Hey there everyone! If you caught my last post, “Drowning,” you know that I’ve had my fair share of struggles with running an art business. Today, I wanted to shift gears and focus on the positives, sharing some of the upsides of having an art career and how we can make it more joyful and fulfilling. These are some ways that have worked for me, and while results will vary, I hope you find something helpful here.
First off, let’s talk about the importance of sometimes quitting—not the art career, but specific pieces that are causing frustration. There have been times when I’ve hyper-focused on a single piece, unable to step away even when it’s clearly not working out. What I’ve learned is that stepping away from the art piece and giving it time to breathe can be incredibly beneficial. Sometimes, the issue lies in a skill deficiency that we might not be aware of yet. By working on other projects and returning later, we often find that we’ve developed the skills needed to tackle the problem piece. So, don’t be afraid to start multiple projects and circulate through them.
Another tip is to embrace the process of circulating through art pieces. This approach removes the pressure of expectations and allows for a more playful, experimental attitude towards art. When you don’t have a fixed idea of how a piece should turn out, it becomes an opportunity to explore and have fun. This is a time to play with your art, and I find it extremely vital to have these fun, experimental art pieces. You might even step outside of traditional art and engage in some sort of craft, like crocheting, which can invigorate your creativity and loosen your expectations on final results.
Reducing time spent on social media can also significantly enhance your happiness as an artist. Unless you’re specifically looking for inspiration, the constant comparison to other artists’ skill levels can be overwhelming and disheartening. Instead, try to focus on what’s going right with your own work. It can be very enjoyable to pick a piece from one of your favorite artists and analyze it. Create a mood board and assess what’s working in the image and what you can learn from it. This exercise can be incredibly fun and insightful.
Additionally, for private practice, you can learn new techniques by making an artist copy of one of your favorite works. This is strictly for your own development and should not be shared or sold since it’s someone else’s intellectual property. However, in the privacy of your own space, creating these copies can be a fantastic way to improve your skills. It’s a method that many artists use to learn, and it can make you happier with the eventual results of your own work.
Another aspect that can bring joy to your art career is diversifying the types of projects you take on. Experiment with different mediums and subjects to keep things fresh and exciting. For instance, if you primarily do digital art, try your hand at watercolor or sculpture. Mixing things up can prevent burnout and keep your creative juices flowing.
Finding a supportive community is also crucial. Surround yourself with fellow artists who understand the ups and downs of the creative process. Join local art groups, participate in online forums, or attend workshops. Engaging with others who share your passion can provide encouragement, feedback, and new perspectives that enrich your artistic journey.
Investing time in personal projects that you’re passionate about, without the pressure of commercial success, can also be very rewarding. These projects allow you to explore ideas and techniques that excite you, without worrying about marketability. This freedom can reignite your love for art and lead to unexpected breakthroughs in your work.
Lastly, take care of your mental and physical health. Regular breaks, proper sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet all contribute to overall well-being, which in turn supports your creativity. When you’re feeling good physically and mentally, it’s much easier to tackle artistic challenges and enjoy the process. And if your struggling with all of this, you are not alone! It does get easier, and with some effort you can eventually break some of your worse habits and improve your mental and physical health over a steady duration of time.
In conclusion, making an art career fulfilling and joyful involves a mix of practical strategies and self-care. Stepping away from frustrating pieces, experimenting with different projects, reducing social media time, learning through artist copies, diversifying your work, engaging with a supportive community, pursuing personal projects, and maintaining your health are all ways to enhance your happiness as an artist. While the path may have its challenges, these tips can help you navigate the journey more smoothly and find joy in your creative endeavors.
Thank you all for reading and for your continued support. If you have any tips or experiences you’d like to share, please leave a comment. Let’s continue to support each other and find ways to thrive both creatively and personally.
Warm regards,
Latisha
Latisha Taylor Art 