“ Keep moving forward.”

I realize that for many Artists it seems quite strange some of the subjects that I talk about and also the subjects that I do not talk about.

I am of the opinion that it is not my place to tell Artists what to paint or how to paint or whether a painting is good or bad, I will let the market make that decision.

Art is so personal and each Artist has their own thoughts on what is best for them and what they should or shouldn't paint and what materials they should use.

My concern is for the other side of the Artist life, the Art Business and how so many are not prepared for what they will experience in it and so many good people have been hurt in this sometimes brutal business. I suppose I am really concerned for Artists as I personally know what it is like to fail in this business and how hard it is to rebuild your Art career and be successful.

I get told by many that Art is so personal and that Artists paint from their heart and souls and I do understand that and appreciate that, but I also know personally what the reality of no sales is like and still having to support your family. 

 

The Artist life at best is difficult and I just want to personally give a hand to those Artists who wish to learn from someone who learned what not to do.

When you fail you have two choices, blame everybody and everything, I did that, or learn from what has happened, I had to learn to do this.

What can you learn from failing? 

 

Lots, you learn what not to do next time, you learn that there is a better way and you learn you must change, if you want your world to change.

Failure in the Art World does not come because you have no talent or you cannot paint. There are lots of no talent, bad painters who are successful Artists, because they work very hard and learned to understand the market and meet what the market wants. 

 

I know lots of Artists would react at this and say that they are selling out and I make no judgements here, these people are successful because they understand the market and work hard.

Now what they have learned all Artists can learn and if the talented Artists who do great paintings and work hard, also learn about the market place they are in, then they to will be successful.

Artists need to learn about the market place, which is learning about selling and marketing, personal development and watching the trends in the market.

Also you should continue to work on your Artistic skills as well, honing your craft.

It does seem a lot of work, because to be successful requires a lot of work.

If success was easy, everyone would be successful but it is not, it takes commitment.

I like that biblical verse, “to go the extra mile,” and that is what it takes.

You are early to the studio and late to leave and while you are there you paint, no matter if you are inspired or not, just work.

When others are watching tv you are watching a tutorial on You Tube.

When other go to the mall, you go to a workshop.

When you are waiting for somebody or something you are reading a book.

Using you precious, finite time to build your successful Artistic life.

Now I know everyone, will not do what I suggest but if you want your Art business to change then you are going to have to change.

I see so many seriously talented Artists who really believe, because they are talented, then everything will work out for them and all they have to do is paint and wait for fame and fortune to come, just like winning the lottery. Unfortunately winning the lottery can be a curse, because you never learned how to be a success and need to learn those lessons or success will be your downfall.

I heard a wise man say once, “If you win a million dollars pray you become a millionaire quick, or you will loose the money.”

I talk a lot about our need to change, personal development, because if we want to change our world then we need to change. Change happens in small steps a little change now and that can have a big effect on our life and career in the years to come.

Change takes discipline, discipline is not easy to do as it can take effort and determination, but the rewards of small disciplines far outweigh the cost, its all a matter of doing.

To learn new things takes discipline, because at the end of the day it is easier to turn on the television than open a book or watch a sales and marketing tutorial or personal development video on You Tube?

Everyone is capable of learning something new……… it is a matter of doing it.

To move forward in the Art Business takes knowledge and skill.

Keep learning…………… keep moving forward.

Stop learning ……………. stop moving.

If Artists only realized that their success depends on them selves, you cannot change the Art Market, you cannot change the economy, you cannot change the Gallery, you cannot change the attitude of buyers, but you can change yourself.

When you change, everything else changes with you and change takes discipline.

Start with very small disciplines, like getting up half an hour earlier and reading a book on sales or personal development and write out your goals every day.

That is all it takes to start the change, its just a matter of doing it.

The rewards of small disciplines, far out way the cost of loosing a half an hours sleep and the change in you, will begin to change your world.

Success is not just given away, it is attracted by working hard on your Artistic life and personal development.

I do hope that this has been a help to some. i look forward to hearing your comments.

Have a productive day.

Mark Shellshear

Art consultant.

mark@shellshearmedia.com