The Top 10 Things I've Learned...

  • If it isn’t hard now, then you aren’t working hard enough
    1. I had a teacher tell me this once in a college drawing class, and he was correct! Art is an incredibly difficult industry.
  • If you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work
    1. Well this is somewhat true. In running a business there are tasks that feel like work! But in general, I love making things and I love when those things make other people happy. Otherwise this industry would just be too difficult!
  • Never stop learning.
    1. I love taking classes, and I love learning new techniques. This is what keeps it all interesting. My personal goal is to take at least one in depth class or workshop a year.
  • Don’t take it personally!
    1. This is so much easier said than done, especially for a sensitive artist like us! All we can do is try to remember that it does not matter what others think if we believe in ourselves and are doing our best.
  • You are going to be told “no” 99 times out of 100.
    1. All of those rejections make that final acceptance so much sweeter!
  • Promote yourself!
    1. No one is going to do it for you. Swallow your pride, be yourself and show off what you’ve got.
  • Build a community for yourself.
    1. Your best customers “know, like and trust” you.
  • Know your industry, and who is in it.
    1. As an artist it is your responsibility to know what other artists work similarly to you.  How do you fit in with them yet have your own voice?
  • Education is power.
    1. I am 100% on the education train. Get educated, take classes, earn degrees, and use them all for good. Spread the word on what art is and how it makes our world better.
  • Don’t’ give up.
    1. Reach out to that gallery, apply to that show and follow up with your inquiries. Eventually someone will notice you!
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