• Time Management Isn’t About Time

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    Do you ever struggle with the lack of time and feeling like you just can’t get everything done?  It’s pretty common for most artists.  In fact, most artists struggle with feeling like they never have enough hours in the day.

    The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way!

    In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to give you some really practical strategies on how to deal with the time crunch so you can gain victory over your schedule and start really spending time on the things that matter.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online athttp://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review –CLICK HEREfor the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Please Note: The registration for the masterclass mentioned in this episode is closed. You can find all of our current resources at: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

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    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Do you ever struggle with a lack of time and feel like you just can’t get everything done?  Do you ever wonder how you are supposed to be the artist that God has called you to be, yet don’t seem to have enough hours in the day?  Well, if that’s you, then keep reading because I’ve got some practical strategies for finding more time for the things that really matter.

    One of the five roadblocks I’ve seen hold artists back over the years is this whole concept of overwhelm and the lack of time.  You might be nodding your head right now, thinking, Matt, I know what you mean.  A lot of artists struggle with this, but here is the thing that I have learned about overwhelm and lack of time.  How you spend your time is simply a reflection of a few things in your life:

    • What you value
    • What you believe about yourself
    • What you believe about your calling as an artist
    •  What you believe is possible in your life and your art

    And all of this can be summed up into one word: Vision.

    How you spend your time is directly related to vision. It’s the Bible that tells in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” or as another version reads, “the people cast off restraint,” and one of my favorite translations says that without vision that “people run wild.” So how does all this relate to time and time management?

    Vision from God about your life and art allows you to have a standard by which you choose how to use and prioritize your time. It helps you to know who you are and what you are called or meant to do in your life and with your art. Without that in place, then it’s too easy to let circumstances and other people determine what your priorities are in life. Then before you know it, your time, your money, your energy, and your focus have been hijacked by someone else’s agenda. 

    I had to get to this place in my own life. The place where I fully embraced God’s call and plan for my life as a husband, a dad, an artist, and as a father to Artists. Understanding who God created me to be and knowing what He has called me to do guides how I choose to invest my time. This vision for my life helps me to prioritize what I say yes to and what I say no to in my day.

    What’s Eating Up YOUR Day? 
    So, I am going to give you a little assignment that you can do right now to start taking control of your time.  For the next seven days, grab your journal, a legal pad, or even a piece of paper and write down everything that you are doing in 15-minute increments.  Now, I know that you are probably saying, “OMG!  That is a lot of detail.”  Yeah, it is, and that’s the point. 
     
    This time assessment is a commitment, but it’s really going to reveal where you are spending your time.  Yes, I want you to include the random scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, the daydreaming, and anytime you spend unfocused.   Be sure to include doing things for your family and friends, even the things you do out of guilt or obligation.

    Time for YOUR Aha Moment
    And then at the end of the week, what I want you to do is this:  Go back through that assessment and look at the areas where you choose to spend your time.  Ask yourself the following questions:

    • How did the time I spent this week…
    • Help me fulfill my God-given call as an artist in the Kingdom? 
    •  Help me focus on and to me grow my art business? 
    •  Help me in growing my art skills?
    •  Help me in connecting my ideal clients?

    The point of this exercise is not to feel shame for what you didn’t do but to help you see what you can do.  Most people who do this week-long time assessment end up having a complete light bulb moment of realization: “OOOohhhhh!  My Goodness!  I’ve wasted a whole lot of time on a whole bunch of nothing.” The important thing is to take that Aha moment and use it as a call to action.

    Ask Yourself This
    Once you’ve completed this exercise and find yourself staring in the depth of this Aha moment, this is what I want you to ask yourself.  “What am I willing to give up or change in my life right now in order to live the life that I believe that God has designed me to live as an artist?”  I know that it’s a tough question, and not one to be answered lightly. But I’m also convinced that every artist who answers this question is ready to step into the fullness of what God has for them.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend, share on social media and comment below!
    ​
    Thanks for reading. 

  • It’s Never Too Early to Lay a Foundation

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    Have you been dreaming about starting your own art business but are stuck wondering when the right time to start laying the foundation for your business is?

    Don’t worry, we’ve all been there and in this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to talk about the details of why it’s never too early to lay a solid foundation so that you can get started in strength.

    I even have an article I shared on this same topic that you can find right here.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online athttp://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review –CLICK HEREfor the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Please Note: The registration for the masterclass mentioned in this episode is closed. You can find all of our current resources at: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
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    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Have you ever dreamed about starting your own art business but got stuck knowing when and how to begin laying the foundation?   

    I see this frustration show up all the time in artists who have emerged past the hobbyist phase with their art. Maybe they have been selling a little bit of art from time to time, and now they are starting to see the reality where art can grow from being a lucrative side hustle into their full-time vocation.

    This is when the questions I get from these artists start to change.  I start getting asked things like…

    •  “Matt, when do I need to start thinking about the things that you are teaching?”
    •  “You know, marketing, developing a brand, and starting to do Facebook lives?”
    •  “When do I need a website?”
    • “What does it mean to really thrive in the Kingdom?” 
    •  “What do I need to understand mindset-wise to really get what God has for me?” 

    I hear all this and more, and I always tell people this; It is never ever too early to lay a solid foundation for your art and your art business. And every time I share this bit of wisdom, the very next thing I hear is, “well, Matt, what do I do next?”  Here are the top three things I always share.

    Accelerate Your Confidence
    As you start working intentionally on your art business and while continuing to develop both spiritually and artistically, you begin to gain confidence in an accelerated way.  It never ceases to amaze me that once you start to get some success under your belt and people start responding favorably to what you are creating, all of the old fears and hesitations seem to melt away.

    Fear of failure, fear of technology, and even the fear of not being good begin to be replaced by confidence as you take that leap of faith to get out there and start doing stuff. And to be clear, this isn’t something that can be bought or even something that God is just going to download to you supernaturally.

    This release of confidence comes with the territory.  As you step out, God is there to release grace and confidence in your life equal to the task that you are pursuing.  So, gaining confidence is a huge reason why it is never too early to lay a solid foundation.

    You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Runway
    Building a successful art business is a lot like building a long, beautiful runway.  A lot of people think that they are going to build this great “plane” of an art business, then all at once, their art career will begin to take off and soar.  While I would love that that to be true, here is the deal:  your “plane” will never get off of the ground without a runway. The truth is, you have got to have a runway to begin to build up speed and accelerate in order to take off and be who God has called you to be.  

    Laying a foundation for this “runway” starts in your spiritual life. You begin by aligning your mindset, your heart, and your mindset with the truth of how the Kingdom works, how money flows, and how to connect with the broader move of what God is doing in the earth and raising up this army of artists. With this started, then begin to focus on all of the marketing, business, and art stuff that it takes to really thrive as an artist.

    As you are faithful to do this little by little each day, you’ll be laying a firm foundation for that “runway.” Then when the day comes and you are ready to push the accelerator on your creative life, you will shoot down the runway, take off, and soar as an artist.

    Start Healthy, Stay Healthy
    Laying a healthy foundation early on avoids do-overs later in life.  I don’t know if you are like me, but when I get something that has to be assembled,  a curtain rod, a bookshelf, a piece of lawn equipment, whatever it is, I never look at the instructions.  I always jump in and start doing it. Maybe this is a guy thing, but I don’t think it is.  

    Inevitably, I get to a point where the thing I’m building doesn’t look like the picture on the box.  Maybe it’s because I’ve put “Part F” backward into “Slot A” while using “Screw I” instead of “Bolt L” to hold it together.  Then I have to take the whole thing apart and redo it. This entire process wastes time, makes me frustrated, and always leaves me wondering “Why didn’t I just read the directions?” 

    Laying a solid foundation in your spiritual, art, and business life is a guaranteed way to avoid a bunch of unnecessary do-overs in your journey.  Otherwise, you are forever trying to figure things out on your own, and having to come back weeks, months, and even years later to undo negative patterns of thinking and ways of doing things.  Seeking the advice of someone who has traveled this journey before you, a mentor, can be one of the best first steps you can take in laying a firm, healthy, do-over free foundation in life and art.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend. 

    Thanks for reading

  • Quickly Responding to God’s Voice

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    Do you ever drag your feet when it comes to responding to God? I know a lot of us struggle with that from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In today’s episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to give you some simple ways you can quickly respond to God’s voice, helping you take the guesswork out!

    I even have a blog article on this same topic that you can find right here.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online athttp://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review –CLICK HEREfor the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

     Please Note: The registration for the masterclass mentioned in this episode is closed. You can find all of our current resources at: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    One of my favorite passages of Scriptures is the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25.   I think it’s such a perfect picture of how growth in the Kingdom happens. And no matter how many times I meditate on this passage, I always walk away with a deeper understanding of these timeless truths. 

    Recently I was back in Matthew 25, enjoying my time with this “old friend” when the Lord highlighted a word for me that really rocked my world. What the Lord showed me in that one simple word was so profound, so simple, and so timely. The word that came alive to me that morning was this, “quickly.”    

    Think back to the Parable of the Talents, you know, the one where Jesus is the Master of the field, and He gives talents, in this case literally money, to His servants that are there.  To one guy, He gives five talents, to the next one He gives two, and the final servant gets a one talent investment.  You probably know how this story ends for the servants.  The five-talent guy brings back ten talents, the two-talent fellow brings back four, but the one talent servant buries his Master’s investment out of fear only to reap the wrath that he was trying to avoid. 

    But let’s focus on that first servant, the five-talent guy. The Scriptures teach us that upon receiving the investment from his Master, the five-talent fellow left quickly, immediately, or at once, depending upon the translation you are reading.  This talented and trusted servant didn’t waste time once he had his Master’s marching orders; rather, he went quickly and doubled the investment entrusted to him.

    He Directs Our Steps Not Our Standing Still
    This fellow’s reaction to his Master’s voice is an excellent example of how we should react to the Lord’s voice in our own lives.  I genuinely believe that when you have an unction from the Lord, a leading rumble inside your spirit, or a desire that is welling up and drawing you into a particular area, the biggest thing, the most essential thing that you can do is to step out quickly.

    I really believe that God directs our steps, not our standing still. Yes, I believe that we are to be still and know that He is God, that we are called to lay our desires before Him, and that we are to listen for His voice.  But I also firmly believe that as we cultivate an intimate relationship with the Lord, that He uses our desires, our passions, and our dreams to ignite action in us so that we can respond to the move of the Spirit in the context of our design and step out into things that He has for us.

    Don’t Overthink It
    Now, I can hear you say, “Well, Matt, what if it is not the Lord? What if I’m missing God? What if I am just wrong?” I get it. Nobody wants to run off full steam ahead only to find yourself barreling down the wrong track in life.  But if you think back to that story from Matthew 25, the one-talent guy probably struggled with the same fears and self-doubts. His solution was to stay put, to wait for perfect conditions, and to play it safe. We all know how that worked out for him.

    It’s way too easy to overanalyze God’s nudging in our lives. Fear of messing up, fear of missing God, or fear of it not working out can stop you dead in your tracks if you let it.  But what I’ve learned over the years is this; if I get an idea, if I get a desire, if I get a passion from the Lord, I begin to move on that quickly.  Why?  Because as I do, I find that revelation gets released, my direction becomes clear, and Divine Appointments and connections start popping up.
     
    Be Ready for A Course Correction
    So you’ve quickly taken your first steps once God has spoken. You haven’t overthought it, and you trust that God will be true to His Word and direct your steps along the way, and He does. Once I’m off the starting pad, that’s when things start to get clear about the direction the Lord is leading me in. Sometimes the Lord will direct you to maintain your course. Sometimes He’ll lead you to head off in a slightly different direction. 

    The thing you need to remember here is to stay connected to the Father, keep listening, and respond quickly when He does direct (or redirect) your steps along the way.  I love it when this happens in my life. That’s when all the doubt and fear starts to fade, and I become confident I’m on the right path in that season of life.

    Always remember this: God’s desire for you is that you walk in the Kingdom and prosper, even as your soul prospers.  When you say yes and quickly respond to the desires and intuitions that God is putting on your heart, all of Heaven rallies around to support, uphold, and protect you. 

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading.

  • The Art of Subtraction: Unleashing the Power of No

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    Have you ever wished you could have a clear, focused, no drama kind of life? Well, in this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to talk about something that I call the Art of Subtraction. 

    This often “lost art” is a great tool for cutting away the things in life that don’t really make sense anymore, so that you can keep your focus on the things that are productive, fruitful, and fulfilling.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Read the full blog article by clicking Right Here.

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review – CLICK HERE for the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    You know, everybody wants a clear, focused, no drama kind of life, but very few people know how to actually get that done.  In this article, I’m going to share with you a “lost art” that has supercharged the focus in my life, something I like to call the Art of Subtraction.   

    Having been an artist and a business owner for over 25 years, I have participated in and learned from one of the biggest misconceptions that keeps creatives from genuinely thriving in every area of life. That misconception, or lie, is the idea that if a few great things in life are beneficial, then adding a whole bunch more to your plate must be the way to grow and succeed in life and art. If this mindset sounds way too familiar, then let me dismantle this falsehood and give you some insights on how to move forward.

    As I was starting this thriving journey, I really wanted to have a clear, focused life. I wanted to avoid the drama-filled life and live a life that was pleasing to the Lord. Not knowing how to do this on my own, I dug in and started to read good books, take good classes, and seek out good ideas to help me grow in business and in life.  And it WAS all good, and I was learning and growing, but before you know it, all this stuff started to pile up in my life. You see, my life became full of what I would say was GOOD stuff, but it really wasn’t full of the BEST stuff.

    I find that this happens a lot in the lives of people who are experiencing success in their life.  Maybe you have been on the road to thriving for a while now. Perhaps you are starting to experience some success in your life as an artist, and you just think, “WOW!  That works.” So you head off, and you do more of that.  That course works, so you add three more.  That show works, so you do one every month.  You keep adding and adding and adding.  Before long, though, what happens is you end up with a bunch of GOOD stuff, but not the BEST stuff in life.

    Know What You Are Called to Do in This Season of Life
    For me, it began back in Atlanta on the floor, crying out to God after I felt like I hit bottom in my professional life. It was from that time of being real and honest with God that He pointed me towards my life’s calling.  If you know a bit of my story from then until now, the Lord has had me on a wild journey. From pulling up our roots in Georgia and settling in Asheville, to launching a world-wide Artist Mentoring Program.

    But several times during this journey, I’ve had to pull over in order to take stock of where I am in the journey towards fulfilling God’s plan for my life, my family, my art, and my business. I had to go back to that place of being real with God and ask Him to show me where I was on the “map” at that time. His answers always provided me with the context I needed to do what had to be done next.

    Evaluate and Eliminate
    I’ve actually been in this process for the last few years in my life and in my business. It’s a process of determining what the BEST things God has for me are, and what are just simply GOOD things. I’ve learned to evaluate each opportunity and open door by how it will potentially impede or expedite the things I’m called to do in this current season of life.  

    The really crazy thing is that yesterday’s best often ends up being today’s good. Things that were life-giving and fruit-bearing in previous seasons of life are now just GOOD things keeping me from the BEST that God has for me today.
     
    Recently for me, yesterday’s best was teaching basketry classes. I did this for years, and it was a great source of income for me when I was starting my art business in Asheville. But as the Lord began to move me more towards mentoring other artists, this formerly great thing, teaching classes, morphed into something that ultimately needed to be eliminated.

    Say No to the Good and Yes to the Best
    This concept is the heart of the Art of Subtraction. Begin by taking a look at all the things you are currently doing in your life, business, and art. Then ask yourself the following questions about each of these things:

    • Is this getting me the results that I want? 
    •  Is this doing the thing that I thought that it would do?
    • Is this bearing fruit or not? 
    •  Is it a time-sucker? 

    Then I’m going to ask you to be brave and let go of something good that you love in favor of something better.  As you take time to practice the art of evaluation and subtraction, you will begin to move towards that clear, focused, drama free kind of life you desire.

    So listen, I don’t know where you are right now in life, or if this is even resonating with you at all, but if it is, I want to encourage you to go for it. Take some time with the Lord. Take a hard look at everything that you are doing in your life, in your business, and your art. Ask yourself the hard question, “Is this producing the fruit that I want, or is it not?”  If it is not, then ask yourself, “What is producing fruit?” Then take the bold step to double-down on the things in your life that are actually producing the fruit and momentum in your life, your art, and your business.  

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading.

  • Pricing Your Artwork with Confidence

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    Do you struggle with pricing and often feel like you’re underpricing your artwork?  

    It’s actually pretty common among artists, but it doesn’t have to be your story!

    In today’s episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to show you how you can overcome an all too common mindset that could be sabotaging your perception and value in the marketplace. 

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review – CLICK HERE for the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Do you struggle with pricing your artwork? Do you often feel like you’re underpricing, or maybe even undervaluing, your artwork? It’s an all too common problem for artists. If you can relate, I have some good news and some surprising news for you. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be your story. The surprising news is that we’re going to have to address a mindset issue that’s probably been holding you back.

    Over the years, I’ve learned that if you are struggling with pricing as an artist, it rarely has anything to do with the value of your work, the quality of your work, or what people are willing to pay you.  What I have found to be the case is that 99% of the time, the major roadblock when it comes to pricing is YOU, or more specifically, your MINDSET.  

    No matter how talented you may be or what kind of local art market you live in, at the end of the day it all boils down to what you believe about yourself and your artwork.  Don’t worry, I’ll explain more as we keep going, but first I want to start here.

    Let me challenge you to take a few minutes and do a little self-assessment. Be honest, even if you don’t like your answers. The point of this little exercise is to find the root cause of why pricing your art is such a struggle.

    Mini-Assessment 

    • Are you struggling with pricing your art?  
    • Are you afraid to put the price that you really need to put on your art?  
    • Do you settle for less because it feels more comfortable?
    • What do you believe is possible, financially speaking, with your art?
    • What do you believe about your own value as an artist?
    • What do you believe about your artistic abilities?
    • Are you able to share your artwork in a way that is meaningful and valuable to others?

    Now, take a moment and ask God to show you the common thread that runs through all your answers. What is one thing that is most responsible for the problems you’ve had pricing your artwork?

    I know for me, when I started, it was a struggle to figure out how to price my artwork effectively so that I could make money as an artist. One thing that I did learn over the years was that if you don’t value yourself and your art, then that same discounting of yourself and your artistic giftings will be reflected 100% of the time in the price that you put on your artwork.  Take a moment to let that sink in while I share this story.

    After I moved to Asheville, North Carolina, and had become a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild (the second oldest and most prestigious fine craft guild in the country), I had an experience at one of my first shows with them that exposed my false thinking and highlighted the need to change my mindset. Being a new artist in a group in such a prestigious group, I decided to push my pricing to where I felt comfortable, to a price point I thought people would pay based on what I would pay.  My mindset at the time was something like, “If I wouldn’t pay more than this, then I won’t price my work any higher than this.” At the time, it made sense to me.

    Well, I had a beautiful sculptural piece there with me that weekend.  And as I started working the crowd, and people are coming up and talking to me, this one guy came up and started circling that piece. I tried to hold my excitement back just knowing he was falling in love with the sculpture and that I was about to make a sale.  Everything was going well until he looked at the $200 price I had on the piece. 

    The guy finally engaged me and asked, “Well, are you the artist?”  
    I said, “Yeah!”  
    He said, “Well, this is a really beautiful piece, a really special piece.”  
    I said, “Well, thank you so much.” 
    He said, “You know, people come to this kind of show because they are looking for something that is really, really special.”  

    Now in the back of my mind, I am thinking the whole time, “This guy is going to totally buy this piece!  He is driving himself into the buyer’s lane right now.”  

    I said, “Yeah!  Yeah!  People do come to this show because it is a beautiful show.”  
    He said, “Matt, can I be honest with you?”  
    I said, “Sure!  Sure!”  
    He said, “You have been doing this a lot longer than I have; you have got a lot more experience than I do, but I’ll be honest with you.  $200 really doesn’t say “special” to me.” And then he walked away.

    I have a friend that had the same thing happen when she was selling a piece of pottery. She had priced her art at $150, but a prospective customer mistakenly thought that the piece was priced at $1,500 and was eager to take the piece home. As the customer took the piece up to the counter to check out, she was informed that it was only $150. Normally you’d think this would be a good thing, but the customer who was willing and ready to buy a $1500 piece of pottery refused to buy it now that it was only $150. 

    Why do you think this happened in both of these cases?  I believe it all boils down to perception. From the artists’ point of view, we both priced our pieces based on what we perceived our value and the value of the piece to be. Again, this made perfect sense at the time. But to both potential buyers, their perception of our art, art that they wanted to buy, was damaged by what they perceived to be a cheap price.

    For me, this experience was an excellent opportunity to reach out to God and allow Him to challenge and change the mindsets I held around the pricing and valuing my work. As I grew in this area, I began to gain the confidence to start pricing my art in a way that set me apart. 

    If this resonates with you, then I challenge you to take your own pricing and value mindsets to the God and ask, “Lord, am I charging for my art based out of fear, or am I charging for my art based on being a business person, being confident in what You have called me to, knowing that I need to make money and make a profit to sell?”   

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.

    Thanks for reading.

    For a detailed explanation of pricing artwork, check out my guide to How to Price Your Art: The Definitive Guide for Pricing Artwork for Visual Artists.

  • Discovering Purpose and Community in an Artist Mentorship Program: Gabriel Stockton’s Transformation

    This blog shares the story of a watercolor artist who, after joining the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, found direction and purpose in their art. Initially, Gabriel enjoyed the fluidity and challenge of watercolor painting but lacked a clear strategy or purpose in his work. The artist mentorship program introduced him to structured goal setting, allowing him to plan and evaluate his progress effectively.

    A Transformation Beyond Art
    More than just developing art skills, the program led to a significant personal transformation. Gabriel, who is also a father and a husband, realized the importance of community and connection. He embraced the idea of being a mentor to other artists, understanding that art is not just an individual journey but also about building a community and nurturing relationships.

    The Power of Community
    One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the sense of community it fostered. Gabriel found value in the transparent and supportive interactions within the group. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with fellow artists created a nurturing environment that went beyond mere artistic development.

    Join the Thriving Community
    If you are an artist seeking connection, growth, and a sense of purpose in your work, consider joining the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program. This community offers a space for artists to grow, not just in their craft, but also in their personal and spiritual lives. Visit www.www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor to learn more and become part of this vibrant community.

  • Making Money With Your Art as a Side Hustle

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    Send us a text

    Do you have a full-time job but you’d love to make money on the side to supplement your income?  

    That’s the case for a lot of people and I’m going to show you how today on 5-minute Mentoring.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review – CLICK HERE for the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Please Note: The registration for the workshop mentioned in this episode is closed. You can find all of our current resources at: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    You know, a lot of artists have dreams about supplementing their income with their artwork, but few know how to take those first steps towards making this dream a reality. If this is you, please keep reading. I’m going to be sharing some practical things you can start doing now to turn your art hobby into a profitable and productive side-hustle.

    Make Space

    First of all, be sure you are intentionally making space in your life for both your day job and your art. If you’re like most folks working a full-time job, then Monday through Friday is probably dominated by work, commuting, and living life, and that’s entirely understandable. The challenge, then, is what you do with those other hours in your day, your weekend, and your free time?

    Well, if you want to make your art work for you, especially as an income stream, then you have to be serious about making that work for you from a time, energy, and resource perspective.  So, sit down, look at your calendar, make sure you are giving intentional space every week to your art.

    Be Realistic

    Secondly, you have to be realistic about the time you have to invest in your art, but more importantly, you have to make that time count. Be consistent and faithful in the time you have to be inspired, practice techniques, and create pieces of art. Remember, you’re in this for the long haul.

    Also, be realistic about how you are going to get your work out there to potential buyers.  You may want to consider quarterly shows, online sales, or even working with a local gallery that can market your art for you while you are still working a full-time job.  Remember there isn’t a one size fits all approach, the secret is finding what works best for you, your family, and your art during this season. And this brings us to my final point…

    Be Clear

    Be clear, I mean really, really clear about what you want, what you are willing to give up in order to get that, and where you want to go in this season of your life.  We call that vision, and the Bible is really clear on this topic. Proverbs 29:18 tells us that, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” and that word perish there actually means to cast off restraint.  It means going here or there with no real direction in life, but VISION allows you to be clear about who you are, what you want, and where you are going in any given season of life.

    All of us go through different seasons in life. Right now, my focus is on being a Husband to my wife, a Dad to my son, and a Father to artists. When new opportunities arise in my life, I take a moment to evaluate each open door in the light of the current season that I find myself in. If the option being offered doesn’t line up with the vision God has laid out for me during this season, then I don’t do it. It really is that simple to be clear when you have a vision for your life.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.​
    ​
    Thanks for reading.

  • Renaissance or Revival?

    Renaissance or Revival?

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    Send us a text

    You know a lot of people are talking about a new art renaissance that seems to be emerging around the world. That’s pretty awesome! But do you ever wonder if that’s really what God’s up to, or is there perhaps something more significant going on? 

    I do and in tthis episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, we’re going to dive deep into this topic and explore why I believe there’s much more on God’s heart for artists today than simply a renaissance of the arts.

    Read the Full Blog by clicking Right Here.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online athttp://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review –CLICK HEREfor the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Please Note: The registration for the masterclass mentioned in this episode is closed. You can find all of our current resources at: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources.html

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    There’s a fresh wind blowing through the arts right now, all over the world. Many have called it a New Renaissance of sorts and as an artist, that’s exciting!

    For many artists, it’s brought a new vitality, a resurgence of buyers and the opportunity to significantly grow their businesses through new tools and technology platforms, but is that it? Is that the end game? I believe there’s much more on God’s heart for artists.More than Marketers
    During this current resurgence of the arts,God is highlighting artists, our work and our creative process. It’s an exciting time but God’s not simply interested in raising up more talented artists and better marketers for our own sake. This move is not just about creating great art and making money as an end in itself (although both of those things can be the fruit of following Gods lead)! He’s actually waking up our hearts, drawing us into wholeness, transforming our minds and raising up an army of creative sons and daughters who know who they are and what they are called to in the Kingdom. This is definitely a God-inspired movement – a tidal wave of creativity in our generation – but to simply see it only as a renaissance is to miss the essence of what’s going on. This move is very different and if we don’t recognize the differences, we will miss the central focus of what’s Gods really doing in this hour. Here’s why:3 Philosophies of the Renaissance
    During (and as a result of) the Renaissance, three main philosophies emerged that have guided artists for generations since:

    • Humanism (man is the center of his universe)
    • Patronage (the protection and support of artists by religious / regional institutions and the wealthy)
    • Art for arts sake (art as complete in itself, divorced from purpose outside itself).

    These three systems formed the basis of how most artists approach their work and business – Christian artists included – even today. It goes like this: pursue my artistic expression (because that’s who I am), make it all about my desires, my talent, my expression and then find others to support me through grants, donations and sales. For some that works, although not long term. For many, it doesn’t work, resulting in a starving artist mentality on one side or a success-focused art marketer on the other. 

    ​The ugly side of patronage during the Renaissance of the past was that the artist became dependent on and was at the mercy of the patron (rather than a healthy identity in the Lord), adding a complicated (to say the least) dynamic to their life and art.  Today, being a slave to the market or latest marketing trend can yield the same frustration.More than an Arts RenaissanceIn this season, God is using this renaissance to lead us to revival and ultimately, thriving in His Kingdom.  He’s also raising up an army of artists who operate in three wholly different ways:

    • Christ-Centric: Instead of being humanistic, there’s a call to be Christ-centric; realizing that we’ve been given everything we need through the restorative work of Christ. We’ve been healed, restored and as we center our life, desires and creative expression in Him, He is glorified and releases His transformative light and life through us.
    • Kingdom Provision: Instead of patronage, there’s a call to embrace Kingdom provision; realizing that God alone is our provider and that through the marketplace (and other means) He reveals where we can harvest our provision in line with our assignment as artists. He brings the clients, the ideas and the divine connections. As we are faithful with little – in our skill, our business and marketing, in our finances – God makes us ruler over much.
    • Transformative Art: Instead of “art for arts sake”, artists realize that art and creativity are a vehicle through which God uses both the artist and the work to release His transformative power, drawing people closer to Him.

    God is after much more than just a renewal of interest in the arts, growing art businesses and increased influence.  If we miss this (and it’s so easy to) we will tend to seek only the results of what God promises (success, transformation, influence) without the relational and transformative process required to get there.

    Lasting Success, Grace to Grow
    As an artist myself and one who’s had the great privilege of walking with thousands of artists over the years as a mentor, I know this: 

    artists who seek the transformative power of God in the context of their life, art and business will always experience more lasting success than those who simply seek after the latest artistic fads and business trends.

    Further, artists who center their art and business in their relationship with God also have the grace to grow and mature over the long term, building what Proverbs calls “wealth without sorrow.”I want revival, not just renaissance. Revival starts in the heart – my heart – and flows out to others by the Spirit of God through my art, my business and my life.Revival awakens and empowers me from within.

    Revival centers my life, work and business in hearing Gods voice and following His lead.Revival calls me to community and lasting impact, for His glory.Sure, becoming a better artist and a better marketer is a part of this process for artists but it’s when God shows up that everything changes. That kind of lasting transformation will never happen as the result of my own effort.When God shows up, transformation is released.When God shows up, my life and art has meaning.When God shows up, then the world is changed.

    Pray this with me: Oh God, raise up an army of artists – sons and daughters – who know your voice, follow your lead and release the beauty of your Kingdom in the earth! Here I am, use me.

  • Selling Art Despite Your Local Market

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    Send us a text

    Have you ever struggled with selling your art in your local area? Lots of artists do. I’m going to talk about some solutions that will work for you no matter where you live on this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring.

    Take a few minutes to listen on the app of your choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    PPS – Need help leaving that review – CLICK HERE for the simple instructions on how to leave a review today

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Tell me my friend, does this sound familiar? 

    You’ve created a significant body of work and have done your best to let the world know you’re open for business, but no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to sell your art locally. 

    If you find yourself in an extremely rural area, an area that is economically depressed, or an area that doesn’t have an established art-buying culture, then it may be time to face facts. Your local area may not be where your ideal clients, the best buyers for your art, are located.  

    If this is you, don’t worry. This isn’t the end of your artistic dreams, but the beginning of a new way of thinking about and approaching your art business. And to help you get started, I want to share three ideas that I’ve seen work for artists around the globe.

    1. Selling Art is Not the Only Way to Make Money as An Artist
    When I first moved to Asheville and started to establish myself as an artist, I discovered that teaching art classes was a great way to augment my art sales.  These classes brought in some much-needed income while helping to elevate my status as an artistic professional in my community. 

    Over the past few years, online courses have come into their own. Even in our currently socially distanced world, it’s never been easier to use what you know artistically to create a great source of income.

    2. You Need to Go Where the Fish Are
    I grew up in Georgia and learned quite early that if you’re trying to catch fish, you’ve got to go to where the fish are. The same wisdom applies to selling your art.  If your local art market is sluggish or non-existent, then it’s time to find out where folks are buying art in your region and your state.

    Start with a little online research.  Spend some time looking into shows outside of your local area that are a good fit for your work. Then look into the galleries that are attracting the clientele you’re looking to connect with. Once you’ve narrowed down the list, check out these shows and galleries in person. It may mean taking a road trip and getting a hotel. The goal is to find with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the shows and galleries that are a great fit for your art.  

    3.  Selling Your Artwork Online Is a Great Option 
    The fundamentals are simple: attract an audience, get their email address, and build a connection over time.  It may be a new concept to you, but over the years, I’ve learned that Connection is Key when it comes to growing your art sales.  Every successful artist I know cultivates buyers by intentionally and consistently building a connection with their followers.  

    Now once you’ve built that connection, everything else is quite simple. From processing payments online to worldwide shipping, it’s never been easier to sell your art to a global audience. 

    Looking for A Blueprint for Success?
    Over the years as I’ve developed my own thriving art business and helped thousands of other Christian artists do the same, I’ve discovered there are some key elements you need to be focused on in order to start or grow your art business. 

    They include things like:
    ✅  Having a simple, clear pathway for your purpose
    ✅  Knowing where to focus your time, attention and resources to accelerate growth
    ✅  Understanding what habits make success easier
    ✅  Clarifying God’s plan for your life and art
    ✅  Discovering why people aren’t buying your art
    ✅  Transforming lookers into raving clients
    ✅  How to build a personal brand that attracts buyers both online and offline
    ✅  Knowing the key elements every artist website should have to start making sales
    ✅  Feeling confident in creating a simple artist marketing plan 
    ✅  Knowing how to handle the business side of being an artist without being overwhelmed

    These key elements are the beginning of starting or growing your art business to the next level. 

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.

  • Marguerite’s Artistic Journey: From Self-Doubt to Success Inside Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program

    Marguerite always had a flair for creativity, yet she never saw herself as a true artist. Her journey into the world of art began about seven years ago when she took up painting, almost as if accepting a playful challenge. Initially, painting was an integral part of her weekly routine, especially at her church, but soon, it started feeling like a demanding job. Striving for perfection, Marguerite encountered frustration and lost her initial spark of inspiration. This led her to take a hiatus from painting.

    However, this break marked the beginning of a beautiful transformation. Marguerite discovered the joy of finger painting during this period. This simple, playful technique rekindled her love for creativity. She shifted her focus from perfection to the pleasure of creation, reigniting her passion for painting.

    It was also during this period that Marguerite came across the “Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program,” led by the renowned artist and mentor, Matt Tommey. Recognizing a chance to rejuvenate her art career, she eagerly joined the program. The mentorship was transformative. Marguerite learned to dismantle the self-deprecating beliefs that hindered her art, like feelings of inadequacy and the lack of time. The program illuminated a significant truth for Marguerite: her innate drive to paint was not just a hobby, but a part of her divine purpose.

    Through Matt’s guidance, Marguerite realized that her desire to paint was intricately tied to her life’s mission. A poignant moment for her was during a finger painting session. She felt as though her touch on the canvas was a conduit for touching the hearts of those who would view her art. This revelation was a turning point – her art had a profound purpose beyond the canvas.

    This newfound understanding inspired Marguerite to embark on a series of paintings that celebrated the beauty of the sky. This project culminated in her very first gallery show, hosted in her home at the end of the year. The Created to Thrive program did more than just polish her skills; it transformed her entire approach to art. It was no longer just a hobby; it was a serious, fulfilling pursuit.
    The program’s impact on Marguerite’s life was profound. She began selling her artwork, teaching others, and hosting painting parties. She learned a crucial lesson: if you have a burning desire to create, embrace it. It’s possibly an indication of your true calling. Following this passion can lead to immense personal growth and fulfillment, as it did for Marguerite.
    ​
    If you, like Marguerite, feel a call to explore and thrive in your artistic endeavors, consider joining the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program at www.www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor. It’s more than just a program; it’s a community where artists are nurtured and encouraged to celebrate their creativity under the mentorship of Matt Tommey. Don’t be hindered by the notion of a ‘starving artist.’ Thriving as an artist is within reach, and Marguerite’s journey is a living testament to that.

  • Transformed and Bold: Laura Brady’s Artist Transformation

    In the video, artist Laura Brady shares her transformative journey in art and faith. Initially, she struggled with her identity as an artist and questioned her direction, especially after shifting from graphic to fine art.

    ​Discovering Matt Tommey’s Created to Thrive artist mentorship program was pivotal, as it connected art with Christian faith, leading to a significant spiritual. financial, and artistic breakthrough. This revelation helped the artist understand their role as a Christian artist, not just in sharing scriptures but impacting the world through their art.

    Joining the “Created to Thrive” program brought freedom and boldness in their art, leading to remarkable achievements like solo shows and acceptance into high-level exhibits. The artist emphasizes the importance of spiritual breakthrough in business success and recommends the program for its foundational focus on spiritual growth.

    ​Learn more about Created to Thrive at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/artmentor

  • Ready Start or Grow Your Art Business?

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    Enjoy this live video from a recent Facebook Live. We has some connectivity issues for a few moments early on… just scrub through them and keep going 🙂

    Many artists have dreams of creating a business from their art. Even more have dreams of growing their current art business beyond a trickling side hustle into a real part-time or full-time business that can provide then the financial and time freedom they desire.

    Well, if you’re one of those artists and you’re tired of spinning your wheels then I hope this article will be an encouragement to you! 

    Harmonious Opposites
    For most artists, one of the first big hurdles to overcome is the concept of being both an entrepreneur and a creative.  I know, I can hear you now “But Matt, I’m not good at all the business stuff… I just want to create!” If that’s you, then wonderful! I’m happy for you. You, my friend, have a wonderful hobby you can enjoy for many years to come. But here’s the truth: you can’t have business results with hobby habits. Either you learn to embrace both parts of the journey, or you come to terms with the limitations of not doing so. There’s no right or wrong answer, but you can’t have it both ways.

    Entrepreneurship and creativity are what some have called “harmonious opposites”. On the surface, they seem like they are the antithesis of each other but in realty, they actually fuel each other when held in a healthy tension. Living in and cultivating that tension is your job. Let me explain.

    Creative expression in and of itself is a wonderful pursuit for every person, regardless if they feel they are called to be an artist or not. However, for those who want to grow in their capacity, skill and function as an artist, a few things must happen, right? Mastery of skills, techniques, material usage, design, composition, the list goes on. Without these fundamentals, creating can become limited and boring. However, with this foundation artistic expression becomes and ever-expanding world of possibility. In essence, skill development is the runway for artistic freedom and I bet if you’ve been an artist for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced this reality in your life.

    The same is true with entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of business. Unless an artist embraces the fundamentals of marketing, sales and running a business they simply limit their capacity to thrive in this modern world as an artist. Gone are the days where an artist can rely on one gallery to sell their work. Buyers want interaction with the artist more than ever which requires artists not only to be makers, but to be great marketers as well. It’s simply a required part of the package. Otherwise, you’ve got to be ok with creating art as a hobby with no predictable way of seeing sales.

    The Juggling Act
    Now that you’re (hopefully) starting to embrace the harmonious tension between being both an entrepreneur and a creative, realize that functioning in that world is not a singular path. Rather, it is much like a juggler, who starting with a single item, then adds other items to their act and keeps them all in the air.  Skill and experience make that easier as you grow.

    The big question for most artists is “what things should I be juggling and what things should I be leaving out?” That is, what are the really important things that I need to know – especially starting out – and what are the things I can grow into? Without knowing this, most artists will spend hours, days and months spinning their wheels doing things they think are important yet not having any data to confirm their suspicions. 

    A Blueprint for Success
    Over the years as I’ve developed my own thriving art business and helped thousands of other Christian artists do the same, I’ve discovered there are some key elements you need to be focused on in order to start or grow your art business. 

    They include things like:
    ✅  Having a simple, clear pathway for your purpose
    ✅  Knowing where to focus your time, attention and resources to accelerate growth
    ✅  Understanding what habits make success easier
    ✅  Clarifying God’s plan for your life and art
    ✅  Discovering why people aren’t buying your art
    ✅  Transforming lookers into raving clients
    ✅  How to build a personal brand that attracts buyers both online and offline
    ✅  Knowing the key elements every artist website should have to start making sales
    ✅  Feeling confident in creating a simple artist marketing plan 
    ✅  Knowing how to handle the business side of being an artist without being overwhelmed

    These key elements are the beginning of starting or growing your art business to the next level. 

  • Jan Tetsutani: A Journey of Faith, Art & Transformation

    Jan Tetsutani’s story is nothing short of inspiring. This talented artist and creative soul hails all the way from Hawaii, bringing a touch of Aloha to her artistry. As the clock ticked to 5:15 AM in her time zone, Jan joined Matt Tommey for a conversation that unfolded into a testament of faith, community, and artistic growth.

    Discovering the Dream
    Jan’s artistic journey began with a flicker of creativity, but she never imagined it would lead her to where she is today. Her journey was a rollercoaster ride from self-doubt to artistic triumph.

    A Leap of Faith
    In 2014, Jan decided to take a leap of faith and pursue art as a business. This decision was no small feat, and she soon found herself facing challenges. Yet, even in moments of uncertainty, she knew that her Heavenly Father had a plan.

    Finding a Community
    Jan longed for a community of artists who shared her faith, and that’s when she crossed paths with Matt Tommey. The Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program offered her not only artistic guidance but also a spiritual connection with like-minded individuals.

    The Transformative Power of Faith and Art
    Through the mentorship program, Jan discovered the transformative power of faith and art working hand in hand. She learned to partner with the Holy Spirit in her creative process, leading to profound growth in her artistic journey.

    Facing Challenges with Grace
    Jan’s journey was not without its challenges. She faced health issues and moments of uncertainty, but her unwavering faith carried her through. She realized that God is faithful to complete the good work He has started in each of us.

    Paying It Forward
    As the world faced a pandemic, Jan’s story took an unexpected turn. She began offering free online art workshops, reaching people across the globe. Her art became a source of healing, comfort, and inspiration for others during challenging times.

    A Message of Hope
    Jan’s story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who may be facing adversity or contemplating their creative journey. Her unwavering faith, dedication to her craft, and the support of the Created to Thrive community have led her to incredible heights.

    Jan invites you to connect with her on Instagram and Facebook at @jantetsutanitart to explore her art and stay updated on her creative journey.
    If Jan’s story has ignited a spark of curiosity and inspiration within you, consider taking the next step in your own artistic journey. Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program led by Matt Tommey. It’s not just an art program; it’s a community that can transform your faith, art, and life.

    To learn more and become a part of this thriving community, visit Matt Tommey’s Artist Mentorship Program.
    ​
    Jan’s story is a testament to the incredible transformations that can occur when faith, art, and community come together. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable journey.

  • Bobbie Blakely: A Journey to Artistic Transformation

    Matt Tommey, artist and mentor, has had the privilege of witnessing remarkable transformations in the lives of artists, and one such artist is Bobbie Blakely. In this engaging article, we delve into Bobbie’s inspiring journey of artistic and spiritual growth through Matt Tommey’s mentoring program.

    The Creative Odyssey of Bobbie Blakely
    Bobby Blakely, a talented jewelry artist from Southern Oregon, has been crafting intricate pieces since 1978. Her journey as an artist is one deeply rooted in both passion and faith. Bobbie’s artistic pursuits led her to acquire a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in the same field. She honed her skills, creating stunning jewelry pieces that she sold at fairs, galleries, and through personal interactions. But her journey took a transformative turn when she encountered the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, guided by the mentorship of Matt Tommey.

    A Faith-Driven Artistry
    Bobbie’s life as an artist took on new dimensions when she embraced her faith in 1989. However, it wasn’t until she joined the Created to Thrive program that she began to explore the intersection of her artistry and spirituality. The program provided her with the tools and support to break free from the strongholds that had been holding her back creatively. It was during the “Experiencing God” course that Bobbie had her first encounters with journaling and seeking God’s voice.

    From Self-Portraits to Divine Artistry
    Bobbi’s journey of spiritual awakening coincided with a creative renaissance. As she embarked on her journaling journey, she began to experience the profound and divine connection between her art and her faith. She found herself drawing intricate pictures, often self-portraits in collaboration with God. This artistic shift was a revelation for her; it allowed her to express her faith and creativity in ways she had never imagined.

    Finding Family in the Community
    One of the most significant transformations Bobbie experienced was the sense of community and belonging she found in the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program. As an artist, she had spent much of her career working independently in her studio. The program introduced her to a supportive and like-minded community of artists who shared her faith and artistic journey. The power of this community lies in its unwavering support and genuine care for one another.

    The Oregon Thrivers: Building In-Person Connections
    One remarkable aspect of the Created to Thrive program is the opportunity for artists like Bobbie to connect not just online but also in person through local meetups. Bobbie is part of the Oregon Thrivers, a vibrant group of artists who meet regularly to encourage one another, share insights, and pray for each other’s creative and spiritual journeys. This in-person connection has added a whole new dimension to Bobbie’s artistic and spiritual growth.

    A Message of Encouragement
    To anyone considering joining the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, Bobbie has this to say: “It’ll be the best thing you have ever done, and you’ll never want to leave. It really is a family, and it makes you feel confident to move forward with the Lord in business and in your life personally.”

    Connect with Bobbie Blakely
    If you’re inspired by Bobbie Blakely’s story and want to explore her beautiful jewelry creations, you can visit her website at BobbieBlakely.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook at Bobbie Blakely Jewelry.

    In conclusion, Bobbie Blakely’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of faith, community, and mentorship. Her story serves as an inspiration to artists everywhere, reminding us that when art and spirituality unite, the possibilities are limitless.

    To embark on your own journey of transformation and become a part of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, visit Matt Tommey’s Mentorship Program. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience growth, both artistically and spiritually, just like Bobby Blakely did.

  • Advertise Your Art Like A Pro

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    Send us a text

    Have you ever struggled with where to advertise yourself as an artist? There are so many options out there for you to consider that it can be overwhelming, not to mention expensive.

    I’m going to dissect that today and dive deep into how to get the most out of your advertising dollars here in this episode of 5 Minute Mentoring.  

    Take a few minutes to listen on your app of choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Have you ever struggled with knowing where to advertise yourself as an artist?  There are so many options available today. Some are expensive, some are effective, and some are just a waste of time and money.

    I love it when an artist is thinking about advertising because it immediately tells me that they are proud of their work and ready to get it out there to the art buying public. It also means they are stepping out into their journey of becoming a thriving artist. That’s exciting!

    I was recently asked a question by Deb, one of the members of my Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program as she was considering advertising in her local paper. She wanted to know what I did to advertise myself as an artist. My answer may surprise some of you, but before I share it, I want to give you a little backstory.

    Backstory: I owned a marketing company in Atlanta for several years.  We did some advertising, we helped people develop ads and get them placed in magazines, newspapers, and online. We’d help communicate their message, build brand awareness, and build their online presence.

    Despite my background in advertising, I don’t advertise, at least not in the way you might think. Now, I know you’re sitting there, maybe in a bit of disbelief, but I’ve been able to build a six-figure art business with an international following without having to pay to promote my artwork.

    It all comes down to the way that the Lord led me to develop my art career. You see, I believe marketing your art is not just about finding people to buy your stuff. It’s about cultivating and sharing your artistic uniqueness and then sharing that with the world in order to build an authentic connection with the people in the marketplace who value your aesthetic and connect with who you are as an artist.

    Are you ready to find out how to do this?
     
    Define Your Artistic Uniqueness

    Let me ask you a question. What makes you different? What makes you unique? What is the “secret sauce” that makes your artwork stand out from other artists in your area who are creating pieces using the same mediums or working in similar genres as you?

    Defining what I call your Unique Creative Voice as an artist is vital to developing your “brand” as an artist. There are many ways to go about doing this, but I’ve found there are really three key steps you need to take to do it successfully. 

    Focus Your Creative Expression

    Have you ever heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none?” Unfortunately, this could be ascribed to so many artists I’ve met over the years. While it’s great to have a wide variety of skills and interests, it’s vitally important to focus your creative energies on one or two primary things so you can truly develop what I call Masterful Competence; but only if you want to sell your work consistently. 🙂

    This focusing may also mean that you begin to put limits on your creative palette while you define the parameters of both what and how you create your art. It’s learning to find creative freedom within the boundaries of a limited palette. I realize that might seem stifling at first but learning to co-plan and co-create art with the Holy Spirit while limiting yourself to a handful of supplies, techniques, and mediums supercharges the development of your artistic mastery.

    Learn To Tell the Story of You

    One thing I’m always saying is that 90% of the time, people buy art because of connection.  Sometimes it’s a connection to your subject matter, but serious collectors also value the connection they have with you and your creative process.

    That’s why developing and refining your story is vital to growing your art business. Your story and the story of your art can be one of the most powerful tools you can carry with you as you embark on creating authentic connections with the clients and potential clients you meet.

    You see, fully embracing your story is so important, because before you can truly grow as an artist, you must be able to speak passionately about yourself, your artwork, and your process. When you’re passionate and excited about your work, and you learn to share that passion, people will start to connect with you and your work.

    The difference between telling your story and advertising is the difference between hunting with a rifle versus hunting with a shotgun.  Telling your story, either in person or via editorial content (blogs, podcasts, articles, etc.) is a highly focused, precise way of zeroing in on your ideal clients. While generalized advertising (though it can be useful) is a bit like scattering your seed to the wind. Sure, you may “hit” one or two of the people you’re looking to connect with, but the vast majority of your paid advertisements are going to land in the laps of people who don’t want or can’t afford what you do.

    There is a better way, and once you’ve established what makes you artistically unique and you’re ready to tell the story of you, then it’s time to…

    Discover Your Ideal Client

    Creating your business around a niche of people who connect with you and your work is the bedrock of a successful art business. As I’ve said many times before, “No connection, no sale.” The question then becomes, “How do I connect and with whom?” That’s what developing a client avatar is all about.

    A client avatar is a fictional representation of your ideal client, all wrapped into one character. Being able to see your ideal client as a person, rather than an obscure figment of your imagination is super helpful when developing your potential products, messaging, and marketing campaigns. With a client avatar in mind, you’re able to create marketing efforts directed right at them.

    Finally, let me say this. It’s best if you can develop your client avatar based on actual evidence you’ve collected over time rather than just coming up with who you ‘think’ is your target client. With actual client history, you can analyze how people have connected with you and your work over the years while working on ways to enhance that experience. If you’re just starting fresh, give it your best shot and also look at the clients of other artists in your area or medium who are selling to provide you with a starting place.

    So, you’ve defined your artistic uniqueness, you’re ready to tell the story of you, and you know what your ideal client looks like. Now it’s time to…

    Bring it All Together

    Have you ever wondered what that secret recipe is for making and selling great art? Well, it’s not just your artistic uniqueness, your story and your client avatar alone that make the biggest difference, but rather how you use these three ingredients, or tools, together to develop the perfect recipe for connecting you and your art with the people who want to buy it and pay top dollar for it.

    The goal is to find the points of intersection where you can connect with your ideal clients. What magazines do they read? Where do they hang out? What non-profits are they involved with? What clubs and organizations are they members of? These are just a few of the questions I’ve used over the years to find points of overlap in my life and in theirs. And this is key to creating connection. Let me tell you how my friend Julie, a photographer, does this.

    Julie’s fine art portrait sessions are a perfect fit for individuals and families who can invest $2500 or more to capture images meant to be treasured for several lifetimes. She learned early on that her ideal clients were often involved with local non-profits, serving on boards, donating time, and making donations at fundraisers and galas. So, Julie combined her skills along with her love of serving the community to connect with her ideal clients by photographing them at local non-profit events.

    Again, the goal is to know where your ideal client is hanging out and learning to connect with them intentionally. Through direct connection via mutual interests or by being referred by someone your ideal client is already doing business with are two great low to no-cost ways to promote yourself.

    Now, if you were going to spend money on  advertisements, and please know that I’m not against this, this is where having intel on your ideal client can really stretch and focus your advertising dollars.  If your ideal clients are affluent seniors, look for the local publications that are already targeting that market. Some exclusive subdivisions in our area even have their own magazines, each filled with public interest articles on a variety of topics. This opens up the possibility of a public interest piece (which costs nothing) or even paid ads that will land in the lap of an ideal potential client.

    Final Thoughts

    Marketing and promotion are a lot like planting seeds. The worst thing you can ever do is to stop sowing the seeds of connection. Some of those seeds are going to come up immediately, some of them are going to come up in a few months, some of them may come up in a few years.  You never know, but you have always got to be planting seeds, and then focus those seeds in the places where they are going to count the most around those intersection points.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading

  • Phillip Ortiz: A Journey from Stagnation to Prosperity

    In the heartland of Kansas City, Phillip Ortiz, a devoted husband, father, graphic designer, and artist, embarked on a transformative journey that broke through the barriers holding back his artistry and creativity. Under the guidance of Matt Tommey, an artist and mentor, Phillip discovered his path to prosperity. This engaging article tells the inspiring story of Phillip’s transformation and how he found his creative and financial breakthrough.

    The Stagnation
    Phillip’s journey began in New Mexico, but it was when he moved to Kansas City a decade ago that he encountered a familiar problem for many artists – creative stagnation and financial struggle. Working as a freelance graphic designer and artist from his basement, he couldn’t break free from a financial cap that seemed unmovable. Stress and frustration were constant companions.

    The Turning Point
    Two years ago, a friend sent Phillip a Facebook link to Matt Tommey’s work. Initially skeptical, Phillip watched from the sidelines, wondering if it was just another empty promise. But something in Matt’s message resonated with him. It was a message of hope, growth, and the possibility of breaking free from limitations. Finally, Phillip decided to take the plunge and join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program.

    Discovering the Heart Modules
    Phillip expected that as someone with years of experience in the field, he might already know much of what the program had to offer. However, the program’s introductory “heart modules” took him by surprise. They challenged him to look deep within himself and examine how he viewed both his art and himself. It was here that Phillip realized a profound truth: his heart was not in the right place.

    Aligning Vision and Provision
    One key lesson Phillip learned through the mentorship program was that when he had a vision, he also had provision. In other words, if he had a clear sense of purpose and direction, he would receive what he needed to make it a reality. This revelation transformed his approach to art and business. By intentionally aligning his vision with God’s plan, he found himself equipped with the resources and support needed for success.

    The Lesson from Peter
    Phillip drew inspiration from the biblical story of Peter, the professional fisherman who had toiled all night without catching a single fish. After encountering Jesus and receiving His guidance, Peter cast his nets once more, and this time, he had an extraordinary catch. The difference was simple yet profound: he followed a word from God.

    Hearing God’s Voice
    Phillip’s journey taught him that hearing God’s voice and making choices based on that guidance were essential for stepping into his divine calling. He discovered that God had already provided what he needed, but it was up to him to listen and align his actions with God’s plan.

    A Message of Encouragement
    In closing, Phillip encourages fellow artists: “You don’t have to create from pressure; you can create from life, joy, and the goodness of God.” His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and aligning one’s vision with divine provision.

    Join the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program
    Are you ready to break free from creative stagnation and unlock your full potential as an artist? Visit Matt Tommey’s Mentorship Program and discover how you can become a part of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience personal and artistic growth, just like Phillip Ortiz did.

    In the world of art, the journey from stagnation to prosperity is within your reach. Join the program and step into a future filled with creativity, abundance, and fulfillment.

  • Mass Merchandising vs Exclusivity

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    Send us a text

    Have you ever considered putting your artwork on apparel or merchandise in order to get your art out to the masses? 

    I’m going to talk about the ups and downs and the pros and cons of this idea here in this episode of 5 Minute Mentoring.

    Take a few minutes to listen on your app of choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

    Get encouraged and connect with other artists on the Thriving Christian Artist Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/thethrivingchristianartist/

    Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
    Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

    Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    Have you ever considered putting your artwork on apparel or merchandise in order to get it out to the masses?  Well, one of my podcast listeners and Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program members, Jen, recently asked me about this idea of putting a great piece of artwork on a T-shirt. She wanted to know if this is a good idea or not, but more specifically, she wanted to know if this would cheapen her art. 

    I love tackling questions like this because it helps artists find focus and bring clarity of purpose to their creative pursuits. Over the years, I’ve found that there are really two ways to go about selling your art. Folks who have been in the biz for a while, usually end up in one of two camps: The Mass Merchandising Camp or the Fine Art Camp. It’s rare that artists have feet in both.

    The Mass Merchandising Camp

    In this camp, the whole idea is to sell as much art as possible by placing art on everything you can imagine while keeping the prices low enough to make it affordable to the masses.  In this camp, your canvas might be cellphone covers, leggings, pants, shirts, t-shirts, hats, mugs, cups, stickers, towels, or calendars. You get the idea.

    Now don’t get me wrong, this can be a great camp to be in artistically speaking. Artists in this camp are eventually drawn towards licensing their art. From art and art merchandise sold online and in big box stores, to mass reproduced series of prints for business and hotel chains, art licensing is a multi-billion dollar segment of the global art market each year. 

    To be clear, Mass Merchandising is an excellent camp to consider, but it does have one glaring downside.  The more that you bring down the price of your artwork and increase its accessibility, the more you cheapen its value in the eyes of serious collectors, people I consider to be your best buyers. 

    What do I mean by that?  True collectors, the folks who spend the most money on art, are usually looking for pieces that are original, exclusive and many times, offered at a higher price point. To them, buying art is not just about the art, but about the ambiance that goes around it, the prominence of the artist, the significance of the piece, and the perceived status that would come from owning it.

    The Fine Art Camp

    Now, for me, I chose to plant my feet in a different camp when it came to marketing my art. I learned a valuable lesson early on in the fine craft world. My friends who were potters tended to lean mostly towards functional pieces or towards non-functional work.

    I began to notice that potters that focused primarily on functional pieces, mugs, bowls, plates, etc., were amazing artists that were stuck on a volume-producing treadmill. To make a living, these artists have to batch produce a larger volume of pieces to make ends meet. Again these are great artists creating beautiful pieces, but at the end of the day, a mug or a bowl meant for daily use isn’t going to fetch fine art prices.

    Then there were the ceramicists that created ornate vessels and sculpture. Their focus was on unique one of a kind items meant to serve as the focal point of a room, a centerpiece on a table, or a high-end accent to an existing collection of fine art. Sure these artists never sold the volume of pieces that functional potters sold, but they did attract the kind of buyer that I was looking to attract in my art business.

    Positioning Is Everything

    Seeing those two schools of thought in action there inside the fine art camp made it easy for me to find my path when it came to creating and selling my art.  While my career in basketry began in the “functional” school of thought, I knew I couldn’t stay there forever. Over the years, as my skill grew, I came to love making things that are exclusive, unique, and really special.

    Consequently, I knew that if I wanted to follow my artistic passions, I had to move away from the “sure bet” functional baskets were for me and begin to position myself differently. My prices had to increase if my volume of sales were going to decrease, but more importantly I had to develop that “it” factor, that idea of exclusivity, that would attract the kind of buyer that could and would pay top dollar for my work.

    As I did this, I learned a few things about the high-end art market. Buyers in this market are much more concerned about the connection of my values to theirs than they were with the concept of merely filling a blank space on their shelf. I learned that my ideal buyer was drawn in by the aesthetic of my work, the uniqueness of my pieces, and eventually by my reputation as an artist.

    As I turned off the faucet in my art career on the lower-end stuff, I began to connect with clients that were passionate about my work. These folks never beat me up on price. In fact, price is often one of the last questions they ask when purchasing one of my woven sculptures. 

    The best part is that they started referring me to their friends which only served to strengthen my reputation and increase my value in the marketplace as an artist. I found that I love to do business with buyers like this, serious collectors who appreciate my artistic passions.

    Trust is Key

    Choosing your path as an artist is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your career as an artist. One of the things that helped me the most in my journey was to set aside some time to examine my heart.

    I began to realize that when my focus was on “how can I make a buck,” or “how can I get you to buy my basket,” that I was living out of a place of fear and striving. Fear that I would be a starving artist that couldn’t provide for my family and striving to do everything in my power to provide for my own needs. 

    What I wasn’t doing was trusting the Lord, the One who had given me these talents and had called me to the marketplace to provide for me as His son.  In my own epic saga of artistic (and spiritual) growth, I reached a point of surrender and trust.

    I surrendered the idea that it was up to me and that I had to work, sweat, and strive and leaned fully into trust. I prayed something like, “You know what, Lord?  I know that You love me. I know that You have called me an artist. I know that You want me to make things that I am passionate about. I know that as I am faithful to be the artist You called me to be, You are going to be faithful to bring the clients, the connections, and the provision.”  

    When I did that and disconnected from all that striving, that’s when things changed for me. It’s been the same for so many artists in my Mentoring Program. When they let go of striving to create and sell and leaned into trusting God and yielding to the direction of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of their art life, things began to change. Doors of opportunity, provision, and artistic fulfillment began to open wide for them as well.  
    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    Thanks for reading!

  • Finding Happiness In their Art Business: Trent and Kate Freeman’s Story

    Hello, I’m Matt Tommey, an Artist Mentor. Let me share with you an inspiring story about two artists, Trent and Kate Freeman. They’ve been in the art world for 28 years, crafting unique sculptures from materials like clay, wood, metal, and glass. They also create practical pieces like teapots and have recently ventured into painting.

    Overcoming Artistic Challenges
    Initially, Trent and Kate focused on making art primarily for income, which unfortunately drained the joy from their work. They constantly worried about finances, which overshadowed their creative process. However, a significant change occurred when they started to incorporate their faith into their art. This shift brought them a sense of peace and revitalized their love for creating art.

    Blending Art, Belief, and Business
    Previously, Trent and Kate compartmentalized their lives: art, faith, and business were separate entities. But they learned an invaluable lesson: to intertwine these aspects, placing their spiritual beliefs at the heart of everything they do. This integration transformed their artistic journey into a harmonious and fulfilling path.

    The Power of Community
    Joining a community of artists was a turning point for them. In this group, they connected with other artists facing similar struggles, realizing they were not alone. This community provided growth opportunities not just in their art and business but also enriched their family lives.

    Artists Transformed
    Today, Trent and Kate are not just surviving as artists; they are thriving with a renewed sense of happiness and purpose in their work. Their experience demonstrates the profound impact of integrating faith into art and business.

    Join the Transformation
    Are you an aspiring artist looking to find joy and fulfillment in your craft? The Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, guided by me, Matt Tommey, offers a supportive community, practical business insights, and a pathway to intertwine your creativity with your beliefs. Visit us at www.www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor to begin your transformative journey in the art world.

  • Choosing Your Focus

    Choosing Your Focus

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    Have you ever wondered what to focus on as a creative when you love to do so much?  
    ​Often as creatives, we tend to be multi-focused and multi-interested most of the time. 

    That is kind of a normal part of being wired for creativity.  But while this is perfectly normal, this can hinder your ability to grow an artistic hobby into a part-time or full-time business or ministry. The key to finding artistic focus in your life lies in knowing what season of life you are in.The Bible teaches us there is a time and a season for everything under the sun. Over the years, I’ve continually returned to this truth in my own life asking, “Lord, what season am I in? How do I respond right now creatively, financially, and in business?” 

    Discerning the Times and SeasonsWhen I got out of college, I felt strongly that the Lord was calling me into a season of full-time ministry. And for several years, ministry was my primary focus. I served as a Worship Leader and did my baskets on the side as my hobby.I would sell my baskets at shows a few times a year, earning my Christmas money and that sort of thing. In that season of my life, my baskets really weren’t a big deal. I didn’t put a lot of expectation on making or selling, I enjoyed it as a pastime and that worked for me at that time.As I transitioned out of ministry a few years later, I moved into a season of serving the Lord in the marketplace.  I loved doing marketing and graphic design, so I started a marketing company. And for a season, that was very successful.  Again, I was still doing my baskets as a hobby and  leading worship on the side as a volunteer at church, but those things were not my primary focus, especially in terms of generating dependable income for my family. Then in 2009, the seasons began to shift for me again.  God called me to be a father to artists, to raise up an army of artists, and to do what I am doing right now.  During that season, my focus began to shift again. I started writing books for the first time, and I started speaking on the whole idea of what it means to be a Kingdom Artist.But that wasn’t the only shift that happened. The Lord told me that He was going to start using my baskets. Yes, that creative escape I embraced during my college years and had evolved into a serious hobby over 15 years was now ready to become a significant focus in my life.The Lord began to open doors of favor that were incredible, using my baskets as both a source of income for my family and as well as a big part of what led us to move to Asheville, North Carolina.  His plan for me in that new season was to bring me to a seat of influence in the arts (Asheville) and to a position of authority in the Kingdom (to raise up an army of artists).As I look back at my 25-year artistic journey, I’m genuinely amazed at what God did in each season of my life. Each season was uniquely focused on a passion the Lord had sown into me that grew into my main focus for a time.Again, for me, the key to knowing what to focus on in any given season of life has been a commitment to commune with God regularly.  I challenge you to do the same.  Get alone with God. Ask Him the questions,

    •  “What time am I in?”
    •  “What season am I in right now creatively, financially, and in business?”  
    •  “Which one of these talents you’ve given me is meant to be the focus of my passions during this season?”

    And as you do this, trust God’s direction and timing. Otherwise, you may continue to miss opportunities and squander the limited focus you have as a professional dabbler.Before I go, realize there are many other things I’ve shared over the years on creative focus, but two free resources I would love for you to check out are:

    •  Episode 58 of my 5 Minute Mentoring podcast, where I talk all about Finding Artistic Focus and
    •  Episode 140 of my 5 Minute Mentoring podcast, where I talk about how to transition into being a full-time artist. 

    You can find both podcasts right here on my website. I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.Thanks for reading!

  • Can God Use My Art If It Isn’t Overtly Christian?

    Can God Use My Art If It Isn’t Overtly Christian?

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    Christian artists around the world really struggle with this idea. We all want to honor the Lord with the creative gifts and talents He’s given us, but how do we do that if our creative pursuits seem better suited to the marketplace than the sanctuary.

    I’ve struggled with this myself, especially as an artist and a believer that primarily creates woven sculpture. No one has ever looked at my work and asked me, “Matt, are you creating Christian baskets?” (We’ll somebody did once, but that made for a really awkward conversation.)

    On the one hand, it’s kind of great not to have that pressure, but on the other hand, it has made me wonder from time to time if my pieces are having any impact in the Kingdom or the spiritual lives of my clients.  

    And I know if I’ve struggled with this concept, then those of us whose works employ narratives, story, music, or imagery can oftentimes struggle with this even more. If that’s you, then let me encourage you with this:

    God cares more THAT you create than WHAT you create.

    Now, what does that mean? 

    Well, for me, that means it is more vital for me as an artist to recognize and embrace the unique design God has on my life. Once I accepted this, then I was able to faithfully fulfill that design to the best of my ability using the gifts, talents, and skills He has given me.  The same can be true for you as well.

    It’s the same principle Paul shares in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” This advice given to Christian servants working in Roman households didn’t just apply to work that was overtly spiritual in nature. 

    It’s hard to make washing dishes or cleaning toilets seem Holy. Yet Paul’s admonition was EVERYTHING done using one’s full measure of skill and talent without reservation, without holding back, is, in fact, honoring to God in a way that advances the Kingdom. Chew on that for a minute. Now here’s how you can bring this principle to life in your creative practice.

    Get Creative with God in the Studio

    Get in your studio, invite the Holy Spirit into that space and begin to cultivate an atmosphere of His presence. Once you are in that place with the Lord, unleash your creativity and do the thing that is on your heart to do. Write, Sculpt, Paint, Mold, or Shape with wild abandon, creating art for an audience of One without fear of how others will view or judge your work out in the world.

    Don’t just do this once and decide it’s not for you, instead make this a regular part of your creative life. You’ll quickly find that the pieces that honor the Lord are often the very ones that speak to the depths of your soul as a creative.

    The finished work may be overtly spiritual, or it might just be beautiful with no other agenda. No matter the subject matter of your finished pieces, always remember that when you begin to fulfill God’s plans and purposes in your life, your art will have a profound impact on others. 

    Be Being Filled and Skilled: 

    Always remember your job as an artist is to be the best artist that you can be.  I’ve encouraged tens of thousands of artists from around the world to embrace the concept of being both filled and skilled.

    By being continually filled with the power of God’s Light, Life, and His Presence in your life, you literally cultivate an atmosphere in your studio that invites the Power of Heaven into everything you do creatively. 

    At the same time, you must be a good steward of the skills God has given you. Learn from masters in your field, enlarge your creative capacities, hone your skills. Wholeheartedly dive into your creative process and rise to be everything God has called you to be as an artist.

    The Results are up to God

    Now before you start getting worried or fixated on the impact your creative efforts may or may not have in the lives of others, always keep this in mind: the results are up to God.

    It’s too easy to start thinking transactionally in terms of the impact we want our artistic creations to have in the lives of others. “I’ll paint this so that she feels…” or “I’ll write this song that he will…” You get the picture.  The Kingdom doesn’t work that way and approaching your art in that way borders on manipulation.

    But once you embrace the fullness of who God has created you to be and begin following His plans for your life and art, that’s when your art (and your life) becomes impactful in the Kingdom. 

    It’s when you choose to live and embrace an abundant life of joy, beauty, peace, creativity, and love that your life and your art begin to prophesy the truths of the Kingdom of God to the world.  As you do this, God is free to use everything you do and create to profoundly impact the world in ways that are far beyond anything you could have imagined or engineered on your own. 

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.

    Thanks for reading!

  • Navigating Your Journey from Hobbyist to Pro

    Navigating Your Journey from Hobbyist to Pro

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    Send us a text

    Do you ever sit alone dreaming of taking your art hobby and turning it into an art business and an income source that God uses to bless your life financially?

    A lot of artists do and yet so many don’t know how to make that transition.

    In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I’m going to give you five tips on how to start your journey from a Hobbyist artist to a Pro artist.

    Take a few minutes to listen on your app of choice like ApplePodcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay or online at http://www.MattTommeyMentoring.com/podcast

    Ok, enjoy the podcast!

    Matt

    PS – Did you review the podcast yet? Screenshot the review, post the screenshot to your Instagram feed, and tag @thethrivingchristianartist. Do that, and I’ve got a surprise for you if you do…. #justsayin

    Connect with Matt online at www.MattTommeyMentoring.com or on Instagram and Facebook @thethrivingchristianartist

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    ? Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

    As an established Christian artist, I’m often asked how do you take a hobby and turn it into a viable business; either part time or full time. Or to take it a step further, how do you take something you love to do, have God bless it and turn it into a source of income, allowing you the time, the freedom and the income you need to start focusing on what God has called you to do?

    Over the years, I’ve learned that most artists are moved and motivated simply by the opportunity to create art.  And the simple fact is, if you’re making enough money through creating and selling your art, then you have more time to create. That’s pretty awesome! When that is coupled with seeing your art being used by God to transform the lives of others, your joy and fulfillment cup in life really starts to overflow.

    While this is fun to think about, the real challenge for most Christian artists is figuring out how they get there; how they take that hobby, and go pro. I’ve touched on the concept of “Building the Bridge” in previous posts, but today we’re going to map out exactly what that journey can look like for you. 
     
    Make Great (and Unique) Art
    The foundation of this bridge is simply making great art. You have to develop your skill, your unique voice, and an aesthetic that is desirable in the marketplace. Otherwise, you’ve got nothing to share with the world. It’s also essential to continue producing great work regularly for your style and your voice to develop. Without that, most artists find themselves stuck without a unique, recognizable voice or enough work to start really selling.

    Now, I know it’s easy to become discouraged at this stage. It takes time for your unique voice to develop. It’s going to take dedication, determination, and countless hours in the studio to develop your unique artistic voice, one that will set you apart in the marketplace. That’s normal and a glorious part of our journey both spiritually and artistically. No amount of marketing and business skill can make up for the lack of the time you spend creating. Remember, the same God that blessed you with talent and desire is the same God that will sustain and inspire you as you continue building your skill throughout your journey.

    Put Yourself Out There
    Proverb 16:9 says, “Man plans his way, but the Lord orders his steps.”
    Your next step is to make your plan and get yourself out there into the marketplace. The most effective way I’ve found to establish long term success in marketing my art is what I like to call my Parthenon Marketing Plan.

    Think about the Parthenon, that ancient multi-pillared structure in Athens, Greece. Built thousands of years ago, the structure of the building is still largely intact due to the multiple pillars that were built to support the structure. Picture that building in your mind as we switch gears and focus on marketing your art. 

    Instead of putting all of your “marketing eggs” in one basket, or on one “marketing pillar,” begin diversifying your marketing efforts across a variety of different sales and marketing channels. Don’t just rely on art shows and craft fairs to sell your work, branch out and establish an online presence, too. Instead of just paying for Facebook ads, why not reach out to your local media outlets and let them know you’re available for interviews and public interest stories! The possibilities are endless.

    The point is to build your marketing “house” by using a multi-pillared approach that employs a variety of different marketing tactics, all working simultaneously.  That way, if one strategy fails, falls short, or, as we’ve seen with the Covid-19 Pandemic,  is shut down, you still have a way to connect with clients, sell your art and pandemic-proof your business.

    Find YOUR Place….Are You Going to be Evian or Tap Water? 
    So let’s recap. First, you have to create great art while developing your unique artistic voice and style. Then you must begin reaching out and connecting with people so that they know you exist in the marketplace. Finally, it’s also essential to know where to position yourself IN the market.

    Let’s use water as an example. Now, there’s tap water that basically costs you nothing and then there are bottles of water out there that can cost upwards of $100 (check out https://svalbardi.com/). How do they charge that much for water? It’s all with how it’s positioned in the marketplace. They’ve marketed it in such a way that makes it unique, special, and exclusive enough to offer a client the experience they’re seeking.

    It’s the same way with art. Take my work, for example. I don’t just create functional baskets you can find at any store. I create woven sculpture. I don’t sell at common community craft shows. I’ve positioned myself in the marketplace in a way that highlights the value of my work as fine art. When my clients meet me, see my art, and get to know me, they begin to feel that one of my sculpted pieces just might be worthy of a place of honor in their home and the high prices my work commands.

    Do you have to be the best artist in the world to accomplish this? Absolutely not, but you do need to create something that is perceived as special, unique, and valuable. This approach continues to build on itself. Once you cultivate and build a reputation for being exclusive, unique, and desirable, you’ll begin to find and attract your special niche of clients.

    By positioning myself as an artist, instead of “some guy who makes baskets” or “crafty”, I’ve been able to create a unique brand that is both high end and exclusive. And that’s how you start to command the prices and respect in the art world.

    Where is God in all of this? 
    My friend, He’s in your studio and the work you create. He’s in your inspiration, and He’s definitely in the relationships you develop along the way. The Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way both in your creative process and into those special relationships He has for you. Learn to invest in those key relationships the Lord points out to you and intentionally cultivate those relationships over time. It will pay off, I promise.

    Remember, the Lord is ready to walk with you in every artistic, business, and life decision you face. The same God who filled you with creativity and inspiration desires to guide you moment by moment as you step out in faith and use the gifts He’s given you in the marketplace. And as you are faithful on your journey, the Lord will begin to open up doors for you to do the thing that’s in your heart. 

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading!

  • 2020 Created to Thrive Spokesperson of the Year Finalists

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    Back in March of this year, I had the honor and the privileged of hosting 500 artists at our first ever Thriving Christian Artists Conference here in North Carolina.

    One of the highlights of that event was having the audience pick our 2020 Created to Thrive Spokesperson of the Year from our four finalists that were present there with us that weekend.

    As a part of for being considered for this honor, everyone who entered this to submit a short video detailing why they should be chosen.  While I can’t share all the fantastic videos we did receive, I do want to share with you the following videos from our four finalists. 

    ​Enjoy

    Lydia Crouch – Finalist

    ​Rachel Painter ​- Finalist

    Irene Hassler – Finalist

    Jan Tetsutani – Our 2020 Spokesperson of the Year

  • Finding Freedom from Church Hurts

    Finding Freedom from Church Hurts

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    Has this ever happened to you? You’re on the journey of life, actively engaging with your local community of believers. And despite your best efforts, you find yourself stuck in a situation that’s full of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and broken relationships. 

    The sad reality is that we’ve all been there, and despite the Father’s intent, modern church life can sometimes be a magnet for these painful encounters. So the real question is, “what can you do about this?” 

    First Things First
    It’s easy to blame hurtful situations on others, especially if you believe they don’t like you, they don’t understand you, or worse, they are out to get you. While it’s all too easy to jump to any one of these conclusions, the reality is that satan is a master at stirring the pot as he sprinkles in a few dashes of deception, division, and doubt.

    When you find yourself in a tense situation with others, take a moment to go to the Lord and ask for His perspective on the situation. It’s incredible how many times that simply seeing a hurtful situation from God’s point of view can kickstart a season of healing and reconciliation in your life.  

    Align Your Expectations
    Often seeking the Father’s wisdom when you are hurt reveals a simple confusion of expectations. Failing to communicate upfront what you and others are expecting in a given situation can often be where relationship difficulties begin.

    This can happen on every level and with any relationship you have. Confusion is out there, looking for its next opportunity to strike. And when it does, you find yourself expecting one thing to happen while the person you’re dealing with is expecting something completely different. (Queue the difficulties and strife) 

    Now, as depressing as this may seem, you don’t have to let it get you down and out. Instead, take it to the Lord. First, ask Him, “Lord, here’s the situation. What’s the opportunity here for me to grow in relationship with You?” Then, take the time to listen and act upon what He tells you.

    Secondly, take the time to reflect on the conflict and ask yourself some essential questions:

    • Did I come into the situation with realistic expectations myself?
    • Could I have clarified my intentions or expectations better?

    Instead of quickly blaming the other party for everything and walking into the situation hurt and angry, take a step back, and take responsibility for what you brought to the table.

    Go Make It Right
    Matthew 18 is very clear on this matter. If you have something against your brother, go to him, deal with it. If you don’t do that, it just festers under the skin. The more time that you allow to go by without dealing with the situation directly, the enemy will have a field day because he always deals in secrecy and fear.

    The Bible also tells us in Ephesians 4:3 that we need to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” So what does that actually mean? That means if someone has offended you, or even if you have offended someone else, that it’s on you to be the bigger person. 

    Take that first step, reach out in love and say, “Hey, my friend, I’m so sorry. I know there’s a situation with us. Can we talk about this because I don’t want anything to come between us.” The Bible is really clear where we dwell together in unity, and there the Lord has commanded the blessing. I don’t know about you, but I do want blessings in my life.

    Get Some Help
    Now I’d like to tell you that this works 100% of the time, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t. So when you find yourself still stuck in strife even after you’ve reached out in love to make things right, Matthew 18 again offers us the best guidance.

    Go back with a mediator, someone you both trust, and try again. Just know that even taking this step, your differences still may not be solved. Sometimes this presents us with the opportunity to set a boundary and move on. 

    I know that’s hard, but as soon as you can release people and your expectations of that situation, that’s when the Lord can bring healing and reconciliation. You’re not abandoning the relationship. You’re allowing them space to process that thing and deal with it in a way that will honor the Lord.

    Finally, Forgive
    And one last thing, forgive. Forgiveness is not for them. Forgiveness doesn’t mean they did everything right. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you did everything right. Forgiveness just says, “I’m choosing to no longer punish you for the thing that I perceived that you did to me. I’m releasing you from that, and I’m going to learn from this situation. I’m going to go on in God’s grace.”

    When you learn to deal with hurt and difficulties in this way, your mindset begins to change. And when you face similar problems again in the future, you have a proven, trusted plan for dealing with them in a healthy, God-like way.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading!

  • Help! Nobody Liked My Art!

    Help! Nobody Liked My Art!

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    You did it. You’ve sent your artwork out into the world. And you didn’t get the response you thought you would. The likes aren’t stacking up on Instagram and no one’s following you on Facebook.

    So what happens next..heartache…frustration? Trust me, it doesn’t have to be that way!

    Today I’m tackling the common misunderstanding many Christian artists have regarding their identity and connecting it to what people think about their art. 

    Listen, this is a very normal thing but that doesn’t make it healthy.  It is however, something we must work through if you want to really thrive as the artist God created you to be. On the other hand, if you give in to these feelings of doubt, they can absolutely paralyze you. Constantly thinking about your performance and judging your worth by what others say about you is a real recipe for disaster. 

    He’s After Your Heart
    Why? Because the enemy is always after your heart. He’s going to try to leverage any part of you that is performance-based. Anything that is not firmly grounded in the Lord’s identity. Anything based on what others think. And more than likely, he will if you don’t understand who God has made you to be, agree with it, and intentionally cultivate that truth regularly. 

    It doesn’t matter who you are. Especially as a Christian artist, you’re never going to grow and develop unless you deal with that identity issue. It doesn’t matter how good of a marketer you are or how good of an artist you are if your identity is tied up in what others think of you. You are never going to see that sustained renewed growth, joy, freedom and authority in what you do.

    Matthew 18:19 says “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” Now you can choose to agree with God’s will or you can choose to agree with the enemy,  agreement is a powerful thing.

    So what are you going to agree with? Are you going to agree with “I’m only as good as they say I am.”? Or “I’m only as good as how many Instagram likes I have.”? Or even “I’m only as good as my church thinks I am?” That’s the mindset that sends you on a performance-driven, enemy filled cycle.

    Or are you going to agree with what God says about you?

    The Power of Community
    Community can be a powerful tool that God can use to encourage and support you. However, community should never be the thing you lean on in place of cultivating a healthy identity. When you’re doing both, actively cultivating a healthy identity inside a healthy community, that’s when things really start to change.

    When you have loving and supportive people who will speak into you the identity God has designed for you, you become the son instead of the slave. Your path deviates from your Facebook feed or your Instagram likes. When something goes wrong, instead of destroying you, it becomes a trigger for an opportunity.

    An Opportunity to Change
    An opportunity for what? To take control. For you to say ‘Lord, I am not defined by what I do. I am not defined by what others think. I am defined by who You say I am.’ 

    The Bible says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” That means don’t do life as everybody else does it. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As you begin to think about your life in terms of what God says about you as opposed to what the enemy says and as opposed to what circumstances may say, that’s when your life will change. 

    Listen, when your identity gets healed, when you begin to cultivate your identity in Christ, that’s when the foundation is set for all the other growth. Everything else that you are building your art business on, your life as an artist, your skill; everything outside of an identity seated in Christ is shifting sand.

    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.

    Thanks for reading!

  • What To Do When You Need Money: Financial Help for Christian Artists

    What To Do When You Need Money: Financial Help for Christian Artists

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    As Christian artists, it’s easy for us to say we’re not in it for the money label money as a hindrance; even evil. But in doing so, we’re simply using the fear of money as an excuse to justify our roadblocks. We get so caught up in worrying about finances, that it paralyzes us.

    Matthew 6:33 tells us: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” What that tells us is that provision is not something we must earn. God has designed us to walk with Him in the Kingdom as we pursue our unique design, embracing our position as sons and daughters. When we do that, then all things will come unto us. This is true, even when it comes to finances.

    So, do you think money evil? Of course not. Money is simply a tool that reveals the heart of it’s steward.  Existing in this life requires money; making it, spending it, giving it and investing it. So today, I want to give you a simple three-step process to start thinking about your finances differently. Don’t let money paralyze you from being able to do that thing God has called you to do.

    Sow
    The first thing I want to encourage you to do is sow. As Galatians says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

    Too many times we are quick to give in to the excuses because of the fear and anxiety that comes along with money, . We tell ourselves we can’t afford something, have more important expenses, that we’re on a fixed income or maybe we will do it next year. Instead of sitting in that fear and never taking the chance, I invite you to sow.

    Sow into the Kingdom intentionally and by doing so, you are declaring in the face of the enemy that fear and anxiety don’t define you. Instead, you are planting a seed of purpose. Remember, you don’t plant a seed without expecting a harvest.

    When we sow in the face of fear, we are declaring God is our provider. If you are afraid to sow that seed, how will God entrust you with a harvest? Plant that seed in good soil in the Kingdom expecting to receive what God has for you. When you do this, putting your money into things won’t seem like such a waste. It won’t fill you with anxiety. Because you will know it’s been put in the right place.

    Look
    Next, you have to look for that harvest. What better place to start looking than in your own hand. Ask the Lord what is in your hand right now that could make a difference. Even if it’s small, find a win right now.

    Look for the fragments in your life. As told in the Gospel of John, a boy with just five loaves of bread and two fish fed thousands by bringing them to Jesus. Jesus then multiplied them to feed the masses. After the feast, the disciples picked up the fragments left behind; all that was forgotten and overlooked.
     
    So you ask the Lord what things in your own life are overlooked. This can be in your life but also in your finances. Is there a resource or asset you have forgotten about? Is there a recurring bill you forgot about and don’t utilize? Is your studio filled with artwork, even if they’re little sketches, that you could sell or make prints of? These little fragments could add up to something big.
     
    Lastly, when looking, I suggest looking for ideas. When you know something big is coming up, especially a large expense, stop thinking ‘oh I can’t afford that’. That immediately blocks the provision of God in your life through your lack of faith. It puts up a wall that says you are not ready to receive, that you aren’t in faith. Instead of thinking of all of the ways you can’t do something, ask the Lord for an idea. You can’t just ask God for money. God doesn’t pay in money. He pays in ideas. Make sure to listen for them. Be faithful with little and He will make you ruler over much.
     
    Go
    After all of that looking, I pray you have found something; an idea, a revelation, an opportunity. Now, what do you do with it? Well, you just have to go. Take that leap. Make a decision.
     
    When God gives you an idea, it has a lifespan. Opportunities are like waves. They come and they go. You have to take advantage of them when they are in season. Otherwise, you’ll miss them and have to wait on another.

    Many times, when I am talking about my passions and what God has called me to do, I hear stories of people who passed on opportunities five, ten, even twenty-five years ago. They chose to do nothing instead of choosing to go. And in not acting, they may have missed their window. 

    So, in regards to provision and walking in the marketplace, when God shows you something, when He gives you that idea, go for it. Know that the idea is from the Lord, start walking in faith and just go.
     
    If you sow, look and then go, you will see God’s provision showing up in your life. You can start walking in faith and provision. As you do, you’ll learn to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and the flow of heaven into your life. It’s God’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. It’s God’s good pleasure to pour out on you more than you can ask or imagine. It’s God’s good pleasure to put dreams in your heart and give you every ability that you need to be able to fund and walk in those things in the fullness of His design in your life. That is absolutely how the Kingdom works.
     
    I hope this has been a big encouragement to you. If this article has been a blessing to you, take a moment to share it with a friend.
    ​
    Thanks for reading!