9 Secrets They Never Taught You in Art School

Artist Grayson Perry once shared a story about a group of schoolchildren visiting a museum. When the curator asked, “What do artists do?” — a little girl answered, “Artists are people who sit at Starbucks and eat organic food.”

But after walking through the galleries, the curator asked again. This time, she said: “Artists notice things.”

It takes a special kind of person to notice things — and real courage to create something from those observations.

The best artists notice. They think. They make. They do.

That’s a far cry from how popular culture tends to paint us — the slothful drunk, the starving dreamer, the Starbucks- sipping bohemian.

Being an artist goes deeper than any label. It’s how we see the world and the choices we make because of it.

Making art isn’t simply what artists do. It’s who we are.

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Secret #1. Dance to Your Own Music

Studies show that 60% of Americans fully regret their career choice. Are you part of that majority? I once had a thriving career in the glamorous world of contemporary art — international art dealer, head of a renowned studio, director of an award-winning gallery.

My life made beautiful music.

But I hid a deep secret. As much as I loved my work, it had stopped playing my song. And no matter how fast I danced, I couldn’t pick up the beat.

So I quit.

I left my company, sold everything I owned, and moved to the French countryside — alone. And I don’t speak French. With nothing but my own thoughts to guide me, I slowly found my voice. My ideas.

And before long, I was singing my song loudly and dancing in time. And eventually, others began dancing with me. Are you singing your song? Or someone else’s? Who is listening?

Secret #2. Love the Questions

“Have patience with all things unresolved and learn to love the questions themselves.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

Artists are endlessly curious. But most of us spend our lives running from questions — we want answers, and we want them now.

Yet it’s only by following the questions that we find where the true answers live. Artists are often victims of too many ideas. By applying critical thinking — by asking — we clarify our thinking and discover how our ideas fit and build on each other. That’s where the struggle lifts and life begins to work with us. rather than assuming

In a world where everything can be googled, questions matter more than ever. Because the most important answers aren’t found online.

They’re found within.

When I realized I needed to change my life, I started asking myself one question every single day: What do I really, really want?

I asked it constantly — and listened deeply, without editing what came up.

Whenever an answer appeared, I got curious enough to ask another question.

Choosing to embrace the questions, instead of scrambling for answers, is where real creativity begins.

Don’t be afraid to ask big questions. The bigger they are, the deeper you’ll go.

The crystal ball into your future is already in your hands. Just ask.

Secret #3. Do the Work

When I moved to France, I was cut off from everything and everyone I’d ever known. Worse — I didn’t have my routine. So I had to build a new one.

I discovered I write best in the mornings. In fact, that’s when I do all the hard things: exercise, writing, marketing, the administrative work that keeps a business alive. The morning hours became sacred. After a late lunch, I walk. For miles. I carry a notebook to capture ideas and a camera to capture images.

I walk regardless of weather or circumstance.

Walking has become part of my creative practice. The pavement is where I feel most alive…

Some people might see a leisurely stroll in the middle of the day.

Artists know better.

Ideas need space to breathe.

Sometimes the most important work we do doesn’t look like work at all.

Secret #4. Stop Chasing Stuff, Chase Life

“Artists are pilgrims on the road to meaning.” — Grayson Perry

Pilgrims travel light. So should we. When I first settled on the madcap idea of leaving everything behind for France, I had no idea how to fund it.

No silver spoon, no room left on the credit cards. I ran the problem round and round in my head — until I looked around and realized the answer was right there.

Sell my stuff.

Shopping had been a drug for me. I was living in a big house stuffed to the rafters, coming through the front door every weekend with more bags. I was a shopping addict.

Selling my belongings forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth: Much of what I had accumulated wasn’t adding value to my life.

I had been trying to fill an internal hunger with external things.

Buying stuff is like eating junk food — it leaves you hungry and wanting more. It doesn’t make you a better artist. It doesn’t make you a better person.

Stuff imprisons you. Experiences empower you.

Secret #5. You Are Not Alone

The thing I missed most when I moved to France alone was community.

Bankers deal in money. Artists deal in ideas. So it matters enormously to create an atmosphere where ideas can thrive.

That doesn’t mean attending every opening, every art event.

I used to do that. It’s exhausting — and soul- destroying.

Find what has heart and meaning for you.

Find your people.
Support them generously.
Celebrate their successes.
Let them celebrate yours.

Art doesn’t live in a bubble. I’ve never subscribed to the lone genius theory.

Art is a reflection of the time and space in which it lives —and artists who are part of acommunity make strongerwork.

They feel more supported, because they are.

Community puts artists in the economy of ideas. And if you’ve heard me say it once, you’ve heard me say it a hundred times:

Ideas are an artist’s currency.

Secret #6. What’s Your Story?

A friend was recently arguing with her partner. (Not me — I never argue.)

In her anger, she ran the story of the argument over and over in her head. It was getting in the way of her work, so I asked:

“This is your story — but what story is he telling himself?”

They talked. And when they finally heard each other’s versions, everything shifted. Neither one had meant to cause hurt. That was just the picture they’d each painted. We all do this.

We all create stories about ourselves and others. Stories shape how we experience the world.

But stories aren’t facts.
They’re interpretations.

Selective memories. And here’s the beautiful part: you can always write a new story. You can pick up the brush and paint a different picture — any time you choose.

Remember that, and you will always be free.

Secret #7. Everything is Self-Expression

Building my art practice, my writing, my business — it has been a tremendous undertaking.

I’d already had a career. Was I too old to start another? I might be 50 before I saw any return.

And in exchange, I’d be giving up so much — friends, family, a home, comfort, security.

But I told myself: with any luck, I’ll be 50 someday anyway.

So who did I want to be at that age? What did I want to show for it? What could I build that would fulfill me for the next 50 years?

I don’t love every part of running a business. Networking, marketing, social media, selling myself — none of it comes naturally.

But I made a vow that has carried me through: Everything I do must be infused with creativity, authenticity, and fun. Even the hard stuff. Especially the hard stuff.

Secret #8. Never Stop Learning

Curiosity is the trademark of successful artists. It’s in our DNA. It’s how we experiment, develop ideas, and create new work.

But here’s what what I’ve noticed. Artists are naturally curious.

We’ll spend hours learning a new technique, experimenting with materials, or researching ideas.

But many artists decide that business skills are somehow different. They’re not.

We’ll happily wonder how batik is made, how to shoot on film, whether wood could work in a sculpture. But
the moment business enters the conversation, we shut down.

Here’s the truth: The things holding you back are often just skills you haven’t learned yet.

You educate yourself. You find a coach, a mentor, a resource.

Yes, it’s less fun than making art. But it’s what separates the hobbyist from the professional.

And there is a difference.

The things that hold you back are just skills you haven’t learned yet.

Approach them with the same curiosity you bring to your craft — and watch what opens up.

Secret #9. Jump Into the Unknown

I’m not telling you to quit your job. I’m not suggesting you sell everything and move to France.

Listen to that small voice within. Don’t doubt it. Don’t mock it. Just ask, and pay attention to what comes up.

If the answers scare you — and they will — don’t run.

We are never given a desire without the ability to make it happen. I know this to be true.

Work hard. Take risks. But always move from a place that is authentically, deeply, truly you.

Follow only what has heart and meaning.

Crista

June 24, 2026