Make Your Own Rules

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Create Your Own Rules

There's no such thing as artistic purity.

Reject conformity. As an artist, you have the power to define your own path. Embrace your unique perspective and experiences, even if they set you apart from others. This individuality is your greatest strength, allowing you to create work that stands out in a crowded field.

Make your own rules. Don't be constrained by traditional expectations or industry norms. Instead, forge your own way by:

• Challenging conventional wisdom
• Experimenting with new formats and mediums
• Combining disparate influences and genres
• Creating your own metrics for success

Remember that your journey is yours alone. By embracing your quirks and following your instincts, you'll develop a distinctive voice that resonates with others and opens up unexpected opportunities.

2. Pursue Passion and Experiment Fearlessly

Exploring and enjoying their gifts for themselves was only one part of the equation; refining and sharing their work was just as important.

Chase curiosity. Follow your interests wherever they lead, even if they seem unrelated or impractical. This open-minded approach fuels creativity and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs in your work.

Embrace failure. Treat every attempt as a learning experience. Some key strategies:

• Set aside time for pure experimentation
• Try new techniques and tools regularly
• Collaborate with artists from different backgrounds
• Share your process, not just polished final products

By constantly pushing your boundaries and trying new things, you'll not only improve your skills but also discover innovative approaches that set your work apart. Remember that even "failed" experiments often contain valuable lessons or ideas that can be repurposed in future projects.

3. Balance Art and Business for Sustainable Creativity

I had to admit to myself that I had been far more externally motivated than I would have previously conceded.

Recognize the interplay. Understand that art and business are not mutually exclusive. Embracing both aspects can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable creative career.

Key strategies for balancing art and business:

• Set clear boundaries between creative time and business tasks
• Learn basic financial management and marketing skills
• Collaborate with others who complement your strengths
• Be strategic about which opportunities to pursue
• Regularly reassess your goals and priorities

Remember that making money from your art doesn't diminish its value or authenticity. By finding a balance that works for you, you can create the freedom to pursue your passion while also building a sustainable career.

4. Adapt to the Digital Age: Leverage Online Platforms

We're in a new age when everyone is expected to be online and active constantly, and when the promotional practices that work best are evolving rapidly.

Embrace digital tools. The internet has democratized art distribution, allowing creators to reach global audiences directly. Leverage these platforms to share your work, connect with fans, and build your brand.

Strategies for online success:

• Develop a consistent posting schedule
• Engage authentically with your audience
• Experiment with different content formats
• Collaborate with other creators
• Stay informed about platform changes and trends

While it's important to have an online presence, don't let it consume you. Find a balance that allows you to maintain your creative output while also building and nurturing your audience.

5. Diversify Revenue Streams and Understand Your Value

There are countless examples of our drive to extract profit overriding the integrity of art, and it's wise to be wary of it. But it's possible to recognize that art has benefited from it as well.

Multiple income sources. Don't rely on a single revenue stream. Diversifying can provide more stability and freedom in your creative pursuits.

Potential revenue streams for artists:

• Direct sales of art or music
• Licensing and royalties
• Teaching and workshops
• Merchandise
• Crowdfunding and patronage
• Commissions and collaborations

Know your worth. Understand the value of your time and skills. Don't be afraid to negotiate fair compensation for your work. Research industry standards and be prepared to walk away from opportunities that don't align with your values or financial needs.

6. Navigate Success and Burnout: Prioritize Well-being

Everything always pointed to more. More money, more views, more followers, more clout… Anything that was good was never good enough.

Redefine success. Recognize that external metrics like followers or income don't always correlate with personal fulfillment. Set your own benchmarks based on your values and goals.

Strategies to avoid burnout:

• Set boundaries on work hours and commitments
• Practice regular self-care and take breaks
• Cultivate interests outside of your art
• Build a support network of friends and fellow creators
• Regularly reassess and adjust your workload

Remember that sustainable success requires maintaining your physical and mental health. Don't sacrifice your well-being in pursuit of arbitrary goals or external validation.

7. Cultivate Authenticity and Resist External Validation

If you're trying to prove yourself, you'll never run out of people to prove yourself to. If you need validation from outside yourself, you'll never stop needing it.

Trust your vision. Stay true to your artistic voice and values, even when faced with criticism or pressure to conform. Authenticity resonates with audiences and leads to more fulfilling work.

Tips for maintaining authenticity:

• Regularly reflect on your core values and motivations
• Seek feedback from trusted mentors, not random internet comments
• Create work that excites you, not just what you think will be popular
• Be transparent about your process and challenges
• Embrace your unique perspective and experiences

Remember that not everyone will understand or appreciate your work, and that's okay. Focus on creating art that is meaningful to you and connects with your intended audience, rather than trying to please everyone.

Last updated: November 5, 2024