What Does Success Mean to Me?
A Natural Progression
When I thought about being an artist 10-12 years ago, my definition of success was to get my work into some juried quilt shows. It didn’t take long and I was, by my definition, a success.
So I set the bar higher. I decided I needed to get into Quilt National to be a success. That goal was first achieved in 2003. I’ve now been accepted, into what to some is considered by some to be the quintessential art quilt venue, 3 times in a row.
With some success to my name, I decided to looked a little deeper and decided I wanted to focus on finding my artistic voice and this became my definition of success:
- I am the best artist I can be
- I have solo shows in not-for-profit galleries (note that non-profit part)
My focus was almost solely on making art and a bit of time was spent showing my work. My actions were in alignment with my intent and I was content. I spent years completely focused on my art and I feel this was a wise choice. As a result I have a lot of confidence in my art and skills and I had a few solo shows along the way.
Moving On
Each time I near or reach my definition of success I feel it’s time to change it and think bigger. The other option, declaring myself a success and coasting, doesn’t suit me very well. At least not yet.
It’s not that I’ve never had big grandiose ideas about where my art can go. It’s that I never spent the time to think about them in detail, write them down, focus on them and thereby make them my new reality. I don’t think this is a bad thing. Could be it’s a natural progression for many of us - start small and get bigger as the way becomes clearer and the obstacles seem less daunting.
Adding Value
Some of the change in direction I’m now planning came about when I was willing to realize and accept that:
1. It’s okay to sell art
2. I can work to be the best artist I can and market my work at the same time. This involved learning to ignore all the voices that speak to the contrary.
3. Getting money for something I love doing is pretty darn cool
I love Steve Pavlina’s comments on twitter the other day that read:
Becoming a millionaire (through honest means) requires delivering $1 million worth of value to other people. That’s generous, not greedy!
It’s a good reminder that as an artist I am providing value to the world and as such it’s okay to be reimbursed for that value.
Cynthia Guajardo had some interesting thoughts the other day as she was pondering what value she might be adding as a ceramic artist in her blog post about living simply. I was very happy to read that she came to the conclusion that she was adding value and will continue to make her pottery.
I suspect it’s fairly common for artists to question what value they might be adding to universe with their art and craft. I know I have. And I’m happy I also came to the conclusion that we add a lot and it is essential we keep creating. And expecting to be compensated fairly for that value.
My New Definition for Success
So now it’s time to take a deep breath and think big and tell the world all about it.
This is my new definition for what it means to me to be a successful artist:
- I am creating a body of work that I am proud of and that I know is pushing me to become the best artist I can.
- I see growth in my artwork.
- I am authentically marketing my artwork.
- I quit my day job and live comfortably from the proceeds of my creative talents. I want to be very clear about my definition so I have an amount in mind but think specific dollar amounts are a bit too personal for public consumption.
- My work is valued by buyers and collectors, who are willing to pay a good price for my artwork. Again, I have a specific idea of what I want my art to sell for so I am very clear about where this career is headed.
- I create an affordable line of work for those that can not afford my larger pieces.
- My work is included in 4 or more museum collections.
- I publish one or more books about my art and my writing about art. At least one will be a big "coffee table" style book
- I actively participate in a community of mutually supportive artists.
- I am an inspiration and mentor to other artists.
- I continually learn about myself through my art and my writing about art.
- I enjoy all aspects of being an artist.
Posted by Lisa in: Intent
Tagged: art career, art success, day job, definition of success, Focus, goals, Intent, progress, twitter
Judith Glover said,
September 23, 2008 @ 10:25 pm
Lisa:
I can visualize one of those big coffee table books of your quilts in my living room already.
All of these goals are moving you toward a body of work that does add value for collectors. I am reminded of the teeter-totter my marketing instructor talked so much about. If I remember correctly it represents people giving up something of value (money) to gain something of equal or greater value (your art). And both parties must be happy with the exchange.
You never fail to plan and I admire that.
Tracy said,
September 23, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
You’ve covered so many bases; thank you for setting the example. I’ll need to take time to digest this. This post and previous are rich and juicy. For me it’s one of those things where when you need something in your life it becomes available. Thank you!!
(I really like the idea of creating an affordable line of work as well. I’ve been trying to do the same. Now I sell the small stuff, but need to research venue/audience for the bigger.)
Kate Beardmore said,
September 24, 2008 @ 1:50 am
Thank you Lisa, for this inspiring post.
I have just dusted off my creative boots and am diving into preparing a portfolio for my MA application. The decision to pursue this has opened up my whole universe in ways not even connected to art and creativity!
I deeply appreciate your posting your ‘mission’ here - it provides me with an aspirational target.
All the best,
Kate
Cheryl Collins said,
September 24, 2008 @ 1:54 am
Thank you for this, it’s really helpful especially as I am at step one with my own work. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the place you are now. I salute your new goals and say Go Lisa- I certainly look forward to a book or two of your work not to mention the diffusion range of affordable art since I’d love to own a piece.
natalya said,
September 24, 2008 @ 3:53 am
wow.. i want to be you when i grow up…. thank you for these last two posts, there is so much interesting and important information AND inspiration in them. much for me to ponder as i am waffling about my definition of success. thank you! oh i am also looking forward to the coffee table book!
Vivien Zepf said,
September 24, 2008 @ 5:38 am
I’m so glad I’ve read your posts. They provide a great deal of food for thought — and inspiration — for someone like me who’s closer to the beginning of her artistic journey. Thank you so much! I hope I can delineate my own goals as clearly, to make them realistic yet challenging.
Pamela said,
September 24, 2008 @ 6:45 am
Your journey sounds so familiar to me. The phenomenon of reaching your goal only to raise the bar is a rewarding way to look at an art career ( or life itself, for that matter) Because we NEVER “arrive” we are always challenging ourselves to grow further. I find I can bore myself to death if I rely on my past work, rather than looking forward!
Pamela
Sarah E. said,
September 24, 2008 @ 7:21 am
Lisa, your post is thought-provoking and inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to share your thought processes and your goal-setting ideas. This is THE best presentation of this type of information that I’ve ever read. Easy to read and understand, and most of all, honest, real, and easy to apply to my own life. Best regards!
Lisa Bayne said,
September 24, 2008 @ 8:33 am
Lisa - Your post covers so many bases and really struck a chord with me. I am wondering if you would be willing to post this as a guest blogger on our blog, “The Artful Life”. I imagine there are many many artists who can relate and I would love to share your thinking.
Lisa Call said,
September 24, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and the kind words about my post. It feels like a good step forward to put this out there.
Tina Mammoser said,
September 25, 2008 @ 2:24 am
Can I copy and paste your list? ;) Seriously, though, you’ve got great things there and all tangible and accountable. There’s some synchronicity here as I suddenly have a chance for a huge ‘next step’ in my goals. I think goals are so important, both the nearer ones (this year perhaps?), longer term ones, and even ‘dream’ ones.
Jana Van Wyk said,
September 25, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Hi Lisa, I understand your definition of success. And my definition and followon goals are very similar to yours. I have one goal I’m struggling with emotionally and two goals that you have that I don’t have.
Quit the day job (eventually when $ amt is reached and l’ve downsized like you) - yes this is my goal. But I believe the biggest hurdle for me will be, what about health insurance and knowing what health care cost will be even with some kind of self-employment insurance?! Giving up a company’s health insurance will definitely be my biggest personal hurdle to face and then actually jump over (will I really have the courage, especially as I age?).
You have the definition/goal of creating an affordable line. I’ve thought about that one and I’ve given up this goal. I can’t quite articulate why I’ve crossed this one off the list but I think it has to do with making sure my work is perceived as high value so I can make maximum return and thus give up the day job.
Another definition/goal that I do not have is to get into museum collections. That seems out of reach, maybe that will come later.
You didn’t give a timeline for achieving this sucess, as you define it, but for me, I’m going to give myself at least 6 years.
thanks for the post, Jana
Lisa Call said,
September 25, 2008 @ 9:53 pm
Tina - yes - copy and paste all you like. Pretty much ditto on all you said.
Jana - it helps to have some concrete numbers when thinking about the health insurance. I’ve looked int costs a bit and ran some budget numbers with it included. It’s not cheap but I feel it is doable as I am willing to live very frugally to make this happen.
Interestingly - some of those goals have a 6 year timeline just like yours. It aligns with when my kids will be out of the house. Not all of those goals are for that timeline but most of them.
Your comments about affordable line of art are very valid and things I thought about a lot. I should write a post about this some time as I’ve given it a lot of thought but would love to have some discussion on the topic. My current thought is the affordable stuff is just the smaller stuff. Yes - definitely - more posts coming on this topic.
Susie Monday said,
September 26, 2008 @ 8:12 am
Thank you for the inspiring and precise list. I am going to have this pondering in the background as I work on art today — one of my current definitions of succcess is that I do actually make art everyday, every day, everyday, and it’s time to get to it. I have been more or less supporting myself as an artist for 10 years now (with an occasional art-related freelance job thrown in), so the order of my success definition certainly has been different than yours — for example, I haven’t yet had the guts to enter Quilt National, or any other big time quilt show. Funny how what is difficult for some, is easier for others, and vice versa. I found it relatively easy to give up the security of a fulltime job — but I didn’t have children either.
On the health insurance question, although its a major budget item for me (luckily my house and car are both paid for) I think its less expensive than many people think its going to be. I just keep a high deductible and keep that $ in the bank, at least most of the time!
cynthia said,
September 28, 2008 @ 9:13 am
I always learn so much from your posts, Lisa - I’m just now beginning to redefine what success means to me. I’m reminding myself to enjoy all the little steps and to be authentic and true to myself. Each goal reached requires another one in its place - or perhaps an adjustment. Life truly is a journey, the day I reach my destination will likely be, well, never.