A Word
I enjoy the discussion of ideas; I do not enjoy sugarcoating anything. The heart of the matter is where I live. What I write can only come from my own experience and learning in this space and time. I might know something better tomorrow, but for today, this is where I am. We can share our honest thoughts, intentions, frustrations, and learnings. I share my story with the hope of connection, insight, and elevating the arts.
The Work of Art
One limiting belief about creating art is that "it isn't real work." While I think the 'starving artist' trope is changing, we could use more discussion about the arts and artists alike. Professional artists wear many hats to connect their work to the community and sell it successfully. There is pressure to be proficient in writing and communication, marketing, design, finances/accounting, research, archiving, technology, and social skills. Artists bring beautiful things to the community table with different viewpoints, perspectives, and talents.
However, I have gathered there are five other skills needed for a professional art career. This is where one's art career blends with personal development and growth. This is my view about eight months into my professional art practice, and I hope to hear from other artists alike on this one.
Five Skills You Might Not Know Are Needed for Professional Art
1. Grit.
This term has been synonymous with tenacity, 'stick-to-it-ness,' and resilience. While that is all true, it means showing up in the art practice world. Showing up is about 75% of an artist's work. It means I come to the space where I create, wherever that may be, and do the thing. Even if I do not know precisely what I am doing, I know I always figure it out, that the answers will arrive. I show up however I am. Self-love is to show up for yourself and is connected to the growth mentality. Growth is complicated, messy, and humbling, but a professional artist understands that you must go through it. To quote a company slogan, "Just do it [the work]."
2. Trust in the process.
There is an array of information about how to do every kind of technique and run an art business. I researched quite a bit before even coming close to launching, wanting to be prepared. It was overwhelming how many things I did not know how to do besides art and finding my style. Even artistic style and voice are these nebulous things that I wonder if I will ever reach or have reached. The one thing that keeps me going is trust in the process of becoming whatever artist I am supposed to be, the unfolding, the evolution. It comes with time and practice.
3. Intuition.
Yes, I count intuition as a skill because everyone can strengthen it with practice. We all know what it is, but do we understand what it does for us? Beyond the "gut feelings" and "little voice inside," intuition is an internal guidance system and form of intellect. In art practice, I can best describe it as an inner, bodily knowing of the next right thing to do when creating. A painting is a series of decisions about many things and a mixture of planned and spontaneous. If you are an artist, you know the scenario of being stuck not knowing which direction to take a painting, waiting for the answer. This skill also comes with time.
4. Organization.
I would bet you have heard of the other artist trope--they are typically scattered, always late, and disorganized. A quick confession: I was usually running late, daydreaming about something, and loaded down with homework growing up. There is a long story there, but I learned time management skills in college (a little more mature). Professional artists juggle a lot, wearing all those hats--commissions, working with clients, exhibits, volunteering, managing a website, marketing emails, and newsletters, to name a few. Every artist has their workflow, depending on the type and scope of work. I learned things like time blocking and creating a rolling to-do list.
5. Nurturing.
I am sure you have heard of the expression, "You can't pour from an empty cup." As the artist wearing all those hats, you are responsible for making sure your needs are met, whatever they are, so you can keep going. Self-care looks like various things that positively impact your relationship to self--mind, body, and spirit. For myself, I cannot create if I do not get the sleep, exercise, or outdoor time I need regularly. Meaningful connection with others also fills our cups--we need each other. Artists influence and inspire each other in community with each other. Bottom line: do what serves you regularly to maintain your art practice.
