We all know that being a successful artist requires a very deep confidence and conviction. And this can be hard to muster.
Because this conviction is hard to come by, artists long to be acknowledged by an established authority, they seek permission to be an artist.
Artists may seek permission from authorities like galleries, critics, record labels, or mentors.
But here’s the thing. Deep down you know. You know if you are really an artist and if you have something to say.
You cannot actually be whatever you want. You can only be who you really are.
So this begs the question.
- Are you an artist?
- The next question is, have you given yourself permission to be an artist? Only you can give yourself permission to express who you are, no one else.
If you are really an artist how do you give yourself permission to be who you are? You give yourself permission to be an artist by deciding to commit to it.
How do you commit to being an artist? Your commitment is a direct reflection of the ways you devote your limited time and energy.
When I was working full time and painting on the side I had to clear away time and energy wasters. That meant that I had to give up time watching too much TV or Internet. And I had to stop hanging out with complainers or naysayers.
Why? Because your success and happiness is an average of the people who you spend the majority of your time.
You do not need anyone’s permission but your own to be an artist.
If you do not have true talent or discipline, call it a day and call your art a hobby. There is no shame in that.
If you know deep down that being an artist is your life’s path, then give yourself permission to be an artist.
Then decide if you want to be paid for being an artist.
Why? Because if you want to get paid for being an artist then you will have to give yourself permission to be an entrepreneur.
And I can tell you from experience, generally, the establishment will not give you permission to be an entrepreneur. They don’t want you to take a piece of their action. And who can blame them.
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