The top three things I learnt from working with visual artists
that are applicable across any job and will help you enjoy it and do well
Artists are just wired differently. If you know any personally I’m sure you’ll agree.
I spent three years helping visual artists navigate the professional aspects of their careers. I’m not an artist, I just admire them hugely. What I am though is someone who likes to ask questions and understand things.
From the 300 plus clients I worked with these and the 1000s of conversations I had, this is what stood out to me:
Talent only gets you so far. Consistent work gets you further.
As boring as that is, the artists I saw doing consistent work on their practice were getting the greatest results. Yes they had talent, but they also had dedication.
The “why” of things is important.
“Why did you start painting/drawing/sculpting/weaving?” was the first question I asked clients in our initial sessions. I loved seeing the smile spread across their face, their shoulders drop and their eyes look off into the distance:
Because I always have;
Because it’s like breathing;
Because I’ve got a story to tell;
Because I love it.
Those who knew why they were creating, found it much easier to keep going, even when it was tough.
Community is paramount.
Even though artists spend a lot of time alone in their studio, they generally have a circle of fellow artists or creatives around them. They supports each other by being cheerleaders, sounding-boards, and helping to pick each other up and dust each other off when the inevitable hits come.
If I think about my own working life over the last 20 years, and my new job (as pretty much an intern at the ripe old age of 42, more on that next time), I feel these three things traverse professions and industries.
So true! I completely agree with all 3 👍🏾