Will You Believe Artist Myths or Be Responsible for Your Own Success in 2012

The Lily Pond
12 x 12
Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

A fried of mine, Aletta de Wal, is the founder of Artists Career Training.com where she offers products and services to help artists "make a better living making art".  She and I share an enthusiasm for shattering the "starving artist" myth and we have worked on several teleclass and ebook projects to help artists create their own success. There is no reason for artists to suffer and struggle in the name of their art, when knowing and taking action on some practical approaches, and then being persistent over time, can lead to success. Recently Aletta  published a newsletter dispelling some other artist myths. Click on Artist Myths to see tips.

Consider sometimes myths are convenient to keep around because they allow us to blame something or someone else or circumstances and not be responsible for our own actions ( or lack of action) and  results.

Aletta is also author of the upcoming book:

"My Real Job is Being an Artist - What You Should Know Before you Quit Your Day Job (or Get One)"

which is due to be released Winter 2012.

 I had the honor of  reading and providing feedback on a recent draft. I have read and own many art marketing books, but hers is by far the most substantive and comprehensive book I've seen on the topic. It delivers no nonsense, practical guidance for artists. I look forward to re-reading it when it comes out and will keep you posted on the release once a firm date is set.

 In the meantime, this time of year is always a great time to reflect back on what you accomplished this past year, lessons learned and then create goals for the new year. It's easy to forget what we accomplished over the course of the whole year,. We also may miss the big picture when we are looking at what's coming up next. 

 Looking back on the year, I feel grateful for having set a clear plan with goals like getting into another gallery outside Georgia( I did get into a new gallery, the Spencer Gallery in Charleston  SC as well as a second new gallery The Art House in Atlanta), studying with some excellent instructors

( including Robert Johnson, Dan Edmonson and Hedi Moran at the Scottsdale Artists School) and painting lots to build my "brush mileage" and skills in oils comparable to my watercolors ( painted over 150 oil paintings) as well as led 2 painting workshops in Italy and my other ongoing classes and workshops. I ended up having my best year yet, despite the challenges of the economy.

Often people ask me how I can get so much done- and it is not anything magical or special. It really starts with a plan. If you don't know where you want to go- how will you get any there? Having a plan really helps to keep me focused and also to say no to opportunities that sound intriguing but  might really just distractions from the things that are most important to me.

If you haven't set your goals for 2012, I'd encourage you to find an hour of time between now and the end of the year and  get out a a clean sheet of paper. Imagine yourself at the end of next year looking back- What 3-5 things would you be most satisfied with having accomplished? Write them down. Try to be as specific as possible. If you are genuinely committed to those outcomes( not just a "hope" or "try", then work back and see what actions you'd need to take to get there. Then as Nike says- Just do it! Having a plan in writing that you can see on a regular basis will help you stay focused and true to your dreams.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a new year that's filled with art, success and whatever''s most important to you!