1.The successful artists don’t whine.
2.The take full responsibility for their successes and their failures.
3.They have a SMARTER goal and the take focused action to achieve it every day.
4.They are not selling art. They are creating value above and beyond their art and they are selling that.
5.They have a current business plan.
6.They are committed.
7.They invest in themselves.
1. As soon as I hear a pattern of whining in an artist’s voice, I know two things.
1.They are not going to be very successful.
2.I am not going to be able to help them.
Why? They are victims. Any advice or direction I give them is going to be received through their “I’ve been disappointed before” and or “that will never work” filter.
Everyone has been disappointed and we will be again. You can count on it.
But be mindful. Are you maintaining this as an overall expectation? If so, this is producing your results.
2. These artists take full responsibility for their success and their failures.
They realize that they are not going to be “discovered.” These artists are clear that their successes are their responsibility as are their inevitable failures and their failures can lead to their greatest lessons.
3. These artists are focused on a singular goal, in a “Think and Grow Rich” kind of way.
4. These artists understand that selling art sucks.
So they create value above and beyond their art and they sell that.
5. Successful artists have a current business plan.
Notice I said current. The plan is useless if it doesn’t reflect your current and planned business moves.
6. Successful artists are committed.
Giving up is not an option. Giving up on failing marketing strategies, that’s an option. But giving up on building their artistic enterprise, never.
7. Successful artists invest in themselves.
Why? Because they know that they are the factory, the marketing and sales department, and the engine that drives it all.
These successful artists invest in mentoring or consultations with those who can help get them to where they want to go faster.
They realize that investing in right outside help saves them time and money.
Notice that I don’t list artistic talent.
Why? Because talent is the minimum price of admission.
Which of these 7 describe you? Which do not?
Be honest. The truth will set you free. Ask yourself now.
We don’t succeed alone. Ask two friends to do this exercise with you.
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Another valuable insight from a great site!!!
This is very true! AND it goes both ways…”people work with whom they like and trust to produce on time results.”
What a great conservation. I got into inking and coloring through an established friend who basically said the same thing. Don’t whine or fuss. Fix it. Have clear goals and objectives. When I asked about being new to the industry he told me to build a good portfolio and that people work with whom they like and trust to produce on time results. It works. Great article!