How Artists Grow

In my coaching practice I’ve identified 8 abilities that are key to an artist’s development.

Take a moment and think about how you are doing on each one:

1. Understanding where you are right now in your art career.
2. Knowing what success would look and feel like for you.
3. Talking effectively about your work to art professionals and the public.
4. Writing about your work so that people want to see it.
5. Using a computer to get things done.
6. Asking other people for help.
7. Being able to focus and follow an action plan.
8. Being persistent, flexible, and creative in managing your career.

The first two abilities are the foundation for your art practice. When you ask, “where am I now?” you see the realities of your life as an artist. Don’t worry about where you expected to be by now, just acknowledge where you are.

Begin with your art practice, rather than your resume. Are you making art every day or almost every day? Are you connected to an art community? Do you pay attention to opportunities in your field? When people ask, “what do you do?” do you answer, “I am an artist” without apology?

The next area is challenging in a different way. Try to imagine what success would look and feel like for you. You may be most interested in developing a coherent body of work. Or you would like to become more visible in your community. If you’re an established artist, you might imagine your first solo museum show.

By knowing where you are now and then imagining what success would look and feel like, you discover your authentic path. 

​~ Mary

Mary Edwards, Ph.D
Career & Life Coach for Artists
“Left Brain Skills for Right Brained People”
Instagram: coachingforartists.maryedwards

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