15 Motivational Tips For Artists

15 Motivational Tips For Artists

by Admin on June 18, 2014 in Articles, Inspiration
We all go through it. As artists we can easily lose confidence in ourselves and in our vision. It’s as if we would like to hide our latest efforts in the closet next to an old pair of funky tennis shoes. We feel the need to constantly doubt and critique ourselves, telling others exactly what’s wrong with our work instead of being proud. We see networking as a risk we can’t afford to take, fearing exposure as a fraud or wannabe.

Regretfully I’ve had personal experience with such thinking at various times throughout my short career. As an older beginning art student I was faced with powerful self doubts and deep feelings of inadequacy when surrounded by classrooms full of bright, talented youngsters. The positive is that these feelings inspired a work ethic I carry to this day, the negative is the lingering feeling that I’ll NEVER be good enough.

Believing in yourself as an artist and building the confidence necessary to succeed requires nurturing, time and patience. Telling yourself you’re not good enough is a sure fire way to miss opportunities that could lead to some very rewarding experiences. I know that now.

We all need a little push now and then so I put together this list of tips that have helped me stay motivated and perhaps they can help someone else too…

1. Show Up

Simple right? Just showing up is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your productivity in the studio. Get in there. Even if you are just cleaning up, sorting out your brushes or organizing your supplies. Simply spending time in your studio will get you into the habit of creating. Spending time in your studio daily will improve your productivity.

2. Create a Daily Schedule

Begin your day by writing a list of things to do that day. The first item on your list should be stop and smell the roses, or spending time enjoying your art—whether that is working on a new piece or practicing techniques. Regular, daily practice will help you feel more comfortable and confident in your skill level.

Next,shake things up by facing an activity that makes you a little nervous, such as calling the local gallery about a having an exhibition or submitting your artwork to a juried show. Choose one nerve-racking activity every day.

Planning ahead and scheduling unwelcome but necessary activities can help you achieve what you need to do, without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of terrifying things you need to do.

3. Set Goals

Create goals to shoot for and break them down into smaller categories: Long Range, Short Term and Immediate. Example: I am going to create 4 paintings this month, 2 drawings this week and prep 1 panel this afternoon.

4. Nix the Jealousy

If you constantly compare your work to other artists’ work you will find many that are better than you. Remember that you a NOT these other artists—you are you and can only be you. Don’t force yourself to be something you’re not. Discovering and developing your own style is part of your growth.

It may help to go on an “art-free” diet for a week. This means you stop admiring other people’s work online, at the local gallery, or even in art books. It may also help to quit reading stories about the runaway success of other creative people.

Doing this can help clear your mind of those hurtful comparisons, and help you focus on YOUR work again.

5. Get Comfortable

We all have favorite work clothes, whether its an old pair of tennis shoes or a paint covered smock or apron. We often feel powerfully creative as soon as we put these items on our bodies. Discover your power outfit and wear it every time you create.

6.Appreciate your Own Accomplishments

Find a piece of paper and jot down ten things that you’re proud of achieving in your life and art, everything from “learning to use watercolors” to “having two pieces in local exhibition” to “marrying my soul mate.” Have you got ten? See if you can add more.

Writing a list reminds you to focus on how far you’ve come, instead of how far you feel you still have to go. You’ll end up knowing where you are and realizing where you came from. Be proud of what you’ve achieved, and celebrate it, because it’s a truly remarkable thing!

7. Remember your dreams

On those occasions when you feel your confidence is really lacking, it can help to remind yourself why you’re doing this. Remember that even the most famous and accomplished artists doubt themselves at times, and that you’re strong enough and determined enough to push through the doubt to achieve your dreams.

No one said being an artist would be easy, but you don’t have to constantly live in doubt of your own abilities. Remind yourself again and again, until you believe it—like a kind of mantra or affirmation – then move forward, and use your talent and determination to achieve your goals!
8. Find your Community

Be like me and start a blog and invite people to share their comments. Join an online forum and leave comments. Create or join a local chapter for artists in your area and meet once a month to discuss your progress and share resources. Connecting with others will keep you going. Remember there is strength in numbers.



9. Take Responsibility/Make Yourself Accountable

Talk to someone about the project you’re working on and share your progress with them. Enlist their help to keep you on track. Knowing that someone is waiting to see your results can help maintain your momentum.

10. Temper Your Expectations

Most of what you create will not be a stroke of genius. It’s important to allow yourself some time to make the experimental work and rough pieces that will inform your next masterpiece.

11. Have Guests in Your Studio

Invite a guest or the whole neighborhood to visit your studio. This will help you to get things organized and asses the amount of work you have ready to display.

12. Apply for Calls

Nothing motivates like a deadline, so apply for juried shows and art opportunities and create new work to submit. Even if you don’t get accepted the exercise of assessing your work is invaluable.

13. Take a Class

Sign up for a creative class or workshop. Of the two workshops tend to be more condensed and intense. This will help you plug into your arts community and connect with like minded folks. It’s easy to comeback to your studio and continue working if you are already in the zone and dressed for the occasion. Arrange to meet with other students after the class.

14. Seek Criticism

Swap critiques with other artists. Share your work and use the feedback you receive to propel your work forward. Make changes and submit the new work for additional feedback – The exchange of ideas will help you stay focused and energized.

15. Give Yourself Permission

This is the most important tip of all…Don’t give in to fear of your life spinning out of control, sometimes we let other work or a looming deadline trap us into paralysis. The dishes, the laundry and the shopping can wait. Schedule time to be in the studio, give yourself permission to be there and stick to your schedule.

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