How does an artist make great work while achieving their professional goals?

To make great work while achieving professional goals, an artist must find a fine balance between the nuts and bolts of the work (execution) and connecting with the spark of the muse (vision). This balance is often referred to as 'The Artist's Dance.' We all know artists who do incredible work but fail to achieve their professional goals, and conversely, some with commercial success whose work leaves us wondering why. The truth is that those who focus their energies toward marketing and promotion usually achieve their artistic professional goals, but without a connection to creativity and technical excellence, the quality of the work will not be there. This quality is what truly drives artists, who strive for greatness and not to be considered a hack for their creative work, no matter how much money they make. It's a dance between execution and vision, and it's really, really difficult to do both well. We all wish we had more time to devote to the artwork. We all fear we don’t put in enough time to promote the artwork. The result is that we’re often exhausted and guilt-ridden. And it’s not just you, every artist struggles with this. But I’ve learned to accept that it is a dance. Sometimes the creativity gets to lead. Other times the business stuff keeps the beat. What’s important to succeeding as an artist is that you don’t sacrifice one for the other. There must be a balance between the business and the creative. And you know when you’re out of balance. Are you focusing too much on making the work? Is the inventory starting to stockpile? Have you allowed your marketing efforts to languish? Or have you been so involved in pushing the work that you’ve lost touch with your own creative spark? Has your connection with The Muse suffered? You can do this. No matter where you find yourself right now in the dance, I invite you to take the lead. If you’re waiting for permission to promote your work, this is it. I am giving you that permission. Your work deserves it. If you need encouragement to engage with your creativity on a deeper level, I’m cheering you on. Take that time for yourself because it is so vital. Can you hear the music playing? Take the lead and start to dance. Because life is playing your song. Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)