“Dear Crista,” the email began. “How can I achieve a high level of success in the art world?” Ah! That elusive goal of “a high level of success.” Artists ask me about it all the time. And this is what I say: You’ll never get there. I say that because once you attain what seems […]
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It happened again. An artist wrote to me about a project she was offered, excited by the opportunity. She wasn’t going to be paid, mind you, but it would be “good exposure.” Ah good exposure! The two words that make every artist cringe. I get it. Trust me, I still do things for good exposure. And I
Do You Show Your Work For “Good Exposure?” Read More »
Rejection is an important part of being an artist – or any creative field actually. So it’s something that you need to learn how to handle with some resiliency. As an artist and as a writer, I’ve suffered huge rejections. Instead of burying myself under a rock with a pint of ice cream and a raging
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There’s no denying that podcasts have become uber-popular over the last few years. Doesn’t it seem like everyone’s got one now? There’s certainly no shortage of inspiring podcasts for artists. If you want to listen and feel inspired while you paint, there’s a podcast for that. If you’re looking for practical tips on how to
My Favorite Podcasts For Artists Read More »
When I worked as an art dealer, my schedule was relentless with travel, openings, and sales. I didn’t have time to make my own art. Instead, I wrote all my hopes, dreams and creative aspirations into a journal. I was afraid to write them down, if I’m honest. I was afraid my dreams were too
My Experience with B-School Read More »
The scariest thing happened when I started working as an Artist Coach ten years ago. Back then, the space was brand new. I thought I was pioneering online artist coaching –until one search changed everything. There was already someone doing it. And not just anyone – it was Paul Klein. His name carried serious weight in the
He was my competition. And then he was my friend. Read More »
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been curious about the religions of the world. I started visiting different churches when I was a kid. I wanted to explore the beliefs and rituals and stories that people believe. Oh sure, a lot of it had to do with the fellowship snacks, the donuts and
How I Learned To Be An Artist By Going To Church Read More »
I told Andy about the special place where I ride my bicycle each day. It’s a tiny island in the middle of a pond. I explained how it’s been my destination for years; it’s where I write, where I work and where I dream. “Where is this place?” he asked. When I explained the location,
The First Artist I Ever Met Read More »
My favorite college professor taught art history. He’d started out life as a photographer, a lifelong dream since he’d mixed his own chemicals in a homemade darkroom under his parents’ stairway. As a young man he’d had an opportunity to show his portfolio to a big shot, an established and highly celebrated photographer whom he
Do They Like Your Art? Read More »
There are several definitions of artists that I personally subscribe to, but my favorite is this: artists are alchemists. During the Middle Ages, an alchemist was known as someone who could transform base metals into gold. I believe that as artists, we turn everything into gold. Think about it. Through an artist’s touch, a blank canvas
The Artist’s Mantra Read More »