Have You Got What It Takes?

I didn't write this (except for the parts you see in parentheses). It is long (so I know I'll lose a lot of you starting....... now) but if you're an artist even in the broadest sense and want to make this your career, read on... :

Have you got what it takes to be an ARTIST?

Here's my Top Ten List of what takes to succeed:

1. Failure. You’ve got to work through the bad in order to get to the good. Failure is an integral part of being an artist. (Lots of failure and rejection... it will bother you and that's fine, just learn to get over it FAST)

2. A website. Sorry, I know you didn’t want to hear this but it’s true. Having a website is a sign of professionalism in the art business. (It's important. Keep it current. Work it!)

3. Self-confidence. Confidence isn’t something you are born with or that someone else gives you. It’s a skill that you learn – through doing the work. (If you're awesome and you know it clap your hands.. clap! clap!)

4. Time and space to develop your ideas. Art is more than just pretty pictures, the best art explores ideas and ideas need time to develop and grow. Respect that and give yourself permission to take this time for your work. (And forgive yourself if you check social media 20,000 times during the process... you might get inspired by something you see. Yea, that's it...)

5. A community of other artists. Other artists aren’t your competition, they are your colleagues. Join them. (Well, some of them ARE your competition and this allows you to keep an eye on them...)

6. Resilience. You’re going to hear the word “no” more than you will “yes,” and it takes resilience to keep going. Put on those Big Boy pants! (No! Yes! No!... and I wear big girl pants... well.... not BIG, but, you know)

7. An understanding of the history and issues of your medium and/or subject matter. Never stop learning. (You gotta know your NeoMegilp from your Galkyd Lite. Stand Oil and Linseed oil are not the same thing! I think. Well, sorta the same. Ish.)

8. Professional marketing materials. This is a business, remember? (I have one word for you.... Vistaprint)

9. An understanding of the business of art. As a working artist, you are a self-employed small business owner, you have a responsibility as any other entrepreneur does, to understand professional practices.(Save your receipts!)

10. Do the work. You don’t get to be an artist if you don’t make the work! (This is why you'll never hear me say I'm an accountant).

(Now, go forth and be creative in an orderly fashion).