Money, Acclaim, And Passion: What Makes An Artist Successful?

We all share a common dream: the dream of success. Whether it's in our careers, our relationships, or just life in general, success is the driving force that propels us forward. And if you happen to be an artist, success in your craft is undoubtedly on your mind.

But what, dear artist, defines success in the realm of creativity? What makes an artist successful?

Success, it turns out, means something different for all of us. (See my poll on what makes an artist successful here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/ginangiela_recently-ive-been-thinking-a-lot-about-what-activity-7122529762580815872-w39w).

For some, it's about the sheer numbers – the eyes that gaze upon their creations and the art that finds its way into the hands of collectors. For others, it's the sweet taste of approval and recognition within the art world.

And then there are those who measure success by the sheer satisfaction and joy they find in the creative process itself.

We must acknowledge that what makes an artist successful is as diverse as the colors on a palette, largely depending on your unique mindset.

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So, what are the markers of an artist's success? Let's break it down into three main areas that define an artist's success: the pursuit of monetary gain, the craving for acclaim, and the fulfillment of artistic self-realization.

But remember, artists can savor success in multiple ways. You don't have to pick just one. Success for you might very well encompass elements from two or even all three of these dimensions.

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Let's dive deeper into what artistic success may mean.

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? Mindset #1: Money Makes an Artist Successful

Some artists may shy away from admitting it, but the pursuit of wealth is a legitimate marker of success in their eyes. But really, what's so wrong about wanting to turn your artistic skills into a source of income? After all, we all need money to survive, and the more we have, the less we need to worry.

Money brings freedom – the freedom to create without the shadow of financial insecurity looming over you.

Moreover, making a living doing what you love is a recipe for that elusive flow state – where work doesn't feel like work, and the hours fly by as you revel in the joy of creation.

So, if your heart's desire is to make a living from your art, go for it!

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? Mindset #2: Acclaim Makes an Artist Successful

Art is an outlet for self-expression, a medium for telling our unique story. It's natural to want to share our creations with the world, and sharing invites feedback.

That feedback can come in the form of views, likes, shares, or comments and provide a profound sense of fulfillment.

Every platform has its unique language of recognition. Depending on where you showcase your art, the mechanisms of recognition vary, from the likes on social media to mentions in art magazines and exhibitions in renowned galleries.

Some artists crave the attention because it affirms that your creative endeavors matter to others.

The validation that your art is meaningful to others is a powerful driving force in the pursuit of success.

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? Mindset #3: Passion Makes an Artist Successful

Yet, for some, the pursuit of success has nothing to do with wealth or social media metrics. It's about the sheer joy and satisfaction derived from doing what they love.

It is all about the pure, unadulterated joy and satisfaction derived from following our artistic passion.

But, it's important to remember that mastery of your craft often requires time and effort. The early stages of creativity might not match your grand vision, and that can be frustrating. It's like looking back at your early creations and realizing they were far from your dreams.

This can be disheartening, but if you persist and follow your artistic compass, you'll steadily improve and find that deep-seated joy in your work. After all, passion is what brought you here in the first place!

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In the end, it all boils down to your individual perspective. Your journey as an artist is yours alone, and your vision of success is the guiding star that will lead you to your creative destiny. Embrace it with open arms, and remember to stay true to yourself along the way.

For me personally, artistic success is a blend of all three areas mentioned above.

I want to sell my art to ensure financial security and the freedom to manage my time. I cherish the moments when my art finds a home with someone who appreciates it. Gaining exposure and feedback allows me to connect with like-minded souls and build meaningful relationships.

However, social approval isn't so important that I would compromise my artistic integrity. My journey started with passion, and that's where it continues to thrive. Creating art brings joy, happiness, and fulfillment, and that's the most valuable form of success to me.

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What does success mean to you as an artist? Let me know in the comments! ?

#artisticsuccess #artisticjourney

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