Practice is truly the only way to become better at your art. Try new things as a part of your practice sessions to expand your artistic portfolio.
Painters may want to seek out the work of historically significant painters. Even if you don’t paint in the same style, an awareness of the methodologies used by great painters can inform your method choices. Writers should read classic literature to have a better appreciation of the craft as an art form as well as a mode of communication.
By being aware of what other artists are currently doing you can make your work unique so it stands out amidst its competition. If a particular kind of art is selling right now, you may want to pursue that style to start getting paid for your work or to increase the prices that you charge.
Often, successful artists are those who can look at the same thing others have before, but see it in a different way. Let your experiences, passions and preferences inform your style of creating art. Setting yourself apart from other artists may increase the value of your work.
An example of a short term goal could be to complete one piece per week, to sell your first painting, or to read a book that could help you improve. Long term goals could include getting your own exhibition, finding professional work as an artist, or getting a piece added to a museum exhibit.
Constantly strive to better yourself and your work. Look for opportunities to market your work or expand the reach it has with the public. Take your work seriously and spend as much time as possible working to improve its quality as well as to make it more marketable.
Be on time for meetings you schedule and treat people courteously and with respect. Follow through on your commitments to buyers so they may be inclined to return for future purchases.
Weigh your options carefully, but when a good opportunity arises, go after it with your full focus and devotion. Don’t allow good opportunities to pass you by because of fear, insecurity or anxiety about what may happen. Believe in yourself and seize the day!
Success will require long hours and hard work, so you will need to be able to drive yourself to do the things you don’t want to do but need to do in order to become successful in the long run. Try giving yourself a set schedule like you might have with any other job. Eventually it can become habit, which will make it easier to stick to.
Don’t expect everyone to be fans of your work. Some may voice their displeasure with what you create, and they may even do so in a very rude way, but that just means your art simply wasn’t made for them. Remember that everyone has different taste and you can’t possible make something that will be universally loved. Instead, make things that you love and others will appreciate it too.
Don’t allow people to remain in your life if they are constantly critical of you or your passion for art. Having the support of your friends and family can make working as an artist even more fulfilling, so cultivate good relationships while doing away with bad ones.
Remember why you love to create art and the way you feel when you complete a piece. It’s okay to devote time and energy to other facets of your life, but stay involved in your art, even if for just a few minutes here or there. You never know when your luck could change, but if you stop creating your art, it never can. The piece that makes you world famous could be your next one.
