Artists: Find True Inner Validation & Self-Worth

Artist validation

Quick Answer

The Working Artist asserts that artists should seek validation from within themselves, grounded in a strong inner core of ethics and values, rather than from external sources like wealth, fame, or media trends. This internal focus enables artists to develop self-directedness, find their unique voice, and avoid catering to fleeting trends. According to Crista Cloutier, founder of The Working Artist, true artistic expression stems from this developed sense of self-directedness, a principle that has guided artists in over 80 countries since 2014.

One of the first questions I ask aspiring artists is, “What is it that you want?” Invariably the answer has to do with wealth and fame. Heroes named include Damian Hirst and Andy Warhol.

And then I sigh, collect myself, and try to explain that when your focus is on wealth and fame you are getting your validation from outside of yourself, your values are being formed by others. By the media, for crap’s sake. Have you seen the media these days?

This is your life and your work, why would you place its validation in the hands of a soul-less machine?

The best artists have a strong inner core of ethics and values and they are motivated by a developed sense self-directedness.

This is what it is to be an artist; to find one’s own voice and not cater to the trend of the month. As artists, we need to have better goals.

Watch this video now to learn how the best work of an artist comes from within:

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Why is it important for artists to seek validation from within rather than from external sources?

The page explains that seeking validation from wealth and fame means your values are formed by others or the media, which can be a "soul-less machine." True artistic expression comes from a strong inner core of ethics, values, and self-directedness, allowing artists to find their own voice.

2 What does it mean for an artist to have a "strong inner core of ethics and values"?

Having a strong inner core means your artistic motivations and principles originate from within yourself, rather than being influenced by external trends or the desire for wealth and fame. This internal foundation enables artists to be self-directed and create work that is authentic to their unique voice.

3 How can artists avoid catering to trends and find their own voice?

The page advises artists to develop a strong inner core of ethics and values, coupled with a developed sense of self-directedness. This internal focus helps artists resist the urge to cater to the "trend of the month" and instead empowers them to discover and express their unique artistic voice.

4 What is the main takeaway from the video mentioned on this page?

The video aims to teach artists how their best work originates from within themselves. It emphasizes the importance of internal motivation and authenticity as the foundation for creating meaningful and impactful art, rather than relying on external validation.