Wondering if you can relate to any of these scenarios...
#1: Shiny Object Syndrome
You are buckling down and getting the business side of your art in shape once and for all. Finally!
This morning you'll take new photos so you can update your website.
Then you'll update your Instagram profile,
start getting in touch with galleries,
and begin applying to exhibitions...
A few hours later, after some painstaking photo edits, resetting a couple of passwords, re-writing your old artist bio...
(ugh, why is it so hard to write about yourself?)
...you're burned out already.
The week rolls on.
You get a couple of things sort of half-done.
But it drains you.
And you're no longer so excited about any of it.
"Forget it," you decide. "I'm not cut out to run the business side of my art
-- I'm just going back to my studio and keep making art. If it's good enough, someone will buy it eventually."
A few months go by, and you know you need to get your website updated...
"Why do I keep getting stuck on such simple stuff?"
You think you're the only artist at your level who feels this way.
#2: Isolation
Because of your [location / age / style of art / other reason], you feel disconnected from the "art world" and the people in it.
Working solo is just part of the deal in being an artist.
It's can a bit lonely.
You carry on conversations inside your head while you work.
You long to talk with someone who really gets your art.
Social media helps a bit...
...but no matter how many likes you get on your latest post...
...you still feel like you're out there on your own.
"Why do I have to do this all by myself?"
You think you're the only artist at your level who feels this way.
#3: Insecurity
Sure, everyone gets a creative block now and then -- but it's different with you.
You feel like you have no idea what you're doing, way too often.
And even though you secretly believe it's possible...
...deep down, you're also unsure anyone would pay thousands for the piece of work you're looking at.
And you don't want to be a sellout anyway.
Also, you're afraid people will find out that you don't have your act together.
Other artists seem to have it figured out so much better.
"Why can't I be more like them?"
Once again, you think you're the only artist at your level who feels this way.
Recognize yourself?
We hear all of these things from our coaching students.
And all of it -- especially the insecurity -- is boringly normal.
As an artist, you are unique.
But your problems are not.
That's actually good news, because we've seen the solutions that work.
So they can work for you, if you want.
>The cure for shiny object syndrome burnout?
The ONE thing...
It's time to stop the burnout cycle.
Focus your energy on ONE thing at a time
(your website OR your Instagram page, not both).
Stop worrying about "everything".
Only then can you make real progress in one area in just a few weeks.
> The cure for isolation? Real connection and support.
With pandemic lockdowns worldwide, people are more isolated than ever.
And ironically, there are more opportunities to connect because of this.
Millions of people are online who wouldn't "usually" be spending so much time there.
So reach out to artists whose work you admire.
Tell them what you like about what they've created.
Ask the questions you would ask if you had a chance to meet in person.
Or if you want ongoing support day after day, consider applying to our coaching program,for one-on-one attention from an art business coach who'll get back to you within 24 hours.
>The cure for insecurity? This mindset shift: Feeling insecure is normal.
Doubting yourself, your work, your success -- it's part of being creative.
Even the most successful artists feel that way.
No matter how many followers or sales you have..
No matter where your work is displayed or what you've achieved...
...there is no "I've made it."
There is only the next step, the next project.
Over time, you can develop more professional stability.
But the fear that this time, you're washed up?
It doesn't go away with success.
So when your fears start kicking up...
...acknowledge that you're having normal artist feelings.
And then go back to doing the next thing on your list.
Or, you can get a second set of eyes on your art career -- and have experienced feedback every step of the way.
So you don't have to second-guess yourself anymore.
That is why in our coaching program, we have a team of top arts professionals -- gallerists, curators, social media influencers.
They'll put wind in your sails as you navigate the business side of your art.
So you can get experienced feedback and learn from other artists' success, simply by jumping on a coaching call.
A final thought:
Balance does not exist. Only balancing exists.
It's an action, not a destination.
So instead of worrying how to find the perfect balance between making art and building your art business
-- just practice your balancing skills.
- Miguel
