Tag: Growth – Confidence and Overcoming Fear

Today, I want to discuss some of the things that have fueled my art career and kept me going, even during challenging times. As you’ve probably heard me say a thousand times, persistence is crucial in this line of work, and it’s essential to navigate the numerous roadblocks and emotional hurdles that come our way. To truly establish a thriving art career that connects with people and allows personal growth, we must embrace creativity as a catalyst for progress.

First and foremost, creativity serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. It allows us to delve into our inner thoughts, emotions, and ideas, enabling us to communicate them uniquely and authentically. It’s crucial to stay true to ourselves and not chase after financial gain alone. By staying authentic and real, our art reflects who we are rather than a pursuit of monetary rewards.

Additionally, engaging in creative activities provides an avenue for mindfulness and relaxation. When we immerse ourselves in the act of creation, we find solace in the present moment. As artists and as humans, we often get caught up in predicting the future or dwelling on the past. However, true mindfulness lies in fully focusing on the now. When I create art, my entire attention is devoted to the process, allowing me to relax and be fully present. It’s almost meditative, and many artists find themselves unintentionally practicing mindfulness during their creative sessions.

Another valuable aspect of creativity is problem-solving. Creating a work of art is akin to a continuous process of trial and error, requiring constant course correction. This mirrors life itself, as we must move forward, taking steps even when we’re unsure of the outcome. When creating art, we must confront challenges head-on and persistently correct our course until we’re satisfied with the result. This fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving skills, which are not only essential in art but also in our everyday lives. Embracing the mindset of resolving obstacles instead of blaming external factors empowers us to overcome any hurdle that comes our way.

Furthermore, being an artist cultivates emotional intelligence. Art is deeply emotional and connects us to the world around us. Even the seemingly mundane, like observing a flower and capturing its essence through a photograph or painting, can evoke powerful emotions. As artists, we can explore and invest more time into these seemingly insignificant moments. Engaging in art allows for self-reflection, personal growth, and enhanced self-awareness. It is our responsibility to acknowledge and understand our own emotional responses, both in our art and in life.

Risk-taking and resilience are integral parts of being an artist. To pursue this path, we must step outside our comfort zones and embrace the mindset of resilience. When we commit ourselves to the artist’s journey, regardless of the challenges that arise, we develop the courage to face failure and learn from it. This mindset not only applies to our artistic endeavors but also permeates all areas of life. We become more adaptable and better equipped to overcome any obstacle life presents.

Creativity also enhances our ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. As artists, we might initially struggle with public speaking or showcasing our work. However, by engaging with fellow artists, collectors, and participating in artistic events, we gradually become more adept at expressing our ideas, actively listening, and collaborating with others. Art is a form of communication, and by putting ourselves out there, we break free from the constraints of feeling small or introverted.

Moreover, being an artist encourages continuous learning. The world of art is vast, offering endless possibilities for growth, experimentation, and exploration. We expand our horizons by constantly learning new techniques, styles, and mediums. Curiosity becomes our driving force, and the journey becomes as important as the destination. As artists, we’re attuned to the world, paying attention to details, and constantly seeking new discoveries.

Lastly, art and creativity bring joy, happiness, and fulfillment. Creating something meaningful and witnessing its positive impact on others is incredibly rewarding. The ability to express ourselves authentically and make a positive difference nourishes our sense of purpose and well-being. I am grateful that through my art, I have found true happiness and fulfillment in my life. While financial stability is important, it is secondary to the deep satisfaction of living a purpose-driven life as an artist.

So, my fellow rogue artists, I hope you find inspiration in these thoughts. Embrace your creativity as a means of personal growth, and remember that your artistic journey is about becoming a better version of yourself. The happiness and sense of purpose that art brings are invaluable. Keep creating, keep putting yourself out there, and remember that the more authentic you are, the more you will connect with others.
Thank you for being part of this amazing artistic community. You are all truly awesome, and I adore each and every one of you. Until next time, have an incredible week filled with creativity. Adios!

Hello, amazing artists! Today, I want to talk about something personal, something that’s fresh in my mind. I haven’t been feeling well for about two weeks now, and this week, I started to feel overwhelmed and went into a downward spiral.

Pursuing an art career and feeling like nothing is coming from it can lead to overwhelming roadblocks and obstacles. I want to talk about what I did in that place and share it with you, hoping it will help you out.

Emotions and feelings are the most important things to look at and face when pursuing an art career. Discouragement and going into a downward spiral can kill your art career because it causes you to decide to stop.

Let me share with you what happened to me. Everything was on track with the art business, and the studio was finally open, but a big storm hit on the day we were ready to go. A giant tree in our yard was swaying, and a big branch fell off that tree, just missing our house. Looking at the tree during the storm, I knew it had to come down, but our finances have been stretched thin after the move and the studio being shut down for so long. We’re still recovering. The idea of paying for the project was daunting because we have more debt than I’m comfortable with.

So, I devised a plan for taking the tree down that involves creating art from it. In the meantime, I ordered a printer and invested a fair amount of money that we didn’t have into it. I decided to rerelease my prints, something that’s easy for me to do, and it’s not very expensive as far as price goes, with a good profit margin. I released my prints, but nothing happened, which is typical. That’s how it works. However, I discovered that I was focused on the lack of money because of the tree, and other things I didn’t realize were brewing in my mind.

I immediately found myself in a downward spiral, feeling hopeless and not wanting to do anything. I knew I had to snap out of it, so I started to do something about it. I decided to focus on what I could control: creating art. I started planning the artwork with the tree and the fallen branch. I also decided to share my experience with you, hoping that it could help someone out there who is going through something similar.

The first step is to acknowledge your feelings and emotions. Don’t deny them, but don’t let them take over you. The second step is to focus on what you can control. Create art, write, read, or do something that makes you happy. The third step is to change your mindset. Don’t focus on the lack of money or the things you can’t do. Focus on what you can do and the opportunities that come your way.

It’s essential to surround yourself with a community of people who are supportive of your art and your journey. Join a group, attend art shows, or reach out to someone who inspires you. It’s also important to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Pursuing an art career can be challenging, and it’s okay to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. But it’s essential to acknowledge your feelings, focus on what you can control, and change your mindset. Remember that you are not alone, and there is always a way forward. Keep creating and keep going.

In life, there are moments when things don’t go as planned, and it’s easy to fall into negative thinking patterns. You start to downward spiral, and before you know it, you’re consumed by worries and regrets.

Challenging negative thoughts is a powerful step to breaking free from the downward spiral.
These thoughts are often patterns we have developed over time, and it’s essential to identify them and challenge them by asking ourselves, “Is this really true?” Look for evidence that contradicts your negative thoughts. For example, if you think you will never succeed in something, look for examples of people who started from scratch and succeeded.

Another powerful technique is mindfulness. When we’re in the midst of a downward spiral, we’re often thinking about something that hasn’t even happened yet, and we’re worrying about things we can’t control. Mindfulness is about staying in the present and focusing on what’s happening right now. When we’re mindful, we’re not distracted by worries and regrets, and we’re better able to deal with the challenges we face.

Taking a break from everything is also essential. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take a day or two off to regain our balance and find our center. It’s crucial to remember that our emotions are important, and we need to take care of ourselves.

If you’re struggling with negative thoughts and finding it difficult to break free, seek help. Talk to someone who can offer you guidance and support. Sometimes, we need to lean on others to help us get through challenging times.

We all experience moments of negative thinking and downward spirals, but we have the power to break free from them. By challenging negative thoughts, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed, we can overcome any obstacle and find our way back to a place of peace and happiness. Remember, your thoughts and emotions matter, and you have the power to shape your reality.