It's a cold and rainy day here in World Famous SamG Land. The past few weeks have been really busy. It is a perfect time to take some time off and rest. I have a few things to work on, but I don't have to be in any real hurry. I won't be in any hurry anyways.
I see a lot of my other artist friends working hard right up until the last day filling Christmas orders. Many are already talking about plans for the coming New Year. January and February are typically tough on artists with sales being low during those months. I'm hoping the best for all those as they work to build a reserve for the next couple of months.
I see a lot of posts on social media about "What it Takes to be a Successful Artist!" or similar inspirational topics. I used to read all of those stories, trying to learn what it takes to make it. I stopped a long time ago. I have my own opinion as to what it takes to be a "successful" artist, but for the sake of this post, I'll keep those to myself.
Most people view success differently than I do. I doubt few would think I was successful by looking at my bank account. I quit caring a long time ago about which galleries carried my work. I prefer not being in them honestly, unless they purchase my work and I don't have to keep up with what art is where. I have also cut back on doing shows, which in my opinion has helped more than hurt. When people do see me out somewhere, they know it's pretty rare so they seem more likely to buy my work. I also choose not to promote myself or do art shows in the region in which I live. I have seen that it isn't worth the effort anymore. There aren't many true "Art Events" here anyway. Most seem to be an event that is centered around something else... Wine, Music, or just a Big Party for example... and they need artists booth fees to help pay for it.
Why would I feel that I am "successful" at being an artist? I have fun. Since I took all the pressures off of myself of doing what everyone else thinks I need to do. I have fun. I said when I started making art, "If it ever becomes work, I'll quit." I've been close to quitting several times. I also feel like I'm successful as an artist because I have done it MY WAY. Just ask show promoters, I have told many over the years that "No that's not the way I'm going to do it." If they object, then i don't go. I also refuse to pay a jury fee. Demand that they pre-approve you. It works a lot more than you may think!!! I typically don't deal with people in the "Art Business." I've just learned better. I tell people NO... and often go into long ramblings and opinions of why I have said NO. NO is the most empowering word in the English Language. Use it more. I make whatever I want to make. Some like it, some don't. I don't care either way. The biggest reason I consider myself successful at being an artist??? I make people happy, or at least I do my best to. Money is always good to get.. but smiles are often the best payment ever!!!
So before anybody gets all judgemental and thinks I'm putting down the way you do things, I'm not. Work hard. Continue to set goals. Just don't use them as a measure of success. Success is perceived anyway. Change the way you look at it. In life, happiness is the greatest success. Don't be afraid to do it your way.
Or just tell everybody you are World Famous and fake it like i did... even convince yourself of it...
It's up to you.....
Merry Christmas from SamG Land!!!!!!
The Personal Side of SamG the folk artist....
