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    This Defines an Artist

     

    But what about all the bad stuff that happens to artists?

    Get over it.

    No, seriously. Bad stuff is part of the deal in art.

    Promises will be broken. Calls won’t be returned. Sales will fall through. And apparently global pandemics are even going to hit.

    It’s going to be tough sometimes. And not everyone is going to like your work.

    You’re going to fail. If you’re like me, you’re going to fail a lot.

    But when you find yourself looking in the accusing glare of the mirror, remind yourself: This isn’t everything you are.

    Are you out of money? You’ll have money again. This isn’t everything you are.

    Have you maybe applied for something and got rejected? It’s possible. It just wasn’t a good fit for your work. This isn’t everything you are.

    Yes, it hurts when bad stuff happens. I get hurt too. Me? I turn to chocolate. Sometimes I cry.

    But the first thing I do after I blow my nose is to start asking questions:

    • Where’s the gold?

    • What have I learned?

    • Did I make any new connections?

    • Can I add a line to my resume?

    • How can I pivot this energy?

    How can this so called setback become part of your success story?

    Consider writer Tim Ferriss, whose first book was rejected 25 times.

    But that same book, “The Four Hour Work Week,” went on to sell like a gazillion copies. It launched a remarkable career.

    And now failure is part of his success story. And he tells it proudly.

    Wear failure like a badge because it proves that you’re in the arena, that you’re doing the work.

    You’re an artist. This is who you are.

    And the bad stuff that happens is just part of your story. You decide if it’s ultimately bad or good.

    Don’t let a situation define you.

    Your intentions define you.

    Your work defines you.

    You define you.

    This is who you are.

    Crista

    PS: Here are 2 ways we can work together, whenever you’re ready…

    1. Create a solid proven business plan for showing and selling more art in 2024:

    My Working Artist system is simple yet powerful. I’ve taught this system to thousands of artists all over the world through my Masterclass and their results have been staggering. Click here to learn more.

    2. Work with me privately:

    If you’d like to work with me directly to grow your art business, streamline your marketing, and get professional insight into your brand, website and social media presence, just send me a message with the word “Private”.

    Tell me a little about your art practice and I’ll get you all the details. Click here to send me a message.

     

    Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)
    crista-cloutier
    November 27, 2023
    « Who Do You Think You Are?
    Does your family hate your art? »

    See Your Art Career with Fresh Eyes

    Created by art mentor Crista Cloutier, this short self-assessment reveals the  
    strengths of your current practice and offers insight into the next step of your professional path.

    Personalized insight

    Practical next steps

    Encouragement to grow your art

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