Want to Be Taken Seriously as an Artist? Then Begin Taking Yourself Seriously.
Being an artist is a calling. Not taking yourself seriously can be a stumbling block. It prevents you from growing.
Below I’ve listed 5 stumbling blocks for artists.
1. Self-doubt and insecurity.
As painters, we are on the sensitive side. Painting is like exposing yourself to the public. It’s crazy how vulnerable you actually are as a painter. Naturally self-doubt and insecurity arise.
Being emotionally invested in what we create is a given. All of us want our work to be good, in fact, great. But we can’t lead with insecurity and self doubt. To counteract this, I suggest painting quickly and emotionally for several hours and then stopping. Resist going back into the painting until the next day. With fresh eyes, you’ll see the painting in its wholeness and if there is something wrong it will reveal itself. Trust me.
I have found that I can bypass insecurity if I put the painting aside after I’ve painted several hours on a it. Setting it aside until the next day, prevents me from doubting my work and helps me take a fresh look the next day. Often I’ll place it front and center when walking into my studio. The first look tells me loads about what might be wrong with the painting. It prevents me from fussing with it and maybe ruining it.
2. Isolation.
Painters are in their studios a lot. Most of us enjoy the isolation but at times isolation can be an impediment to successful work. I have a studio in a building with a number of artists. It is called ‘Art on the Hill’ and surprisingly the hallways become a meeting place. It doesn’t take much socializing for a driven artist to feel a sense of connection with colleagues. Look for connection online with other artists on LinkedIn or FB. And join an local art association.
3. Balancing your passion with practical day-to-day living.
We all have obligations outside of our passionate art career. It’s important to follow through with family and social obligations. But you can reduce the automated beeps and prompts from your phone and carve out some dedicated, non-distracted time for creating. Just you and the canvas and paints.
Solid time to create is a must for every serious artist. I suggest turning off your phone and other digital devices for 50 minutes and see what happens? Give yourself freedom to paint, draw, or create in some manner that accesses that deep urge in you to express your visions, imaginings and emotions.
4. Rejection and criticism.
This is a big one. Maybe the biggest stumbling block to success as an artist. Realizing that there are thousands of artists in the world vying for the same gallery, the same art award, the same kudos, can make you feel overwhelmed.
But being rejected from an art association or gallery doesn’t mean you are not talented. It’s not the right fit at that time. It doesn’t mean you suck at painting. Continue to work and actualize your vision. The way out is through.
Criticism is a welcome part of painting. To have a fellow artist or teacher give you a critique helps you grow as a serious artist. Painters benefit from others looking at their work and giving critiques. BUT, they are just opinions. Don’t take them as gospel.
5. Managing the business side of your art.
If you are an artist like I am, money was never really the main goal. But, let’s face it, art is an industry and it runs on trust and personal connections. You need to relate to customers, colleagues and galleries. Additionally, you need a business website. You can’t tuck yourself away in your studio. To be a serious artist you must get serious about the business end of things.
I hope you’ve gotten something out of this. Being an artist is not a cake walk. But if you hang in there, you will be rewarded. More on this in future articles.
I’ve given myself a 30 day writing challenge. An article a day for 30 days. This is day 2. Thanks for reading!
I’d love a coffee at ko-fi.com/lorwenpaintings