Training for Success

"Floating Colors"
Abstract, 36" x 36"
Available here.

Being an artist isn't easy. Being a successful artist is even harder. But just like an athlete we need to train every day to be better. We can paint. We can take classes and workshops. But what can we do everyday to be a more successful artist?

Success is measured in a lot of different ways. I think success should only be measure in each of our own eyes. Some of us measure success by how well we paint. Others measure success by how much we paint. Many artists measure success by how much we sell. Just remember, whatever I may think makes me successful is likely very different from what you think about yourself. And that's a good thing. Don't ever use any standards but your own to measure your success. That's because only you know your own capabilities, accomplishments and definition of what it is "to be successful".

It's hard to be a successful artist if you don't have any goals or ways to measure your success. It's important   to come up with a list that identifies your goals and where you want to be in perhaps, one year, with your art. Once you know what you want to accomplish then it's a lot easier to figure out how to get there.

I have a very specific list of goals for my art every year. I look at them often and modify or update them when necessary. On a weekly basis I have lists of things I hope to accomplish that will help me reach my goals. Many of them are completed but some of them get "shed-ded" (which is what I do when I can't get everything done). I need these "to do" lists so I can keep my head up and not forget the big picture. Without them I am afraid I would just paint. And organize my studio. Ha.

How do you train yourself for success?