I saw this image on Facebook Sunday morning. I wish I knew who’d originally created it, or who wrote the original list, because I’d love to credit them. But for now, I’ll just share what I think is a brilliant manifesto for artistic fulfillment:
How to feel fulfilled as an artist
Or, how to get over your self-sabotage
- Never compare yourself to other artists.
- Know that your family is biased. Whether for or against, their views are skewed and do not represent an accurate reflection of your work in the world.
- Base your success on how your art has enriched your life, and how you feel when you create it.
- Constantly push yourself to expand and learn.
- Know that art can never be measured in dollars – and can only ever appreciate in value.
- Trust that when you are making the world more beautiful, there is always enough. Honest work is not a compromise if it supports the creation of art.
- Remember, it is the job of the artist to create new culture, not simply to regurgitate what exists.
- Never expect your family to understand your art, but do your best to educate them, patiently.
- Whenever a client / gallery owner / patron offers their advice, smile and nod. Then create your art authentically.
- Remember what Dali said: “Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.”
