What does it mean to be successful as an artist?

No really- what does it mean to you?

The reason I ask is that I think many artists and creatives are not even aware that they are holding an image of success as a standard that only makes them feel bad and is not anywhere close to what they really want in life. 

What if you defined your own sense of  success based on your own values and desires? You might feel a weight lifted and a sense of possibility and hope come creaping in!

Success might be more attainable if you really look at what matters to you and don't get lost in what you think it is supposed to be.

Today these are the things that I am thinking about that define success for me:

1. I am still making art! So many well trained and fabulous artists are not still making for whatever reason. Not loosing the faith and the drive is a huge success.
2. I enjoy it! When I am in flow there is real pleasure. Sure there are hard times, challenges and confusions, but on a basic level- I like working in the studio. I have discovered that when I am not making art, life is harder. There is a friction that builds up in me that makes every little task feel like a grind. And when I have a somewhat regular practice, everything else feels easy. I am nourished.
3. Occasionally I get my work out into the world. Exhibits, galleries, fine art shows, open studio sales. My goal is that my art supports itself- and for the most part it does. And more importantly I get to connect with people who are moved by it on a deep level. This is sooo important! Art is a communication and it is not really complete until it lands with someone else, and feling that sense of completion is profoundly rewarding.
4. Sometimes I look back at my work and see things that I really love - pieces that I made years ago and still feel exciting to me. I embrace the idea that you have to make a lot of crap in order to come up with something good.

I would love to know what success looks like for you when you base it on your true values. Please comment below!

• Send a private email to val (at) taprootartsinsight (dot) com
• Subscribe to my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/buTz61​
• Check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/taprootartsi...​
• Learn more about co-working with me: http://www.taprootartsinsight.com/virtual-coworking-for-artists-and-creatives.html
• More about coaching with Val: http://www.taprootartsinsight.com/life-coach-for-artists-and-creatives-919262.html

Can I interview you? It would be so helpful for me to hear what is going on for you so I can understand how to be of better service to artists and creatives and I would be happy to offer a coaching session in exchange. For more information CLICK HERE.