Why does the article suggest artists don't need something to fall back on?

The article argues that having a fallback plan encourages falling away from artistic dreams. Instead, it advocates for a 'fall forward' approach, where challenges and stumbles are seen as opportunities to build strength and move closer to one's ambitions.

What does it mean to 'take a leap of faith' as an artist?

Taking a leap of faith means committing fully to your artistic path, even if it feels like a 'freefall.' It involves trusting your inner voice and purpose, understanding that this initial 'jump' is a significant step towards your creative destiny.

How can an artist's purpose support them through difficulties?

Your artistic purpose is described as a guiding force that will 'hold your hand' through the leap of faith. It helps navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the artist's journey, providing support and preventing reliance solely on ego, which can lead to rougher landings.

What should artists expect when embarking on this journey, and how do they overcome setbacks?

Artists should expect to fall down, fail, work for free, and make mistakes. However, each time you stumble and get back up, you gain a 'new feather,' building the 'wings' necessary to eventually fly and achieve your artistic goals.

Why Artists Thrive When They Don't Have a Fallback Plan

I’m always telling artists to jump, to take a leap of faith. Faith in themselves, faith in their work.

But it’s not always pretty, the jump is rarely a graceful leap from one side to another.

Superstar artist Kiki Smith once told me that choosing to be an artist feels like choosing to be in a freefall for the rest of your life.

And it’s true. Right?

We’ve all been told to have “something to fall back on.” But I don’t want to fall back. When I fall, I want to fall forward toward my dreams and ambitions, not away from them.

Jumping is that first fall forward. It’s blindly heeding the voice that urges follow this.

Understand that the jump is bigger than you. And this is a good thing.

Consider your creative work in terms of the energy it’s in service to.

That’s your purpose. And your purpose will hold your hand on this leap of faith. Believe in your purpose. When you’re in trouble, call upon it.

Because going alone makes for rough landings. It’s difficult to chart the artist’s course of ups and downs when you’re navigating solely with your ego.

The truth is, on this artist’s journey you will fall down. You will fail. You will work for free. You will make mistakes. You will make a fool of yourself – if you’re like me, probably several times.

But each time you stumble and get back up again, you’ll receive a new feather. And it’s with the wings you’re building that you will one day fly.

So take that jump, artist. Take that jump.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1 Why does the article suggest artists don't need something to fall back on?: The article argues that having a fallback plan encourages falling away from artistic dreams. Instead, it advocates for a 'fall forward' approach, where challenges and stumbles are seen as opportunities to build strength and move closer to one's ambitions.
2 What does it mean to 'take a leap of faith' as an artist?: Taking a leap of faith means committing fully to your artistic path, even if it feels like a 'freefall.' It involves trusting your inner voice and purpose, understanding that this initial 'jump' is a significant step towards your creative destiny.
3 How can an artist's purpose support them through difficulties?: Your artistic purpose is described as a guiding force that will 'hold your hand' through the leap of faith. It helps navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the artist's journey, providing support and preventing reliance solely on ego, which can lead to rougher landings.
4 What should artists expect when embarking on this journey, and how do they overcome setbacks?: Artists should expect to fall down, fail, work for free, and make mistakes. However, each time you stumble and get back up, you gain a 'new feather,' building the 'wings' necessary to eventually fly and achieve your artistic goals.

Why Artists Thrive When They Don't Have a Fallback Plan

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Frequently Asked Questions