I’ve been working with many types of artists, from around the world, for over a decade. Thriving artists consistently maintain three simple habits. 1. Thriving Artists have a habit of maintaining a standing appointment to work “on” their business. They don’t just work “in” their business. How can you do this? Look at your calendar and examine your existing commitments. Then make an honest assessment of your energy level and choose an optimal time to work “on” your business. You must set up a standing appointment. Pick a reasonable amount of time.
- Twenty minutes a day
- One hour every other day
- Three hours on Saturdays
Don’t worry about what time and how much time, you can adjust that. Just focus on maintaining a habit. Keep your promise to yourself by starting your appointment to work on your creative enterprise on time. And it’s just as important to end on time. Why? Because it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What happens when you get overwhelmed? You quit.Note. This is completely separate from the time you spend making art. 2. Thriving Artists have a habit of maintaining relationships with a mentor and a support network. A mentor is different from a coach, consultant, or teacher. A mentor is someone who has accomplished something similar to what you want to accomplish and who is willing and able to guide you through their specific process. Do you want to sell your art? Then you’re only going to learn from someone who has successfully made art and sold their art themselves.
A true mentor walks their talk.
Having an experienced mentor saves you extraordinary amounts of:
- time
- money
- frustration
An artist’ support network is critical. Too many groups of artists are full of jealousy and competitive behavior. Artists often lead isolated lives but they need a nurturing support system to thrive. Trying to build a creative enterprise by yourself is too hard and too lonely. Support is particularly critical if your family and close friends negate your artistic aspirations. I’m very proud to say that The MAKING Art Making MONEY Semester community is a warm, welcoming, compassionate, diverse, and an intelligent global community. These artists connect to one another live via Skype, Google Hangouts, or Facetime where they complete specific exercises within clear meeting guidelines. Some of my students have even traveled to meet each other in person. 3. Last by not least, Thriving artists maintain a positive attitude. What is your overall attitude? Be honest. That’s the only way to improve it. An artist’s attitude is THE best indicator of their future success. Note. A positive attitude does not mean that you’re never frustrated, pissed off, confused, or feel stuck. That would be inhuman. Maintaining a positive attitude just means that you notice non-productive or negative thoughts and behavior sooner rather than later. Then you take immediate action get yourself into a productive state. Do whatever works to change your state of mind. My students do a daily exercise created my friend Dr. George Pratt, a well-known performance psychologist. It takes them less than four minutes a day, as long as it takes to brush your teeth. Dr. Pratt has given this same exercise to athletes who have gone on to win Olympic medals and to vocalists who have gone on to win Grammy Awards. When my students do Dr. Pratt’s exercises consistently, they start to uncover and dissolve their self-limiting beliefs. These artists experience a significant increase in their self-confidence and focus, the two vital ingredients to selling your art without feeling like a sell-out. Maybe you’re not yet enrolled in The MAKING Art Making MONEY Semester , but you can start with steps one, two, and three above today. Do you maintain these habits now? If so, please share below.