Why Artists Don’t Need Something To Fall Back On

Quick Answer

Artists do not need a fallback plan because committing fully to their creative work, described as a 'leap of faith,' allows them to 'fall forward' towards their dreams. The Working Artist founder Crista Cloutier emphasizes that an artist's purpose serves as a guide, helping them navigate inevitable challenges and failures. By embracing these stumbles, artists build resilience and experience, metaphorically gaining 'new feathers' to eventually fly in their chosen career.

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 How can artists overcome the fear of fully committing to their art without a backup plan?

The article encourages artists to take a "leap of faith" in themselves and their work, viewing the jump as a fall forward towards dreams rather than away from them. It suggests that understanding your creative work's purpose can guide and support you through this commitment, making the journey less about going alone.

2 What does it mean to "fall forward" in an artistic career?

"Falling forward" means embracing the initial leap of faith into your artistic path, moving towards your dreams and ambitions rather than away from them. It signifies accepting that the journey will involve stumbles and failures, but each time you get back up, you build strength and experience.

3 How should artists deal with the inevitable failures and mistakes mentioned in the article?

The article states that artists will fall down, fail, work for free, and make mistakes. It encourages viewing each stumble and recovery as an opportunity to receive a "new feather," building the "wings" needed to eventually fly and succeed in their artistic journey.

4 What role does "purpose" play in an artist's journey, according to the article?

Your purpose is defined as the energy your creative work is in service to, and it is meant to hold your hand on your leap of faith. The article advises calling upon your purpose when in trouble, as it helps navigate the ups and downs of the artist's journey beyond just ego.