5 Biggest mistakes artists make

There is nothing I love more than seeing talented and compelling artists succeed. I believe it is all too often that wonderful artists simply do not get the recognition they deserve because of mistakes that could have been avoided. Herewith I list 5 of the mistakes I most often see (and have made myself!)

1. When we’re not really following our passion
As artists we are of course also human in wanting recognition and sometimes (consciously or unconsciously) we are guided by the remarks, suggestions or requests of others. When your family applause every time you draw a flower it is just human to want to draw more flowers. It is my hope that we all get to a moment of reflection and ask ourselves if no one would ever see anything we make, what will we be making then?    

2. Not being brave.
This goes hand in hand with #1 but also a step further. It’s sad seeing artists who found something they enjoy and are well received turn themselves into a sweatshop doing the same thing over and over again. When we land on a new direction in our career and we’re passionate and energized, it shows in the work we create. But doing almost the exact same thing ten years down the line, it always lacks that same energy.

3. Not making sure that we’re continuously learning.
May we never stop to grow and evolve. Whether it is formally enrolling into a course or joining in creative conversations, making connections with artists or self-studying, let your curiosity be your guide and may our growth never stop.

4. Focusing on the wrong things.
a. If we don’t have a very clear vision of where we want to go with our careers, it is easy being sidetracked. Very important decisions we make will be determined by where we ultimately want to be, Jack Kirby took a different path than Robert Smithson or Jeff Koons. Trying to wear too many hats often leads to not wearing any properly.
b. We also have to be careful where we put our resources. I get weekly emails from vanity galleries wanting to sell me wall space or art book publishers wanting to sell ‘inclusion’ for exuberant sums. It saddens me to think how many young hopeful artists spend a lot of their time and money on avenues unlikely to lead to any success.

5. Not making time/ Prioritizing
Unless we are working on a deadline for a show or a commission it is far too easy not to put our creative time high on the priority list. And I am particularly guilty of this! Even when I am ‘working’ I can often get lost in social media marketing, spend hours fiddling with my website or research new photography lights. If we do not do our art we can and will not grow.

I am sure there are many more mistakes that could (and should) be listed so feel free to mention your ‘mistakes’ in the comments below.