Artist Lessons Learned

Someone recently asked me what lessons have I learned as an artist?

It’s an interesting question, don’t you think?

I gave it some thought and decided it is patience, persistence and learning to not take anything too personally. So, if you are thinking of devoting yourself to your craft, or you know someone who is thinking of devoting themselves to their craft, read on.

Actually, given the current state of how the world is running, you may want to read on anyway ;)

Patience: I think you are either patient or you are not. If you are, there are different levels of patience; some days you are more so than others. If you are not, based on my observation of those in my life who just straight up aren’t, it’s really hard to learn to be. But you should try. As an artist, patience is key. There will be days you are feeling super creative and that creativity is just pouring out of you like acrylic mixed with resin on a paint pour canvas, and then there are days where it is just not. And then there are days where you will love everything that is pouring out of you creatively and you will be convinced that you are the artist rockstar you always dreamed you would be, and then there will be days that you don’t. Those are the days that you need to be patient with yourself. You need to go to your zen place, decompress and not stress over why you haven’t become the next Bansky yet.

You also need to realize that not everything you create is going to appeal to everyone. It may take months, or even years to build a following and generate sales and actually make money. But that’s where persistence comes in.

Persistence: So, while you are busy being patient and hoping to be discovered, you can’t give up. Stay true to yourself and continue to create the body of work that speaks to you. Do what gets you excited. Keep creating. Keep posting. Keep trying. Keep taking chances. Keep throwing that spaghetti on the wall. Eventually some of it will stick.

Don’t take things too personally: I think this is absolutely the most important lesson I have learned and it transcends every aspect of my life. Everyone should learn to not take anything too personally. Some people will love your work, and some people just won’t. And if no one is buying your work or clicking little hearts next to your posts, it doesn’t mean you suck. You just haven’t found your tribe. People will love you. And people won’t. People will agree with you. And people won’t. You just have to do you.

Lastly, I am glad I am an artist. Not a day goes by where I say to myself I should have been an——-. I love that on a daily basis I get to add a little bit of art in to the world and make it just slightly more beautiful. So, I'll be over here creating my heart out in the quiet of my studio. All I can do is create beautiful things and hope that I make at least one person smile through my creations and energy.

Jessica

“I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.”~ Ruth Bader Ginsburg