Create more, consume less. This was a hard lesson for me. Like all of you, I was keeping up with my favorite artists on Instagram, admiring their work for years and years. Then all of a sudden I had an aha moment. I realized that by keeping up with my favorite artists and consuming all this art, I wasn't creating any. So, what did I do? I deleted Instagram. I know, dramatic. But I had to do it. I had to listen to myself and look at my surroundings to understand what inspires me instead of relaying on other artists inspirations. Without all the noise it has helped me see my artistic style.
Starving artists isn't a thing. There are plenty of artists that make a living from their work, you just have to look around. I had so many people tell me, oh? you wanna be an artist? But you not gonna make money. Granted those people were old, and entitled and didn't understand the modern view of an artist they were just going off of the little knowledge they had about it. At the end of the day, you have to want it more than anything and actively work towards your goals.
Do what feels right for you! I can't tell you how many times I've tried to make things work because that's what everyone else was doing. For example: Social media. I have probably announced my arrival on my art Instagram more than 10 times. Why? because I don't like posting! There, I said it. Posting on Instagram is filled with a whole lot of time and energy and no return. I am thankful that I have people following me and interested in my art journey but I would like to never use that app again.
You are an artist no matter how much you have sold. All you have to do is believe that you are and keep going.
Pay attention to the things you enjoy doing the most, that will be the key to figuring out your artistic style.
Niches will help you work towards your goals. Carve a path from where you are to where you want to be. You don't have to have a clear niche but it is helpful.
Being friends with other artists is helpful. Someone that understands you the most out of anyone else. Can relate to your fears, goals, and way of life.
Email lists are your friends. Creating a place where people can keep up with you no matter where the next craze in social media is happening is important.
Your brand is a way to gain followers. Choose colors that go with who you are as a person, a logo that excites you to create, and design a website that you would want to visit yourself.
Your artist's story doesn't have to be some novel. Explain why you are an artist, what you like creating the most and why you want to share your art with the world. Simple. As long as you are honest your audience will find you by relating to you.
