I have answered a lot of letters over the years from artists who want to know my opinion on living the artist’s life. I am compiling those letters into a book that I am very excited about. Here is one of those letters. This is a response to someone who wanted to give up because they did a couple of art shows and didn’t sell anything.
Dear Artist,
Greetings and creative vibes to you today! After reading your letter, I found myself immersed in a thought that I believe is crucial for us as artists, creators, and individuals on this incredible journey. It’s all about how we convey our message to the world – whether it’s through our art, at shows, on social media, or any other form of expression.
I know people out there may say to paste on a smile and keep presenting yourself to the world that way. That people will follow people that are confident and showing off the highlight reel is important. That is a terrible way to live and it is quite isolating. Instead, let’s focus on something deeper… something real – the way we communicate. Whether you’re selling at a show or creating content, your true feelings are bound to seep into your message. It’s like the lines between the lines, subtly revealing your emotions, no matter how hard you try to mask them.
You’re at a show, desperately trying to sell your creations. Feeling ignored and at wit’s end, you try to interact with people in a way that will bring a sale. Despite your friendly facade, that desperation is what people will sense. It puts them off. What is churning underneath will always come to the surface no matter how hard you try to hide it.
In that moment you feel victimized by the unfairness of it all. The desperation takes over. You NEED to sell something, you NEED to be validated, and You NEED to prove that you are good enough. However, in every situation, you have a choice – to feel like a victim or to feel empowered. You can either let circumstances and outcomes control you, or you can embrace your power, make decisions, and shape your own narrative.
When you feel stuck, when those clouds of doubt or stress loom over, they have the power to tarnish your outlook and hinder your creativity. But, here’s the thing – your priorities, your creative energy, they are yours to define. It’s all about the message you’re putting out there, not who is listening.
In our creative pursuits, we often face challenges, struggles, and uncertainties. But here’s the secret sauce – you have the ability to choose how you react to anything. You can either let these challenges define you, or you can rise above the noise.
I have shown my art at festivals and galleries hundreds of times, and I can tell you that there will be days when nothing happens. No sales, no conversations, no attention, and no validation. In those moments, you have to go inside and determine how you can take that experience and make it a powerful motivator to keep going. How it is all a notch on your belt and necessary for the evolution of becoming an artist who is unstoppable by circumstance.
I understand that society doesn’t often encourage us to explore and express our true feelings, the overarching emotional state that colors our interactions. Yet, it’s there, it’s palpable, and people can sense it. So, let’s be intentional about the energy we project into the world. Most importantly, the energy we project into ourselves.
Remember, we all have struggles, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you choose to face them. Self-sabotage is a real thing, and the first step to overcoming it is acknowledging it. So, let’s stand strong, confront our challenges, and convey our messages with unwavering confidence. It is in those moments of darkness that we can find our power.
I believe in you, but take these opportunities to believe in yourself. Take these opportunities to show yourself how strong you are. Take these opportunities to pick yourself back up and move forward despite the obstacles.
I adore you,
DEAR ARTIST, LETTERS FROM A ROGUE
Rafi Perez
Please let me know your thoughts below.
MY NEW BOOK
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I have always look at art shows, etc. as a type of publicity. I would have preferred to sell work or get commissions while I was there but it certainly didn’t happen as much as I had hoped. Instead, I always created pastel paintings at the front corner of my canopy. People would come see what I was doing and ask questions. I would let children in particular touch a pastel so they could see how different pastels were from sidewalk chalk. I kept an art supply catalog of sale items by me to show the reason paintings were expensive to create. Then I mentioned all the additional expensives like framing. I never sat in the back of my tent waiting for people to kiss the ring. I presented myself as a person of an average background who had created art since I was a toddler and could hold an object that could make marks. I was not an all knowing elite artist. I had fun making art. I always made some money selling my art. But I didn’t refuse jobs that other artists would consider below them. I also taught art at arts organizations and in my various studios. I always told my students that…because you didn’t sell any work or get accepted in an art show… It doesn’t mean your work is bad. Art appreciation is subjective. The next viewer may think they have never seen work as wonderful as yours. I have never been a desperate artist. I will always create art even if I have to do without in other areas of my life. Nothing has or will keep me from making art.
That’s great! Thank for sharing.
I tried to join the Rogue tier and it said it’s no longer available.
It should be available, I’ll send you a link via email.