Mindset

The Mindset of a Successful Artist

I remind my students regularly, “You don’t have to be nuts to be an artist, but it sure does help.”

Why do I say that? Because it is tough doing what we do…for many reasons. If you’ve been studying and working at art for any length of time, you know exactly what I mean.

Emily - success in process.

What is your goal?

It’s never too early to start defining your goals for your artwork. I don’t care if you’re 8 years old. What is your dream? Write it down.

Whether your goal is to be a professional artist selling your work for thousands of dollars, teaching at a public or private school, or just to “be the best you can be,” there’s a certain mindset and certain thought processes that you will have to commit to in order to reach your dreams.

As with any worthwhile goal, there will be obstacles and frustrations, and the temptation will always be there to give up. You’re going to have to decide early on whether or not you will stick to the process of becoming a successful artist.

What is success?

Let me clarify one thing before we dive in. You’ve got to determine how you define success.

If your idea of success happens only when you reach a goal, you may actually never become “successful” in your own mind. But if your idea of success is the “process” of pursuing worthwhile goals, then when you make your mind up to start, you will at that moment already be a success. The achievement of your goals will be the “fruit,” or result, of your success.

So make your mind up to get going on the journey.

With that being said, here is the process that I’ve had to work through (and continue to work through) as I pursue excellence in my art. I am still learning these lessons every day.

A successful artist will have to:

Beat the Critics

- part 1

- part 2

- part 3

Learn from the Best

- read it here

Overcome Obstacles

- INEXPERIENCE

- AGE

See with New Eyes

Simplify to Satisfy