Artists you must “Know Thyself”
Week 1 – Valuing
The Ancient Greek aphorism “know thyself” is one of the Delphic maxims and it was inscribed in the pronaos (forecourt) of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
Recently, I interviewed graduates of MAKING Art/Making MONEY, my 8-week, interactive, online, foundational business course for artists.
This course is an iterative, 8-part, methodology designed to reorient artists towards an entrepreneurial approach and it is delivering proven results, increased art sales.
When I asked students what they like the most, hands down, it is “Week 1 - Valuing.”
Through a series of ten exercises, and collaboration with their Master Mind group, students confirm their values and express their purpose, their mission.
Without a doubt defining their mission, their “why”, is the most important part of the course. It is the first line on their business plans, the start of their road map.
“Week 1 - Valuing” establishes the foundation for each artist’s unique creative enterprise, giving their artistic endeavors greater purpose and meaning and giving them much more confidence.
For the first time students articulate clearly who they are as artists and what they stand for. It is a satisfying and life affirming experience.
And it has got nothing to do with writing one of those tedious self involved artist statements.
As an artist and as an entrepreneur, knowing thyself is an absolute must.
Why? Because when you’re self aware you know your message and how you feel about it.
This is critical. Our purpose as artists, as thought leaders, is to communicate. To make people feel and then to think. Yes, in that order.
So many of us, never mind artists, are unaware of who we really are, what we stand for, and why.
If we do not know ourselves we are adrift in choppy waters with no reliable moral compass or value system to point us towards our mission, our purpose.
We are often pressured to fit into certain societal molds and too often we comply, surrendering our true purpose and abandoning our true selves.
Why do we do this? Because we do not know ourselves and we are often not sure where to start.
If an artist doesn’t know who they are and what they stand for they simply don’t have much to say. Their work is irrelevant.
As we know talent is not enough. If you just have talent you’re just a technician, not an artist.
If you truly have unique talent and you have something to say to the world, you must make art.
If you want to be heard, you must sell art.
Did you enjoy this article?
Trackback from your site.
Comments (6)
Rita Agnese
| #
This is Wonderful stuff I always get inspired with your writing makes me want to get going sending good wishes Rita
Reply
Tara
| #
I am really curious to hear what some if these mission statements are.
Reply
Priscilla
| #
So am I!
Nothing matches the power of a few good examples.
Reply
Ann Rea
| #
Here’s a great example…
https://www.makingartmakingmoney.com/thriving-artists-profiles/indexphp/2014/1/thriving-artist-profile-kate-bradley
Reply
Jean Huang Photography - Los Angeles Custom Portraiture and Fine Art Photographer
| #
I absolutely agree with every word here, Ann!
Being through the corporate world and now an awaken right-brainer, I’ve gone through the soul-searching process. I know what my values are and what I stand for. I also know what I can not stand.
Having talents with no values is like, in my words, “running in the wrong direction; the faster you run, the more wrong you are”.
I will look forward to hearing/seeing you live on CreativeLive on March 10th and 11th.
See you around!
Jean
Reply
Ann Rea
| #
Be sure to jump in the chat room on Creative LIVE!
Reply