But what about all the bad stuff that happens to artists?
Get over it.
No, seriously. Bad stuff is part of the deal in art.
Promises will be broken. Calls won’t be returned. Sales will fall through. And apparently global pandemics are even going to hit.
It’s going to be tough sometimes. And not everyone is going to like your work.
You’re going to fail. If you’re like me, you’re going to fail a lot.
But when you find yourself looking in the accusing glare of the mirror, remind yourself: This isn’t everything you are.
Are you out of money? You’ll have money again. This isn’t everything you are.
Have you maybe applied for something and got rejected? It’s possible. It just wasn’t a good fit for your work. This isn’t everything you are.
Yes, it hurts when bad stuff happens. I get hurt too. Me? I turn to chocolate. Sometimes I cry.
But the first thing I do after I blow my nose is to start asking questions:
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Where’s the gold?
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What have I learned?
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Did I make any new connections?
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Can I add a line to my resume?
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How can I pivot this energy?
How can this so called setback become part of your success story?
Consider writer Tim Ferriss, whose first book was rejected 25 times.
But that same book, “The Four Hour Work Week,” went on to sell like a gazillion copies. It launched a remarkable career.
And now failure is part of his success story. And he tells it proudly.
Wear failure like a badge because it proves that you’re in the arena, that you’re doing the work.
You’re an artist. This is who you are.
And the bad stuff that happens is just part of your story. You decide if it’s ultimately bad or good.
Don’t let a situation define you.
Your intentions define you.
Your work defines you.
You define you.
This is who you are.
Crista
PS: Here are 2 ways we can work together, whenever you’re ready…
1. Create a solid proven business plan for showing and selling more art in 2024:
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2. Work with me privately:
If you’d like to work with me directly to grow your art business, streamline your marketing, and get professional insight into your brand, website and social media presence, just send me a message with the word “Private”.
Tell me a little about your art practice and I’ll get you all the details. Click here to send me a message.
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Working in the international world of contemporary art, Crista Cloutier has spent her career selling art and marketing art to art galleries, museums and private collections.
Using her professional experiences, Crista has created The Working Artist Masterclass, where she’s developed a global reputation as an artist’s coach. Crista can teach you how to be an artist; including how to sell your art, how to sell art online, how to sell photographs, how to price your art, how to succeed at art fairs, and even how to find your art style.
Crista has worked with established, blue-chip artists to raise their profile and attract greater opportunities. And she’s also helped thousands of emerging artists to build a professional art practice. To learn more, visit https://theworkingartist.com