8 Mistakes That Hold Artists Back
I love making lists. It always helps me organize my thoughts, test out ideas and digest material. I think it was my 5th grade teacher who taught me to take notes in outline form, so thank you Mrs. Gruver. And thank you artist Martin Webb for turning me on to Enrique Martinez Celaya’s “On Art and Mindfulness”. This book of quick insights is great to have by my desk and I am going to be quoting from it a lot in this post. I hope you enjoy this list and will message me with items to add.
Before we begin I just want to inject some humor and share some posts by artist Michael James Schneider who is a writer and artist living in Portland, Oregon. Among his many talents is an ability to find just the right words to sum up the fragility of being creative. Please follow him @blcksmith for more gems.
1. “Field of Dreams” syndrome.
For those who don’t remember the 1989 Kevin Costner sports fantasy drama – the film “Field of Dreams” tells the story of a farmer who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield on the advice of a voice that tells him “If you build it, they will come.” Despite the ridicule of his neighbors and friends, the baseball field miraculously attracts baseball fans from all across Iowa and beyond.
Unfortunately, in real life you can’t create something in the studio and expect the audience to magically appear. Some artists have the misconception that talent alone will attract attention. But considering the sheer number of creators in the world – you have to work hard to get yourself noticed. Part of the work is getting the word out.
“Line up your desires with your actions.”
2. Listening to negative voices.
We live in a highly critical society. In recent months it seems increasingly acceptable to judge others harshly. Often, we don’t stop to think about the adverse effects that criticism has on the human psyche. As an artist, you have to be resilient against negative feedback from others – and more often against the negative voices in your head. Even Abe Lincoln knew that “you can never please all of the people all of the time.” So go easy on yourself, but build up that emotional armor. When you hear a negative comment about your work, shrug it off and say “I guess that person didn’t connect with what I was trying to say.” Then move on.
“Adversity and failure allow you to find humility, strength, clarity and new beginnings.”
3. Waiting for the perfect opportunity.
You might have a picture in your mind of how you want your career to go. You see yourself presenting in high-end art fairs or getting a commission from a wealthy patron. Nothing wrong with envisioning your ideal scenario, but don’t let it restrict your career choices. Sometimes you have to compromise or create your own opportunities (see my blog series “Out On Your Own”. Start small and work your way up to bigger dreams. In taking the opportunities that arise you will make contacts that will help you later.
“Your audience will reveal itself, though not always right away.”
4. Getting distracted.
Artists have curious intellects. We wonder about many things and try to address myriad concepts in our work. So it is easy for us to get distracted or choose too many directions. I recommend that artists don’t work on more than two ideas at a time. And if possible, make one your primary theme and the other secondary. By concentrating your mind, you will go deeper and become more masterful. Your audience will also get to know you better and be able to identify your style.
“When you feel you are all over the place try to find a different vantage point. Sometimes there is another plane of thought where disparate ideas reconcile or, at least, coexist.”
5. Looking for shortcuts.
I guess this goes back to #1 and expecting your art to magically attract an audience. But it also has to do with patience. Art careers take decades to build. I once had a potential client who said “I don’t want to show in cafes, group shows, open studios, etc. I want gallery representation and not self-promotion.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t help someone who wasn’t willing to put in the work to grow their reputation steadily.
Starting out in group shows, smaller venues and popular events will eventually gain you respect. It will introduce you to other artists, curators and gallerists who might help you in the future. And then there is all the other work to be done: documenting your work, writing your statement, creating a website, building a mailing list. The business of art has a timeline that you can’t really skip over, so be patient and acknowledge the small triumphs along the way.
“Genius is not beforehand but becomes in the making.”
6. Trying to do it alone.
As an artist you have to do fill the various roles that many businesses require: accounting, marketing, inventory, shipping, etc. It is enough to overwhelm even the most resourceful entrepreneur. But you are not alone. These days there are tons of accessible platforms, videos, webinars and books you can consult to help with certain tasks. I have recommended a few like Artwork Archive, ArtSpan, ArtBusiness.com. I’ve also uncovered a few YouTube channels with great advice-givers: Very Private Gallery, Breakfast with Sergio. You can start out here to learn how other savvy artists are managing their businesses.
Beyond that you can join local art organizations, Facebook groups, or become a member of an artist collective to brainstorm with other creatives on where to find resources. If you have the budget for it, hiring an accountant, artist coach, studio assistant or PR manager can really lighten your load. Invest in yourself by letting professionals help you out.
“If possible, be around artists who are better than you and who hold themselves to a higher standard. Be around them even if you don’t talk about art. Sometimes it is better not to.”
7. Basing success on sales.
As your career grows, you’ll expect to be selling more work. Depending on your sources of income – you may be relying on sales to support yourself and others. So, I know this is hard to swallow, but sales don’t always equal success. Don’t let this get you down. Shift your sense of accomplishment to measure each step in the progress. If you are moving towards your goals – you are successful. If your mailing list is growing – you are successful. If you’re getting into shows – you are successful. As long as you’re not giving up – you’re moving up.
“There is much attention placed on talent, but when trying to do something significant character and devotion are the determining factors of success.”
8. Staying inside the studio.
Yes, getting out during this pandemic is a challenge. Especially as artists, your usual social situations like gallery openings and museum events are unavailable. But I have personally found that a change of scenery can do wonders for creativity and being around others (even virtually) is essential for artistic nourishment. As I mentioned in a recent newsletter, some small venues are now open by appointment and outdoor venues such as sculpture gardens and mural festivals are fun alternatives to museums. In the future – make art outings a regular part of your practice, not only for inspiration but to stay connected.
“Art tends to be a solitary experience for the artist, but it becomes less so if you have some relationship with nature and if your work is connected to life.”
