Looking Back on My First Year as a Full-Time Artist

I began my journey as a full-time artist just over a year ago. I remember thinking "I can't wait until I have been at this for a year so I can look back at what I have learned and have all that knowledge and experience under my belt." Well, here I am. This is what I have discovered so far:

1. It is critical to schedule studio time and stick to it. I used to make art only when I had a show scheduled, so it was a mad rush for 4-6 weeks to complete as much work as possible, with large spans of time where I didn't make work, or made very little. I know now that it's way more sustainable to treat my art-making like a marathon, not a series of sprints. 

2. Money is only one kind of currency. Don't get me wrong, I like (and need!) dollars, but the can only go so far. Opportunities can be found in many venues and many relationships. I made a point to attend lot of networking and entrepreneurship events this year. As a result, I have connected with people I never would have met otherwise, and it has led to a variety of mutually beneficial endeavors. You just never know what kind of partnerships are possiblle without putting yourself out there!

3. Speaking of money though...Just because someone is willing to pay you for work/time, doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. At the beginning of the year, I was operating with a bit of a scarcity mindset - need me to create a logo? sure! teach undergrad classes? sure! sell you art at a discount? sure! I was so worried about money that I ended up feeling like I did in the job I left - which was why I left! But over the course of the year, I started to discern what I am and am not willing to do with my art career, and started turning down offers that I knew weren't right for me. 

4. I can paint murals! And I LOVE it! More of those please 😄

5. In pursuit of greatness, I have to be willing to ruin my work and waste time. I have begun taking some more risks in my work, and it seems to be paying off. I am also more willing to "fuck around and find out" in the studio and with art friends. Play is how we learn and grow, and I am being more intentional about making time for it, and not being so "finished product" oriented.   

There are a million other things I've learned and mistakes I have made, but these are the highlights. Excited to get year 2 under my belt, and see what "wisdom" I will impart at this time next year. 

What have you learned that's worth sharing? I'd love to hear it. Send me an email at laura@realcreative.studio ❤️