Art and Creativity: Success and the Importance of Perseverance and Staying the Course

Sometimes artists approach us at the gallery, wanting to know if we have any advice on "how to become successful," as an artist.

Of course, "success" is a pretty nebulous concept. 

What does that even mean? 

Do you mean commercial success, as in creating and selling art that supports your habit of expensive cars and designer drugs? Do you mean the success of fame and notoreity; getting to a point where people "know your name?" Do you mean the kind of success that implies that most times when you sit down to work, you can actually execute the idea you had, as you intended? 

Before we can even consider one answer, we have to consider what "success" means, to you.

The Freedom to Create

In most cases, it seems that we primarily want "the freedom to create." Sure, the money is nice... but it's a pretty cold mistress. 

When we look at the artists who have that freedom in their lives, as much as anything they seem to have gotten there as a result of considerable perseverance. 

A couple of months back, I had a long conversation with one of our must successful and "visible" artists... she's loving her life, and having a great time doing what she's doing. Her life isn't without rough spots and occasional "creative droughts," but things are working.

She doesn't really have a "secret."

"I dunno... I just kept doing what I do. I know what I like to create and explore, so that's what I focused on. And even though I pretty much hate marketing, I just kept putting myself out there. And I always did my own thing, not what others wanted me to do. After a few years, I suddenly realized that I had created my own niche and developed a following."

I can relate this to my own work, as well. I figured it would take me about five years to get clear on what I wanted to do and create. Then another five to make that commercially viable... little different from the "apprentice-to-master" process in most other fields.

I'm currently at year eight of ten.

It's A Bit Like Steemit...

In a sense, it's quite a bit like starting a blog here on Steemit.

You pretty much start with nothing... and whereas your first post might get a big welcome, that's not your success. You have to keep "producing" and "putting yourself out there."

You can chase gimmicks and popularity contests till you're blue in the face; you can try to create "what seems popular," but none of those create a solid foundation and lasting value like simply building your own audience around your own voice, vision and creativity.

"Rome wasn't built in a day," the saying goes.

So it goes with art and creativity. 

Sure, there are overnight successes and "internet sensations," but they tend to be flashes in the pan-- accolades today, gone tomorrow. 

So our limited advice is this: Stick to what you're doing, and keep doing it. Stay true to yourself, not to market fashions. And keep putting yourself out there!

DISCUSSION: What does success look like, to YOU, as an artist? Have you defined it? Do you already have it? What would you like it to be? Do you have a clear vision for your work? Are you ready to stay the course? Would love to have your comment feedback! And if you think this worthy-- share it with others through a re-steem, so more people can join the conversation.

The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.