andy. What did you learn from reading “The Artist’s Mentor?”
I’ve read Art and Fear more than once. Great book. I would also recommend “The Artist’s Mentor” by Ian Jackman.
Hi Rick, What are you so scared of? Just be honest and it will set you free. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Sounds like you just need to take the same approach that you do with design.
I recommend your reading “Art and Fear.” It’s required reading for my artist clients. The link is on my site.
Ann
I have lots of unfinished canvases because of “the fear”. Can’t be judged if it is not completed. Piles of ‘em.
Thanks for writing this. I needed to read it, now. I have multiple show entry deadlines approaching. I have all the painting I need, just that none of them are 100% finished and signed. This weeked is my last window to complete them and I’ve been procrastinating.
@Andy discussed that this also applies to designers. Funny, I can make that separation. By day I am a designer. It’s my trade. I churn things out and put them on display to used or torn apart every day. I don’t get hung up on whether or not things are accepted. It’s work. But my fine art is different. It’s self generated and all the content is Me. So if/when people critique my paintings, I am very sensitive to their comments. They come from my soul and represent me so I care.
Hi Andy, Yes. It’s true of all creatives. And yes confidence in your creative capital is essential. -Ann
This is also the case with designers. A designer works hard by researching, concept sketching, prototype building, etc. only to open themselves up for criticism at review meetings where sales, marketing and others are free to comment either way – up or down. This is as it should be and designers as well as artists need to have that “confidence” going in. Confidence and belief in what you are doing helps to overcome many objections – especially those who are reluctant to embrace the “new”. Anything new or something that hasn’t been seen or done before is always suspect.
I like your good news about only needing a clearly defined targeted market.
Good advice.