Why I quit.
My journey as an artist.
Why I quit saying I was not an artist in conversations.
When you are employed, pick a career - teacher, doctor, plumber, retail, etc. and you are asked what you do for work it can be easy to respond when you hold a more traditional job position. Little to no thought required upon delivery. Why is it so difficult for creatives who desire a lifestyle and career in the art world? As a practicing creative it is often with hesitancy to announce one’s self as an artist. Yet, there becomes a point in our life when we may begin to believe one of two beliefs - Yes, I am an Artist or No, I don’t believe I am worthy. That is entirely your choice.
However, when you believe “Yes, I am an Artist” - know there will always be the 1 out of 3 people you will encounter and be met with an “oh, so you teach?” or “Do you make a living off of that”?” or my favorite “But what do you really do for a job?” - the list can go on for miles. Artists are not unicorns, but sometimes it can feel like a career in art is perceived that way. Now I don’t know if that attitude will ever decimate over time, but be encouraged in knowing it is not the only voice in the room. There are three very great things I want to share with you; 1. hundreds of thousands of people over the history of humanity have, will, and are professional artists. 2. It is in fact a successful career. 3. You will never please everyone. Thank God!
The belief of becoming.
While my situation and walk in life is unique to me, I know that many of you are exploring your own professional and personal careers in the creative world and industry. Whether you are a writer, bead worker, painter, sewist, baker, printmaker, photographer, public speaker, etc. you are human. And being human, as you may discover comes with having doubts, opinions, beliefs, challenges, and all the sweet things of living.
Being encouraged by those challenges comes with believing in a few facts. This is how I stopped avoiding the word Artist and started living like one.
My work and skill are not my own. I am gifted with creativity because that is how the Lord made me to be. I will not be prideful in the successes, struggles, and challenges I face.
I accepted my work for what it was. Work. It is hard to do, it is in flux, and it is mine.
I practiced introducing myself as an artist. Yes, as cheesy as that is I knew if I didn’t believe it no one would when they talked to me.
The words I use to talk about myself and my work matter. Am I speaking positively about my failures, works in progress, and self?
Failure is my greatest tool. I accepted that while I may be good at some things, failing would be my greatest teacher and long time friend.
I surrounded myself with people who believed they were artists too. My environment matters to me. It is incredibly influential on my spirit and work.
I invite mentors and “elder creatives” I admire to speak into my work, not strangers on the internet who do not appreciate my time or practice.
Elitism is not for me. I shifted my mindset that art is for all abilities and as an artist it is my responsibility to share and model that for my community.
I can be creative with nothing. The believe that I have just enough and can create with very minimal materials when needed. Pushing my imagination and willingness to try.
I actively participate and host creative events and opportunities for my community. Shows, clubs, meet ups, coffee days, open studios, etc.
At the end of the day how you view yourself ultimately matters. Not the perception of others. Art can be isolating but should not be isolated. This shift happened for me when I began to prove to myself the worth of my time, skill, and struggles - that was when my work began to matter. The language of being an artist, for me, did not happen over night. This was a decade long if not lifelong process, and it still finds me in some self doubt every blue moon.
Do not be discouraged fellow creative, the work you are doing matters.
