-
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock? Unfocused, sporadic, insecure and unmotivated. I let EVERYTHING be a road block for me: time, lack of inspiration, fear of rejection, even spending money on supplies!
What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for? I had been challenged by my dying Mother to pursue my art, followed quickly by a friend who wrote a book about living a fearless life in Christ. About a week after I read the book and decided to pursue my art without fear – an ad for the Artist Mentoring Program came up on my Facebook page and I signed up for the trial week. After a couple of days I signed up for the program because I was so impressed with the resources and it was a perfect fit for me.
Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough? Before I had no vision whatsoever of being a professional artist, let alone even being able to admit to most people that I was an artist. Now I have vision, focus and a plan to pursue an art career. Before it took me years to finish anything. I have a pencil drawing that I’m happy with but it took me nearly 10 years to complete. Now I have so many ideas and have committed myself to spend time on my work, that I’ve been able to finish a painting or two every month – even with a full-time job. Before I was afraid of rejection and only my closest friends even knew I was an artist. Now I’ve had my work in 2 community shows and 2 professional juried shows in the past 8 months. I know this all sounds like a pretty radical change. I can’t hardly even recognize my own life. This all is a pretty amazing breakthrough for me!
What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program? Realizing how much fear I had about my artwork as I went through the 21 days of breakthrough.
What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members? We’re created in the image of our Creator. He really does have a plan for our lives that includes the creativity He has gifted us with. This program really helps you discover the Lord’s heart for artists, how to grow as an artist and the possibilities of having a career in art, along with tools to accomplish that.
What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season? I am dreaming of transitioning from my current full-time job into being a professional artist. My plan is to paint, paint, paint and develop my style and a cohesive body of work.
Find out more about Becca’s work at www.beccafarmer.com/
-
Starting Mid-May, 2018, you can connect with me via my new podcast, “The Thriving Christian Artist”. It’s for artists who want to bust through roadblocks that have held them back for years, create the art they love and live the life the they know God created them to live as an artist in His Kingdom.
During each season of the podcast, I’ll be sharing encouraging teaching and inspiration from my own journey as an artist plus interviews with both emerging and established artists in every creative medium who are thriving artistically, spiritually and in their business.
You can listen, subscribe and review my podcast via iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay or my website by heading here.
-
I recently had the great pleasure to sit down for a wonderful conversation with my friend, Libby John who hosts the “Art & Faith Conversations” podcast. We talked about my new book, Created to Thrive along with alot of the back story that has brought me to where I am today as an artist.
Listen to the podcast here or by searching “Art & Faith Conversations” under Podcasts on iTunes or Stitcher.
-
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I struggle with a lack of confidence as an artist and as a person in general.What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
I was looking for a bridge, a pathway from being an occasional paid artist to becoming one who truly was living an Artist’s life, using my work to connect to others and connect those people to the heart of God. I also wanted so much to really make art my business.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Before discovering Matt Tommey and the Created to Thrive group, I was creating here and there and truly lived in a state of discouragement and a deep lack of confidence. I not only experienced this in the area of being a creative, but it bled into other areas of my life as well. Or, now that I think of it, it may have been the other way around. When I read Unlocking the Heart of the Artist, I felt comforted that someone really knew where I was in my journey and the roadblocks I was experiencing. I then began to discover through Creativity According to the Kingdom, there was an amazing connection and influence that Creatives have and this began my seeking the Fathers heart in a new way. When I became a member of Created to Thrive, the Lord really began a work towards becoming a joy filled artist, the one He created me to be. Now, I approach my studio time, like quiet creative time with The Father. I’m able to boldly explore and accept grace to fail and my confidence has increased in how I put my work out there. The Created to Thrive Mentoring group has changed my approach to my art and to my life.What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
The biggest Aha moment for me was when I was standing in the shell of my , in process, studio space realizing that my husband I are ,together, investing in me as an artist. That i am a thriving artist even though I may have a low income or no income week. Money and acceptance wasn’t the defining thing that made me a Thriving Artist anymore. It was more about the source of inspiration and provision. That studio build was the game changer.What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
I would say that the journey is worth it. I am discovering that the process is so rich and we are always, in some way, in the process. I think of this every time I finish a piece. When it’s done, it’s just done and it’s for someone to enjoy. Someone will purchase this piece and there’s value in that, but what I received in the process of collaborating with the Great Creator while creating it is truly priceless. These are the experiences that propel me forward and change me forever. The learning and growing in skill and communion with the Lord is the best journey and others benefit from what’s learned here as well because that informs the next piece I create. This group, Matt as leader and the other creatives here, all the insights and sharing is all part of the journey. Matt shares wisdom and experience that has catapulted me through things that would’ve had me stuck. I’m so grateful.What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I’ve learned to say no to good things in order to make room for the great. I have a vision for my website and I’m in the process of creating 20 original pieces for a store opening in a few months. I’m also designing interiors and will be having my first home gallery show this Summer. The connections and relationships in recent days have me dreaming with the Lord and seeing big doors open.Connect with Tina on Instagram @tinalawvercreativellc and FB TinaLawverCreativeLLC
-
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I’d been “breaking through”, winning awards, selling my large paintings for over $1000. Six mos. before joining the Matt’s mentoring group, I dropped it all to be a caregiver, prayer warrior, & patient advocate for my husband to survive a life threatening health challenge. As he began to mend, I was personally bankrupt. I joined this mentoring group and was healed physically immediately. I felt & SAW myself in the flow of the river of God that is this creative mentoring ministry.What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
I was thirsty for life and was drawn to drink of the living water here. Also, I was excited to think I could make an income from painting.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Before joining, my painting and my life were very introverted, insulated, and safe. I used to be very quiet and shy. Now? I’ve found my voice! I’m a work in progress, but I’m much more outgoing, scheduling and organizing art events as a board member of a large art organization, sometimes writing, and my artwork is bolder & morphing. I thought I joined the program to learn how to make my art into a business. I bumped hard into Him, as He is interested in my heart, not my bank balance.
What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
The 2017 GOA event was the game changer for me. I went scared and timid but emerged confident, joyful, more determined, and free! My husband attended, also, and was totally restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually to better health than his pre-health challenge status! Praise be to God!!!What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
Matt is called to mentor and help artists grow into God’s purposes for us. Each artist is responsible for his/her forward progress, with the freedom to set one’s own pace according to His purposes. Most beneficial is the focus on creating art from the heart, the heart increasingly attuned to the source of creativity, our Creator God. Matt’s ministry is one of God’s big keys in this season for the release of heaven into the earth-realm through the arts.What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I dream of greater release of God’s creativity into & through my painting in the next six months. I’m learning better time management so I can be more involved with encouraging others, sharing excitement about painting, and sharing the love and power of Christ’s love through it all.Find out more about Mary and her artwork at http://www.maryedwardswatercolors.com/
-
Olivia Alexander is an award-winning, Australian acrylic / mixed-media artist and has been a part of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program for over 4 months. This is her story…
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I’d experienced moderate success both locally and internationally but had come into period of frustration financially and in my career direction. We also moved interstate and I had to begin connecting and networking all over again.What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
I felt incredibly isolated and alone. I had no one to ask career advice from and felt close to quitting. I was looking for a supportive group of likeminded people as well as a mentor with God’s perspective on creative ministry and business.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Within one day of being in the group things began to change. I had felt like I couldn’t continue the Art career journey but within a short time the fog began to clear. My faith level has risen. I now realise that I was trying to make my art business a ministry which was creating confusion in me. I’m learning how to find my clients in a targeted way.What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
Learning what my Unique Selling Proposition is. Then using that to work out where my buyers are. Doing the 21 day Road to Breakthrough and Artist Inventory was a challenge but an incredible game changer for me too.What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
Just keep going but at the pace you need to. Don’t feel pressure to rush. We are all different and at different stages. The Lord’s yoke is light not heavy. If you’re thinking about joining and you’re serious about your art, then take the plunge. It’s worth every cent and more! I can’t even begin to tell you the amount of info available in this program!What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
Establishing myself in my new state of Queensland. Also starting workshops from my new big studio. The income from that will enable me to solo exhibit again and continue more international work.Find out more about Olivia at OliviaAlexanderArt.com
-
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I have been a creative all my life. I’m gifted in many areas and mediums. I tried other creative business ventures but nothing ever stuck. I always seemed to get labeled Hobbyist or Crafter. And because I never completed school with an art degree I felt the odds were against me.I knew that I was an artist and as a Kingdom Creative it was a calling but art as a career just seemed like a nice idea and not reality. I used art for my personal enjoyment and as a Therapeutic practice for inner healing which resulted in physical healing. I would create to give away and had always hoped to “sell” my work. I had to debunk the myth that I couldn’t be successful or thrive without a college degree. Understanding that it was OK to make money with my gift was what I had to overcome and believe that I could thrive at it!
What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
Timing! I wanted my art to have purpose and I wanted to make money from it! I needed permission…to be an artist. I needed business direction. I needed a business mentor! I wanted to join when it was launched but distractions kept getting in the way. Honestly I saved the link to the group, registered for GOA in January of 2017 but lost sight of the vision and never went through with the purchase until I made a business decision that was proposed by a friend. It seemed fun and a great way to make money. It was a thousand dollars investment and there went my GOA money! The first week I made that decision I woke up sick everyday thinking “what have I done?” And because of the amount of work it took to make it work. The cold calls, false enthusiasm etc. Exhausting! I would cry and literally grieve the time it was taking away from me creating. Up until this time I had continually spent regular studio time co-creating with the Lord but was holding the value of my art at a very low place. So I got another email from The Worship Studio and saw another add for Created to Thrive and knew immediately that it was what I was supposed to do to take my gift and business to the next level! I cancelled my other business venture, returned the product and got my refund. I immediately signed up for CTT the next day and then paid for my GOA registration. Thank you Lord for letting it all work out! I had about given up on my dream as an artist and then I joined Created To Thrive.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
Since joining Created To Thrive my life has been enriched by creative and business knowledge. I’ve gained greater spiritual insight and encouragement and have been given a creative faith family. I have finally found my TRIBE! I have experienced breakthrough in my confidence as an artist. I used to think I was good but not great. I used to see my gift only to be given away and not valued to sell. We artists are the go to “volunteers” for everything creative at churches and schools. But that is not the case anymore. I see my art as valuable and worthy of money. I am worthy! I used to feel “different” like an outsider as an artist and that it was not “Godly”, especially in the body of Christ. But now I know that I am one of His chosen artisans who He has chosen to FILL and Helps me to grow my skill. He has chosen me to bring Heaven to earth. He has chosen me to release and display His glory!What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
That is a no brainer. It was almost instant. I immediately felt the permission to be who He created and called me to be as a Kingdom Artist and that it was OK to make money at it. The long time prayer for an art and spiritual mentor was answered! Once I had that permission it was game on! Thank you for that and for the affirmation of my gift!What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
It is an investment not another monthly bill. It is worth every penny and more. Don’t lose sight of your WHY and the important part that you have to play in further advancing the Kingdom of God. Do trust yourself and the gift He has entrusted to you. Be diligent to work the program and grow your gift. Stay focused on your vision. Keep connecting with Him and trusting Him in the process. Just stay the course and ask yourself HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT!?!What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
Currently I am working on what I am calling My Kingdom Fine Art Collections. Paintings Inspired by explorative play and His insight. As well as trying to complete a book or two. I’m dreaming of the day I publish my books and the people that will they will help. I am dreaming of my work being accepted into shows and being viewed by many then selling for high end prices. Also to see the impact my paintings will have on people. Resuscitating them! I also have loved fashion and interior design since I was a teen. My hope is that I can turn my paintings into fabric one day and maybe even make some “Dionne White Branded items” in my fabric. I am currently having a professional logo and brand mark created. Which I am very excited about! I’m also seeing some type of “creative spiritual coaching business” down the road. It seems to be evolving and this has been a desire of my heart for years since 2008 and I launched my personal ministry in 2016. My heart is to help others persevere empowered so that would be along those lines and just continuing to paint and display His glory!For more information on Dionne, visit her online at http://www.dionnewhiteart.com
-
Deborah Nell is an acrylic artist who has been a part of Created to Thrive for over 9 months. This is her story.
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I was doing OK as an artist but in a way I was treading water. I wasn’t going backwards, but I wasn’t going forward. Pretty much maintaining what I had accomplished. I knew God had more for me but I didn’t know how to get to the next level of growth as an artist. I’ve been selling my art since 2007.What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
Out of fear of not having enough finances I took a part-time job and it was a total disaster. I realized I’m at a point in my life that I cannot work for someone else. I need to focus on my art business. It was at that time that I saw Matt’s post on fb about his mentoring group. I knew I had to give it a try. I knew I was going to be leaving my part-time job and wanted my time to be used wisely. Matt’s group seemed like the answer.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
My confidence as an artist has really grown since I’ve become a member. It’s an inward work that didn’t happen overnight but is definitely manifested by the increase in my prices, by the increase of invitations to exhibit I’m receiving. I’m putting into practice the many practices Matt teaches us. They are 90 day planning, visualizing my goals, daily prayer time, daily studio time, learning to network to name a few. Today alone I finished 4 miniature paintings to submit to an art show, met with 3 other artists to plan an art event in a nearby city where our work will be showcased, received a commission, sold a print on Fine Art America. I feel as though I’m in harvest season! I am very excited about all the plans ahead that God has for me and my art.What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
Although there are many, I would have to say the biggest “Aha Moment” has been that as I believe what God shows me… I begin to see those things come to pass in reality. I’m no longer chasing after things… opportunities are coming to me. People are trusting me to do things I’ve never done before, like create a personalized prophetic acrylic pour painting. I can’t tell you the number of times in the last few weeks that people have said they trust my wisdom and my creative instinct. I think it’s because I’m now trusting it. I am trusting God for everything I need. I’m believing for more than I can imagine. I recently saw the movie “The Greatest Showman”. God was speaking to me about taking risks and believing in others and myself. There are several scenes where the outcasts that PT Barnum brings together are afraid that people will laugh at them. He tells them they will not laugh at them, they will see them as beautiful. I found my heart literally swelling during this movie. God was affirming the calling on my life to bring beauty into the world and see the beauty in others. To have the eyes to see and then express that beauty in my art. I know that being a member of Matt’s group has sensitized my heart to see in a new way the opportunities that are available to me. This group has given me the courage to say “yes”, I want to go all out and am willing to give this art calling my all.What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
When you say yes to the step in front of you it prepares you for the next step. The journey of an artist begins with that one step. You may not know how you are going to get to where you want to go… or even know where you want to go. But God does know the way and He uses this group to bring others alongside you and Matt to guide you. You can live the life you dream of. God gave you those dreams and wants you to work with Him to fulfill them.What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I have an art reception coming up where 21 of my new acrylic pour paintings I created in January are on display at a local church. I will be speaking and giving out my greeting cards to all who attend. I will also be selling my greeting cards of the works that are for sale. I will be part of a studio tour in October. I’m one of four prophetic artists that will display and speak about our work as well as give a workshop at an art even in April. I’m planning on giving a 2 day acrylic pour workshop this year. Have applied for 3 new larger art festivals in August. Might be speaking about my art in San Clemente, CA when I visit my parents and family in August. I even submitted my work to be featured on a billboard in Los Angeles. If it is chosen… that’s incredible exposure! I’m anticipating my sales to almost double in this coming year as we enter into the busy Spring and Summer season. I just keep seeing it happen.For more about Deborah and her work, visit www.etsy.com/shop/deborahnellart
-
Donna Arnold is a mixed media artist who’s been a part of the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program for over 9 months. This is her story.
What was your life as an artist like before becoming a member of the Artist Mentoring Program? What was your biggest roadblock?
I had a full career as a high school art teacher, then ran my own art school for a number of years. Following a move to a new city in retirement, my main artistic efforts were directed toward local and regional art competitions. I had made most of my money as an artist by teaching and my perks by being juried into shows.What prompted you to become a part of the Artist Mentoring Program? Specifically, what were you looking for?
In a new city I didn’t have a network from which to pull students nor places to exhibit and sell my work. I joined a local art organization but it was mainly a social group. I didn’t know how to promote my work or myself. I knew I needed help in using social media effectively, needed a new website, needed to learn how to market. And, I needed encouragement that I was worthy of the time, effort and money it would take. I became willing to make the commitment to the mentoring program because of the Christian foundation that proved to be authentic.Since becoming a member, how has your life changed? How have you experienced breakthrough?
First, the effect of Matt’s teaching and the other available materials have greatly boosted my self worth as an artist. I used to just see myself as a teacher. Now I know that the work I produce is of high quality and marketable. I had previously had a web site that was costing me a pretty penny a year and got zero traffic. At Matt’s suggestion, I contracted with Jeremy to help build a site that could build traffic. My primary marketing tool was to post my work on Fine Art America and that netted me the sale of one pillow and one print and they got most of the money. I began posting my work on FB and Instagram and writing blog posts on my new website. Matt’ s teaching about cultivating the people I knew began to pay off.What’s been your biggest “Aha Moment” that was a real gamechanger for you while in the program?
I have had two breakthroughs. First, I promoted some classes in my home studio which led to successive sessions throughout the summer and fall. I also used an area of my studio to display work for sale – and the students bought it! At the same time I applied to and was juried into a co-op gallery in the heart of the arts district of the city. At my suggestion we had a holiday open house and I used the same promotion techniques I had learned so far. The day of the event, I had more of “my people” come through the door than I could have imagined, I sold more in that one day than I had the year before! And because of the additional exposure, I have been asked to teach a week-end workshop for the Watercolor Society of Indiana in the spring.What would you say to encourage other artists who are currently in the Artist Mentoring Program along their journey? To artists considering becoming members?
The Mentoring Program is definitely worth the investment for personal growth. I still have a lot to learn and know the resources are available – if you take advantage of them and do the work. I don’t know any other place to find the quality of instruction and resources.
What’s on your horizon? What are you dreaming of and moving toward in this next season?
I need to build a newsletter on Mailchimp, create some video pieces for social media, prepare for a solo show at the gallery and keep up with studio production.For more about Donna’s work, please visit her website at http://www.donnaarnoldart.com
-
I’ve encountered many artists over the years who really struggle with stepping into thriving because they don’t understand one foundational concept: convergence. Thriving isn’t simply doing one or two things well, but rather doing the right things well at the same time, over time.
Although that might seem like a juggling act – and it can feel that way some times – it’s not as out of reach as you think.
Here’s what typically happens with artists. They get two out of the three areas but forgetting that third, continue to struggle. For example, artists who are great artistically and have a strong spiritual connection end up having only a hobby or ministry because they don’t pursue the development of their art business. Artists who are great artistically and have a strong business sense often flourish in the marketplace with their sales but sometimes lack a deep spiritual connection and sense of life in their art practice. Then there’s artists who are deeply connected spiritually and have built a business but their artwork is lacking, leading to immature work and frustration.
For artists who want to pursue their art in the marketplace in the context of their relationship with God, thriving happens when they are growing artistically, spiritually and in their businesses. Each feeds the other and provides momentum for the journey. This place of convergence is what I call your “sweet spot” and it should be a goal for every artist who wants to thrive spiritually, artistically and financially.
This place of convergence is the focus of my artist mentoring program, Created to Thrive. Click here for more information on how to be a part. -
I was talking to a friend the other day who happens to be quite an accomplished artist and a real spiritual father to many creatives around the world.
We were chatting about our mutual passion to help artists thrive and, knowing I work with many hobbyist and emerging artists, posed the following question:
“How do you tell someone who is mediocre and not really called (or ready) to make his living with his art (simply because it will never sell) that perhaps God gave you the passion for art just to enjoy and glorify Him with, but it is not your calling to make it your financial sustenance?”It’s a great question and I’m sure the reason no one talks much about it is because it can be a really sensitive issue for the artist… No one wants to have that hard conversation with an artist who’s thinking they are ready to take on the world when in reality, they are still stumbling around with the basics. And then sometimes, there are those really hard cases that almost seem like the American Idol auditions where someone thinks they are God’s gift to art when in reality, there’s not much there but desire and belief.
As I’ve thought about it, I hope these ideas will help you navigate your own artistic calling and season in that journey.
- Everyone Starts Creating As A Hobby
No artist in the world ever started out as a pro. Everyone starts creating art because of a passion to create, to respond, to reflect what’s going on in their own heart with the tools and techniques of their chosen creative medium. And unless you continue to cultivate that deep connection and love for creating over time, you’ll become a burned out replicator of yesterday’s inspiration. Creating as a hobby is valid, important and a worthy pursuit artistically, personally and as an act of spiritual devotion with the Lord. - Everyone Can Use Creative Expression for Personal Enjoyment
Most people start creating art because they love it. They find the process and the product to be enjoyable, fulfilling and that my friend is enough in itself! You could create for a lifetime in the context of your own personal enjoyment and be completely happy in your artistic pursuits. And in fact, if at any point you’re creating and not enjoying it, you should stop, take a deep breath and ask some hard questions about where things took a wrong turn. Enjoying the process is core to why we all create. - God Is Glorified through the Process of Creating
The first way humanity is introduced to God in the Bible is as artist. Then, the story progresses to reveal an artist-father who creates His man and woman, inviting them into the creative process with Him. We are His image bearers in the earth and we reflect the nature of our Creative God when we participate in the art making process. That alone is enough justification to create a whole life long because God is most glorified when we fulfill the design He formed in us. - Selling Your Work Doesn’t Validate Your Creativity
Your creative process is valid, important and worthy because it’s a gift from God and a way to connect with and reflect His nature. If you never sell a piece of your work, it doesn’t mean that somehow your creativity was less. It simply means you chose not to take it in that direction. For many artists who sell their work, including me, it’s a wonderful encouragement that others love what I do but it doesn’t define me or my enjoyment of the process. I created for many years before I ever sold any of my work and if all the sales stopped tomorrow, you would still find me out in the woods doing what I love… creating. - Maturing as an Artist is an Intentional Process
For most artists who sell their work, it’s been an intentional act of maturing both artistically, spiritually and in business. Frankly, it takes years to develop that maturity and there’s no way to short cut the process. It’s a day-by-day pursuit of creative excellence, spiritual connection and understanding how to market and sell your work. Just because you can sell really well doesn’t mean your work is worth selling and just because you’re not selling a lot right now doesn’t mean your work isn’t worthy. It just means you’re in process and you have to stay in process until all those variables start to work together as one. You can mature but you have to realize it’s an intentional process. (That’s what we do in my Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program… help artists bring it all together and grow in maturity.) - Selling Art for a Living Isn’t for the Faint of Heart
I have never been more fulfilled in my life than since 2009 when I started creating and selling my artwork for a living but believe me, I work hard… really hard. Before that, I made my living as a worship leader and even owned a marketing company in Atlanta for several years. Trust me when I say I know a little something about making a living as a creative. However, when you move from hobbyist – someone who’s doing your art for fun – to someone who’s creating as a way to make your living, it’s a completely different ballgame. You now have to work both on your art and in your business because you’re an entrepreneur and an artist. Unless you’re ready to embrace both sides of that equation, empowered by the Holy Spirit, you’re in for a rude awakening. You can learn to do both and when you’re called to it, there’s grace for both but realize it takes grit, faith and focus to succeed. - Watch for Signposts of Favor
If you are intentionally growing in maturity artistically, spiritually and in business, wanting to sell your work on a larger stage then you have to keep your eyes out for signposts of favor. I’ve just learned over the years, when it’s God’s time for you to be promoted in the marketplace, no devil in hell can stop you. And at the same time, when it’s not your time yet, nothing you can do will open any door that God still has closed. Recognizing the season you’re in and following the favor in your life is key for every artist. When the time is right, the relationships, resources and connections you need to succeed will be there. Until then, be faithful with what’s in your hand. Bloom where you’re planted. Be faithful with little and God will make you ruler over much. - Believe in Yourself but Receive Critical Feedback
If there’s a life message in my, it’s about helping others to agree with who God’s called them to be, not to be bound by fear but stand in strength. That’s foundational for all believers because no fear-laden, shame-filled artist is ever going to thrive as God intended. However, it’s VITAL that you have a clear view of where you are in the journey, especially from an artistic perspective. Just because your work isn’t good enough to sell or be really marketable right now doesn’t mean you’re no good, God doesn’t love you or that the world is over. It just means you either have a wonderful opportunity to continue enjoying your work as a hobby OR you have a lot of work to do in order to mature your work to a place where it’s salable. That’s just the bottom line. Please don’t think, however that just because you love creating and even feel called to create professionally that you’re immediately ready to do so in a full-time capacity. If you’re serious about really knowing where you are in this process, pray for God to bring someone in your life who will shoot straight with you. And when He does, listen. - Don’t Try to Force It
Anytime you’re moving with the Lord, you should be feeling forward momentum. You should know you’re on the right track, moving in the right direction. If you don’t, I’d encourage you to stop and say “Ok, what’s going on Father? Have I made a wrong turn, made some wrong assumptions or am I pursuing a direction that’s not you?” This is so important. Where God leads and guides, there is favor and grace, authority and opportunity. If you’re not feeling any of those things, it’s important to take time to get clear before going any further. If you don’t, you’ll end up birthing something you have to sustain in your own strength. - It’s a Process
None of us finish where we start. Life is a process and be assured, your artistic journey is as well! If you believe God’s plan for your life is to eventually be creating your art and selling it then that’s awesome! Don’t ever give up on that dream. Just be realistic about where you are in that process, what needs to happen next and who’s going to help you get there. I’m passionate about that process and if that’s you, I’d encourage you to check out my Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program. It’s for any artist in any medium and in any stage of their artistic journey.
Please comment below and let me know your thoughts! Also, for more on this topic, check out my article: Considering Art as Spiritual Experience, Hobby & Vocation.
- Everyone Starts Creating As A Hobby
-
I’ve been an artist for over 24 years now and thankfully, have moved from a struggling artist to one who’s thriving artistically, spiritually and financially. Because I have an artist mentorship program and written several books for artists, I’m always getting questions from artists who want to start thriving. The two most common things artists want to know is how to sell art and where to sell your art. The questions are connected, so let me explain.
How to Sell Art…
First of all, this is a huge question but surprisingly simple. It’s simple because it has to be based on you, the artist. How do you like to sell your art? I’ve found over the years, there are basically two ways to sell your art: direct to the customer or through a strategic partner (or, I admit it… a combination of both). It’s really important to understand which strategy is most effective for you when you’re asking how to sell art.
When I first started asking how to sell art, I did what most artists do and looked to others who I saw being successful and modeled them. Unfortunately for me, their model didn’t work for me. Many of the artists I knew were introverts who enjoyed mostly making in their studio rather than interacting with the public. Consequently, they had adopted a wholesale methodology which required them to make production items, sell at a 50% discount, sell through stores and galleries, and never have any interaction with their end user. For me, as an extroverted people person, that was very unfulfilling. When I made beautiful work and faced the reality of packing it up and shipping it off to a gallery far far away, that gave me no emotional payoff, which for me is an important part of being an artist. I love hearing people say “Oh my gosh, that is so beautiful! I love it!” Without that, I was missing something huge!
The other methodology I saw most artists doing included doing as many retail craft and art shows as possible. They seemed to live on the road. In the summers, they were in the mountains and in the winter, they all headed to Florida. Always on the road, always staying in hotels or travel trailers. Again, not my idea of a beautiful artistic life.
For me, I chose to pursue selling my art through a public studio in Asheville’s River Arts District, a collection of over 200 artists in 23 old warehouse buildings in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s a mecca for artists and art lovers, as well as wealthy retirees who like to incorporate local art into their homes. I get to make, sell and interact all out of my studio. I deliver most of my commissioned works and I get a high level of interaction with my clients. We build relationships. They visit the studio with friends and for me, that’s huge!
So what’s the bottom line? You have to determine how to sell art for yourself based on how your wired, what you’re creating and the life you want. Without being clear about those questions, you’ll end up really frustrated. If you’re going to be an artist, you want to do so while living a beautiful, creative and fulfilled life.
Where You Sell Your Art…
Now you understand why these two questions go together. How you sell art ends up determining where you sell your art. There’s no cookie cutter plan that works for everyone. As you consider where to sell your art, make sure you craft a strategy that fits how you like to create, sell and live life. The artist life is not just about cranking out product, but about authentically creating your work, connecting with others who love what you do and making a profit.
That being said, here are some of my best recommendations:
Where to Sell Your Art For Artists Who Want to Sell Direct To Clients:
- Retail art & fine craft shows in your region (and nationally) that have a track record of attracting your ideal client
- Open Studio where people can see where, how and what you create
- Through Your Website & Social Media
- Through friends and family recommendations
- Personal recommendations from clients
- Home Parties & Trunk Shows
- Private clubs & organizations who connect with what and how you create
- Strategic Partnerships with people who are in front of your ideal client but don’t directly compete with you ie: interior designers, builders, architects, hotels, etc.
Where to Sell Your Art For Artists Who Want to Sell Wholesale:
- National art & fine craft wholesale shows
- Museum Shows & Exhibitions
- Local, Regional & National Galleries & Stores
- Strategic partners who want to represent your work
- Guilds & Marketing Co-ops in your area
We talk about these issues every day in my Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program and over the last year, I’ve created several in-depth teaching videos on this subject based on my own experience and the experience of hundreds of artists I’ve helped over the years. Find out more about becoming a part of my artist mentorship program here.
Also, let me know what’s working for you! Comment below and let’s keep the conversation going.
-
I can remember it like it was yesterday.
I was sitting in a gallery demonstrating my work at an art walk in Waynesville, North Carolina… Just minding my own business, when all of a sudden this guy walks up to one of my pieces and said with a gasp “It’s like the hands of God are reaching out to me saying I’ve got everything under control.”
I wondered to myself “What just happened?” and then all of a sudden it hit me. This guy just had an encounter with the living God through one of my baskets. I thought “Woo hoo, Jesus loves kudzu, too!!”
Is that even possible? Absolutely!
When you invite the Holy Spirit into your creative process, He will literally come move through the work of your hands. Your work becomes much more than just the sum of it’s parts… it becomes an intersection point where God can show up and release the light and life of His presence!
If you’ve never experienced this kind of demonstration of God’s love through your work, there’s no time like the present! The next time you create, invite the Holy Spirit to be present, in and through your work. Create with all your heart, listen for His voice and then respond. After you’re done, watch what he does with the work of your hands.
When God shows up, things change and He wants to use you to release that transformation.
Has something like this ever happened to you? Share your story of transformation below and let’s encourage one another!
-
Since I have the great honor of working with hundreds of Christian artists in my artist mentorship program, I’m always getting questions.
One of the most common questions I get from newbies is “what can I do right now to start thriving?” Here’s 12 things you can do right now to start thriving as a Christian artist:
1. Just show up & do the work
There’s just no substitute. It’s been said it takes 10,000 hours to become a master at your chosen artistic medium. So whether you’re a painter or metal artist, potter or basket maker you’re going to need to put in some serious studio time. The beautiful thing about it is that for the artist, the process of being in the studio can be the reward. Yes, we’re all after fantastic art that we can sell and make a living from, but for the artist, the magic of creativity happens long before the sale happens. It happens when we walk in the studio, turn on the music, prepare our materials and just get in the zone.2. Push through the ugly
Many Christian artists I’ve ever known, including myself goes through periods of creating crap. Sometimes its for a week, or months or a year or sometimes it’s in every piece. If you stop in the ugly phase, you’ll never get through to the place of creative resolve and resolution. Keep pressing, reworking, walking away and returning until you know that you know it is finished.3. Encourage yourself and silence your inner critic
The voice of the inner critic will never go away by itself or by wishing it would stop. The voice must be silenced by a greater voice; the darkness pierced by the purity of light. The dominant inner narrative in your soul can be guided, not by your emotions but by your choices. Who are you and what do you want? Practice some creative visualization, create a treasure map, journal your personal and creative affirmations daily and listen as the critic is silenced.4. Take time to rest and renew
It’s been said that creativity happens best on the edge of order and chaos. That being said, we can’t live 100% of the time in that tension. You need time to reflect, rest and renew your physical body and your inner life so that fresh ideas can clearly come to and through you. This is not a luxury for the artist, it is essential.5. Fill your imagination
When it’s time to create, artists create from the heart. And we go inside our imagination to draw upon the inspiration and understanding that lies within. If we’ve not invited the Holy Spirit into our creative process and intentionally filled our imagination with inspiration, then the work becomes mundane; studio time only makes us and our experience in creative bored and anxious. What exhilarates your spirit? What makes you stand in awe and wonder? Movies? Music? Sculpture? Great art or theatre? Whatever feeds your inner life should be on your regular menu.”6. Don’t eat seed
Over the years I’ve found that emerging artists have one main question they are always asking: “How do I make money with my art?” The better question is how can I keep the money I’m making with my art. Becoming a successful Christian artist for most people is able building a bridge to a dream; transitioning from a 9 to 5 job or even beginning to sell your work to the public for the first time. Regardless, all of that takes money. I always encourage artists to take the money that’s coming in initially from selling or teaching and put it away in your business envelope. That way, when a big show, marketing need or other opportunity comes along and you need capital to invest, you have it. Money invested at the right time in your business can be valuable seed to produce the harvest of success you desire.7. Create what you love
We’ve all done it. You sell a couple of pieces that are similar and you start thinking “If I make 1000 of these, I’d be a gagillionaire… so I better get to work!” Only to find out that at the next show, you only sell a grand total of zero. While we must always keep an eye on what’s selling and what our clients are genuinely responding to at the end of the day, we must make what we love. Otherwise, we become robotic craftsmen just replicating patterns with wrote skill instead of creating out of the place of inspiration and passion. Create what you love and trust the money and opportunities to follow.8. Reach up and reach back
None of us have gotten where we are in life without those special people God placed in our life at the right place and time to teach us, lead us, guide us and inspire us to go to the next level. No matter where you are in your creative journey, you can do the same for someone else by reaching out in genuine relationship. In addition, there’s always someone who’s further along than you are in whatever creative endeavor you find yourself. Continue to purposely reach up to them as well and become a river of inspiration; both receiving and giving the abundance that’s flowing through you.9. Tell your story
Art is not a commodity. No one buys great art or fine craft because it was the cheapest or it was on sale. People buy fine art and fine craft because they desire connection; connection with the maker, the process, the materials and ultimately their own human experience. Your personal creative story is a huge part of that because when people connect to you they connect to your work. It’s no longer just a basket, mug or painting, but rather a reflection of the story of the maker who poured their heart and soul into the piece. Art becomes like ancient cairns, pointing the way and commemorating significance in the journey.10. Dream Your Dreams
Most Christian artists I’ve met over the years are so completely overwhelmed with where they are right now – creatively, relationally, financially – that they’ve lost their ability to dream and imagine outside of their current life experience. What happened to the kid on the playground who believed he could climb to the top of the highest tree on the mountain? What happened to the little girl who wanted to be a famous fashion designer in New York City? I’ll tell you what happened. Life happened, they got bogged down in the details and lost their dreamer. Without dreaming and imagination, we become robotic manufactures of commodities. With dreams, desire and imagination become artists who allow all of life to converge in the studio where we create beautiful objects that help others to live with wonder.11. Say No to the Wrong things and Yes to the Right
You’re an artist, yes, but you’re also an entrepreneur, shipping department, marketing department and custodial staff in addition to whatever personal and civic obligations that may find their way into your life. If you say yes to everything, you allow everyone else’s emergencies, priorities and passions take precedence over yours. Design your life. Dream your dreams. Create what you love. Life a beautiful life with beautiful people and allow your priorities to be the measuring stick for everything else you allow into your life. That’s not selfish, it’s healthy.12. Connect to Your Source
If you’ve been an artist for very long, you realize that your creative gift is not your own or even the result of all your own hard work. Pure and simple it’s a gift from the Creator and we simply have the incredible opportunity to collaborate with that Creators process, inspiration and gifts in order to reflect His beauty. Without that connection we die creatively because we cut off the source of our inspiration. With that connection, we go further than we ever could on our own good ideas and hard work. With that connection, we simply lean into the process of creative collaboration that’s already been designed especially for us. With that connection, we always prosper because that’s the design of the Creator. -
As I’ve reflected on my own journey and the journey’s of the literally hundreds of artists who are a part of my Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship program I now understand there are basically stages an artist goes through on their journey of creativity. Most artists stop somewhere along the way but for those who refuse to give up, they reap the rewards of perseverance.
Hobbyist
All artists start here, creating from a place of passion, connection and expression. The focus for the hobbyists is creating for their own enjoyment. Hobbyists pursue their art at their leisure and don’t always have a dedicated space to create. Hobbyists enjoy the freedom of creating when inspiration strikes – once a week, a couple of times a month or even a few times a year – and often continue to create because of the spiritual connection they feel when creating. Main challenges facing these artists include frustration with lack of skill, perfectionism, dedicating time to create, connecting with other creatives for community and beliefs around their own identity as artists.
Emerging Artist
After creating for some time as a hobbyist, these artists begin to develop a passion for more focused pursuit of their art. They are serious about developing more skill, spending more time on their artistic development and are starting to sell their work to others. Emerging artists are beginning to develop the basics of their art business including things like website, printed materials, professional photography, dedicated studio space and applying for shows. Main challenges facing these artists include renewing their mind to align with God’s Word rather than their own experience or beliefs, building healthy relationships with other artists who are on the same journey and balancing time to create with relationships and administrative tasks required to launch an art business (marketing, bookkeeping, communications, social media).
Professional Artist
The professional artist has moved through the stages of hobbyist and emerging artist after several years of honing their skills and developing their unique creative voice. This artist usually has a dedicated studio space, spends time creating on a daily basis and regularly pursues selling their work via social networks, shows, commissions and other venues. They have developed their own unique marketing brand and are working to connect with those who connect with their creative voice via their website, social media, printed media and referrals. Main challenges facing these artists include cultivating fresh creativity while building upon the success they’ve experienced, asking for help from professionals in order to grow their businesses to the next level, cashflow and time management. Also, as an artist experiences success, it’s even more important to keep their life and art centered in a vital relationship with Jesus.
Thriving Artist
This artist is living the dream, having moved from hobbyist to emerging artist, professional and now thriving in their chosen pursuits. Thriving artists create what they love in a dedicated studio space while selling their work for top dollar to clients who seek out their work. Their life is marked by creative fulfillment, financial abundance, meaningful relationships and spiritual connection. These artists have developed a niche of clients who authentically connect with them and their work as reflected by their willingness to purchase and refer them to their circle of influence. Main challenges facing these artists include balancing time with family and friends vs time given to their business and art pursuits, cultivating a thriving relationship with the Holy Spirit and taking time to give back to others along the journey who need to know what they’ve learned over the years.No matter where you are on your journey as an artist, God wants to use you for His Glory in order to release His Life and Light into the world. You can be the thriving artist God designed you to be… if you’re willing to start aligning with Him.
If that’s you, I’d love to show you how I’ve helped hundreds of artists just like you achieve and surpass their goals and live the life they were created to live. Find out more…
-
Check out this podcast interview I just completed with my friend and colleague in ministry, Stephen Roach on his podcast “Makers & Mystics”. Just click the image to go directly to the podcast recording.
-
I’ve had the privilege since 2009 of making my living primarily from making and selling art to what many would call the luxury market. My clients are typically people who have multiple homes around the country (and internationally) and enjoy purchasing and commissioning unique pieces of art for their homes ranging from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
Although many of them could probably afford anything they wanted, price is almost never a part of the initial conversation as they determine whether or not they want my work. For many artists, this begs the question… if price is not really a main issue, then what DO they care about? What are they really looking for? How do I know where to sell my art? Here’s my top 4 things I know every art buyer is looking for:
- Uniqueness
One of the first things I hear from people considering purchasing or commissioning my work is something like “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this… ever. I love it.” Yes, it’s beautiful but there are a lot of beautiful things out there… I’m also the only person that does what I do. Everything I create is a one of a kind and so there will never be another one exactly like it. I’ve said for years, differentiation is THE key to marketing. To think about it another way, just imagine what makes you and your work different in a field of 5, 10, 20 or 100 other artists who do essentially the same thing you do. The more you develop a unique approach to your art making, the more buyers will be attracted to your work. Bottom line, they want something no one else has… because they can and because it’s special. - Craftsmanship
No matter how unique a piece of art is, people who can afford to invest $1000, $2000, $5000 or more on a piece of art want to be sure that the piece is constructed with quality and craftsmanship. Are you using the best materials? Do you practice close attention to detail? Do you sweat the little things? At this level of selling believe me, it matters. Your work should stand the test of time. Create pieces with longevity and legacy, not just a quick sale. - Unparalleled Service
The Biltmore Estate is here in Asheville, NC where I live and their staff is trained to practice something they’ve coined Gracious Hospitality. According to their website, through “being genuinely warm and authentically nice – we are able to deliver a customer experience that far outweighs the quality of any product we can sell.” I’ve found that to be true in my own business as well. I always offer to deliver and install my work for free. I always carry new purchases to the car. I write thank you notes. I drop by to visit clients and partners. Long story short, I just go the extra mile. People love it and it’s one of the hallmarks of buying a piece of art from me. I make it easy to do business with me because it’s a genuinely enjoyable experience. When you sell your artwork, do you make it easy and enjoyable? - Connection
One term many artists use is “collectors”… as if these special art gods swoop down from the heavens, grace the door of certain artists and then swoop back into the ether. From what I’ve found over the years, people who buy lots of expensive, high-quality are are just people; people looking for connection. That connection might be with the artist, the subject matter, artistic process or even a special experience. Regardless, everyone loves to feel special and genuinely connect in a way that’s meaningful. This is especially true when it comes to people who purchase high-end art. Most people I encounter really enjoy the personal connection that commissioning a piece brings including getting to know the artist, a personal studio visit, a home visit to see their space and understand their preferences in interior design and art. This doesn’t just happen in person either but online, too! Your website and social media should convey an authentic idea of who you are through video, images and story that will help deepen this connection over time with potential clients. Since connection points differ for each artist, you’ll need to listen intently over time to understand why people connect with you, your work and then work diligently to deepen that connection over time.
Understanding and practicing these four principles are core to the success of my business and any art business who wants to thrive over the long term. Comment below and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear them as you share your insights on how to sell your art!
- Uniqueness
-
Let me be honest. As much as I would love every artist to really start thriving in their life, art, finances and spiritual life, that’s just not realistic for some… and it hurts me to say because I’m an eternal optimist and believe deeply in the divine calling of artists to do big things!
It’s not that I don’t believe it’s possible, I do! I completely, 100% believe breakthrough is possible in the life of every artist but what I know more than possibility is the fact that thriving as an artist and experiencing breakthrough into that life is a choice. A personal choice that can only be made by a the artist.
Sometimes, I wish it wasn’t the case but it is. You either choose to thrive or you choose to live life the way you’ve lived it and get what you’ve always gotten. As I think back on tons of emails and conversations with artists, I’ve heard these three reasons over and over and over from phrased a little differently for each person of course to fit their “unique” situation. As we say in the country, “You can’t put lipstick on a pig”. An excuse is an excuse and these are 3 of the biggest. Here we go:
- Reason #1: They Let Immediate Pressure Overshadow Longterm Success
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn in my own journey is the lesson of delayed gratification. Like a lot of artists, I was used to seeing things my way, getting things my way and choosing immediate payoff instead of learning to delay pleasure for a greater reward later on.
One of the biggest areas this shows up with artists is with money. If you have it, you probably tend to spend it. And when you don’t have it, you freak out, get fearful and go into conservation mode thinking that will somehow solve the problem. The problem is not lack of money, it’s a lack of understanding how to get it, steward it and grow it. When fear reigns, nobody wins. The rollercoaster cycle will continue.
Let me give you a couple of examples: Take the artist who signs up for a conference, class or seminar only to call back a week or a month later freaking out that “they have to have a refund” or “I just can’t afford it now because something came up.” Do things come up? Sure, but the deeper concern is that you’ve chosen to put out an immediate fire for immediate payoff rather than realizing how much you could gain in the short and long term by taking advantage of the opportunity you’ve now just canceled. It’s like when I was in the marketing business years ago. Short-sighted businesses were the first to cancel their marketing campaigns when the economy bobbled where as mature businesses increased marketing during those times because they realized the long-term importance of that investment.
Or take the artist who wants to paint, sculpt, play or weave like the pros but just isn’t willing to take classes, learn from others or put in the practice it takes to develop mastery. We have a saying for that down south….”You can wish in one hand and spit in another and see which one fills up faster.”
You can overcome this hurdle by setting clear vision for your life and making decisions on a daily basis that lead you toward your long-term goals, not just short term gains. - Reason #2: They Choose to Let Other Things Steal Their Focus
Jesus said “In this life, you will have trouble…” There’s always going to be some situation, person or combination of both that will compete for your time, resources and attention. People who thrive in their life learn to prioritize themselves first in balance with their family and work relationships. Otherwise, you end up putting out everyone else’s fires, having nothing left for yourself. These are the folks who show up to conferences and webinars and workshops exhausted, confused and longing for God to show up and somehow fix everything so they can experience breakthrough in their life. Listen, this is not an issue of God not showing up but rather a lack of prioritizing in life which leads to everything being out of balance.
These same folks are some of the first to attach a spiritual reason for their lack of focus because let’s face it… it’s just easier than taking responsibility. For many, it’s easier to believe that it’s just not in God’s plan for your life rather than learning how to focus and stay on course regardless of what’s happening around you.
Someone wise once said “If everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority.” You get to choose and the bottom line is many artists never make that choice. They let everyone else dictate and consequently suffer under the guise of being a caring parent, loyal employee, church servant or attentive friend.
You can overcome this hurdle in your life by setting clear priorities that align with your unique design and vision as an artist. Make sure everyone in your life knows and respects those priorities as you start shaping the life you were meant to live! - Reason #3: They Stop Too Early, Believing This Isn’t Really Their Time
This reason is sort of a combination of the two earlier reasons. This artist starts down the road with good intentions but doesn’t stay on track. It takes work, yes, but more than that, it takes interaction and community. It takes relationship to keep each one of us focused, energized and moving in the right direction over the long haul.
When an artist doesn’t stay engaged in the process, the enemy is right there to sow lies like “It’s not really your time” or “This is just not the season for you” or maybe “It’s not supposed to be this hard”. Believing a lie becomes easier than asking for help or pushing through difficulties and boom! Another one bites the dust. Another dream left on the side of the road only to be remembered 2 years later when their heart is awakened to the possibility again and the whole scenario begins again.
You can overcome this hurdle by renewing your mind to the truth of God’s Word regarding who you are, what you have, what you can do and the vision for your life. Once you understand who you are in Christ and your unique design as an artist, you start to realize the Kingdom is available and active to you any time. It’s always time to start stepping into your best life in God!
Some of you may be reading this right now saying “Wow Matt, this just got real…” Yes, it did and I love you too much to sugarcoat things. God’s invested too much in each one of us to let momentary troubles and pressures take our focus from the goal He’s set before us.
I also know this to be true: people always… ALWAYS do what they want to do. If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to see it happen. The simple fact is many people like the idea of breakthrough and thriving but aren’t willing to lean into the process.
To those that do lean into the process, who keep going even when things get difficult and who prioritize their life the align with their dreams and design, the sweet feelings of knowing they held on, leaned into God’s grace and trusted in the face of fear will usher them into reaping the rewards of the process. To them it will be said “Well done good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over little, not I will make you ruler over much.”
(PS… If that’s you right now, the kind of artist that is willing to set a course and see it through in the context of community with other artists and me as your mentor (even if you’ve failed at this before), then I’d love for you to consider my Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program I can help you make this year be your breakthrough year. I can help you make this year the year of no more excuses… the year you start thriving!)
- Reason #1: They Let Immediate Pressure Overshadow Longterm Success
-
Artists can be some of the biggest procrastinators around. Believe me, I know! Because of some of our innate perfectionistic tendencies, we love to put things off indefinitely.
We tell ourselves all sorts of things couched in what seems like wisdom when in reality, it’s just just plan ole fear; fear of not “doing it right”, fear of “not being good enough” even fear of succeeding. In my own life and as I have the great pleasure of mentoring hundreds of artists through my books, conferences and artist mentoring group I’ve found 3 really common and really paralyzing lies that most artists struggle with, especially as they are getting ready to breakthrough into their next season of growth! Here they are…
- Big Fat Lie #1: It’s Just Not the Right Time
Artists are visionaries and therefore are really great starters. We can start just about anything! We can see the finished product, we know where we’re going and know how we want to feel at then end. The big roadblock that hits many artists however, is pushing through the times of difficulty, doubt and confusion. During those times, one of the big, paralyzing lies the enemy sows in our life is something like “Well Matt, that vision you had was great, but it’s really not the time for that…. just go back to life as usual and wait.” That can even sound really spiritual, too but here’s what I’ve found to be true. In God, it’s always the right time! The Kingdom lives inside of us and is available at all times, 24/7/365 and no matter where you are on the journey, you can always be moving toward your vision. Just because it might not be the season to see the FULLNESS of your vision manifested DOESN’T mean it’s not the season to develop your skills and foundation in preparation for the season of manifestation. If you don’t prepare then when it is the right time, you won’t be ready. - Big Fat Lie #2: I’m Just Not Ready
Perfectionism paralyzes. So many artists struggle with this lie that demands a certain level of expertise, skill or career attainment to start thriving as artists. The fact is, no matter where you are in your process of creative development, you can give, learn and thrive. You can give knowledge to those who aren’t where you are, you can learn from others who are further along than you and you can thrive where you are. Thinking “I’m just not ready” does nothing but stop you in your tracks whereas embracing the process of development encourages you to grow. So you’re not selling your work yet? Who cares! You can still be developing things like your artist statement, working out your unique selling proposition and creative voice. No matter where you are in the journey, having others on the journey with you in invaluable for encouragement and loving critique. - Big Fat Lie #3: Maybe I’m Not Really An Artist
Listen. The fact that you even struggle this thought proves you’re an artist. What is an artist? One who creates. Period. Selling or not selling your work doesn’t define your artistic identity or worth. However, your own beliefs about your creative identity are the only thing that can limit the movement of God in your artistic life. Remember, God’s Word teaches as you THINK so are you. He’ll never override your will and your own beliefs but will, at any time, be available and willing to co-labor with you to renew your mind to His Kingdom realities. There’s always room to grow and develop in your artistic and business practices but again, that doesn’t define you as an artist. It’s simply part of being on a journey of development.
Once you begin to understand your identity in Christ, solidify a Kingdom-oriented vision for your life and begin pursuing your artistic expression without these limitations, you’ll start to taste what the abundant life is all about. If you’re a believer in Jesus, you already have everything you need to thrive living inside of you. It’s called the Kingdom and it’s active and available to you now. All you have to do is start aligning with His divine design for your life.
Share your thoughts below! I’d love to hear where you are in your creative journey! Also, find out more about my Created To Thrive Artist Mentoring Program here.
- Big Fat Lie #1: It’s Just Not the Right Time
-
“Why is Christian art so bad?” This question was posed to me on live radio several years ago when I was doing a book tour for The release of my first book, ”Unlocking the Heart of the Artist”. There I was, live before millions of people around the world on a big time morning radio show in downtown Chicago. I was trying to encourage artists and at the same time felt that punch-to-the-gut sort of feeling that said “what in the world am I going to say to this?” Fear, anxiety and anger and a little bit of laughter all bubbled up at the same time. I’m not even quite sure what I said at this point but throughout the years, that question has stayed with me and informed everything we try to do in equipping artists at The Worship Studio.
What would lead someone to even ask that question? I mean frankly, we don’t like to ask such hard questions in the Christian community. Most of the time, we like to stay all positive. It’s kind of like those kids on American Idol that can’t sing. Think about it. Somebody’s mama told them they could sing. Their whole life they’re thinking “Wow, I am awesome” and then they get up on national TV and everything changes. (Just in case you need a break, here’s the 10 worst American Idol Singers. Enjoy!)
In church, it can be like that for an artist. All you hear is how anointed, talented and called you are but rarely do artists hear really great constructive critique that can enable them to grow. Sure, we all like to edify, encourage and strengthen each other but sometimes we need to have a little bit of iron sharpening iron. Sometimes, somebody’s got to call a spade a spade. I guess today, that’s me.
You see, I believe if we’re honest we know the answer to this difficult and sometime offensive question; “Why is Christian art so bad?” Much of what is deemed Christian art or “prophetic art” today is much more spiritually-based, spontaneous expression or spiritual processing than it is skillfully created art. (That is not a slam on spontaneous expression or spiritual processing through art by the way.) In that context, the artist may seek to communicate passion, desire, vision and prophetic unction but because of immature artistic skill that only comes with time, preparation, creative development, mentoring and creating tons of work, the result does not carry the transformative power which the artist seeks to convey. The result is not inherently bad, it’s simply the immature expression of an emerging artist.
The challenge for all of us artists who are Christians and who desire to have our work release the light and life of God – to release transformation and change the atmosphere – is to move beyond the simple transcription of spiritual inspiration to the place where we treat those inspirations as seeds; seeds of promise, seeds of potential, seeds that must be planted in good soil and go through the maturing process before they can bear fruit. Believe me, as you mature both creatively and spiritually, your interpretation of inspiration changes drastically.
Unfortunately, that process of development is often looked down upon or minimized because of the tendency to over spiritualize this creative process. I call it “playing the God card”. Sometimes if an artist inherently feels that the inspiration they carry is from the Holy Spirit and that their responsibility is to communicate that inspiration through their artwork, there can be a real resistance to constructive critique. You’ll hear defensive responses like “God gave this to me” or “This is what the Holy Spirit said to do” when in reality, that is the artists’ interpretation of what the Holy Spirit said to do based on their own spiritual and creative maturity. When any of us lose the ability to be teachable and what we do whether it be creative or otherwise and we miss the opportunity to mature. Believe me, as you mature both creatively and spiritually, your interpretation of inspiration changes drastically. Why? Because you have more options; more techniques, mediums, processes and ideas. As your creative capacity expands so does your ear to the Spirit.
The question for all artists is “How do I skillfully create art and grow in artistic maturity while nurturing an authentic spiritual connection?”Here’s five things that I hope all artists will incorporate into their artistic development as they grow into creative and spiritual maturity:
I was a 1 talent artist looking for 5 talent results (Matthew 25).
“Go Back and Re-Learn Your Craft”
When the Lord began to speak to me about the next season of my life in 2008, the first word I got was not about raising up an army of artists or being a father to artists or writing books or speaking at conferences around the world. The first word I got was “go back and re-learn your craft”. Although I have been making baskets for probably 15 years at that point, the Spirit spoke a very clear Word to me. As I interpreted that Word, it became clear that even though I had done basketry for a long time they were key things that I was missing, key techniques that I had not mastered, core understandings that I had yet to incorporate into my creative process. Until I gained mastery in those areas, no matter how much passion or desire I had to release the light and life of God through my work or to have influence as an artist, it just wasn’t going to happen. Why? Because I was a 1 talent artist looking for 5 talent results (Matthew 25). Yes, I could have rebuked the devil and prayed for a miracle – and that may have made me feel better – but as I have found throughout my whole creative and spiritual journey, God is more concerned about the process then he is about the outcome. He’s concerned about stewardship, faithfulness and tenacity. I begin to understand that if God could trust me with the responsibility to develop his creative investment in me then he would trust me to pour out his Spirit through my work.
Plant the Seeds of Inspiration
Creative inspirations are like seeds. In and of themselves, they are worthless unless they are planted in good soil and allowed to come to maturity. The tendency for many artists is to paint the seed, sing the seed, give away the seed or even try to sell the seed rather than plant the seed and wait. For seeds to come to maturity, they must be planted in good soil, die and then give way to life. You must also die to your own preconceived notions of what the art should or should not look like based on how you interpreted the seed.
You must give inspiration the soil it needs to mature into fruit. You must also die to your own preconceived notions of what the art should or should not look like based on how you interpreted the seed. Rarely does the seed look like the fruit and unless you allow the seed to die and then come into maturity, you’re probably missing much of what Holy Spirit is actually trying to speak in and through your creative process.
What does this mean practically? Leave room for mystery. Journal your inspirations, record them on Pinterest, create a vision board, meditate on them with the Holy Spirit. Allow them the time and space to come to fruition. Otherwise, you’re giving away simple seeds or fruit that’s not yet ripe.
Find a Mentor
Hello! This is huge and yet so many people resist this part of the journey. All of us need people to speak into our creative journey and they don’t always have to be Christians. Yes, I said it! Can you believe it? Consider Bezalel for a moment. Yes, he’s an incredibly talented, Godly, Spirit-filled artist in the Bible but more than likely the skills he developed came from a lifetime of faithfully creating and walking in community with other artisans, not just as a singular, supernatural download. God can and will work through anyone he wants to in order to build us into the mature artists He’s designed us to be!
Most of the mentors in my own creative journey have been people whose work inspired me. I paid – and continue to pay – attention, asked the Spirit for opportunities to connect with them and then before you know it, our paths intersect. Follow the breadcrumbs and the favor. Expect divine connections.
“Christianese” messaging overwhelms and weakens the creative expression.
Create and Let God speak
Artists should quit trying so hard to ‘say something’ with their art and simply create. Create with skill? Yes. Create from deep inspiration? Yes. Create with the Creator? Yes. Just create and believe me, the work will speak for itself. So many times overt “Christainese” messaging overwhelms and weakens the creative expression. The creative process is about trust; trusting yourself, the materials, the mystery all the while believing that the work will live and give life to you and the viewer.
In my own journey. most of what God has used to speak life and light to others has usually been in spite of my creative intention going into a piece. Because of that, I always encourage artists to let the work you create speak. Let the process speak. Don’t always come into a piece of art thinking “this is what this is about” or “this is what I’m going to say”. For me, that just robs the beauty of the process and the experience of the viewer from enjoying. The beauty of art – the supernatural essence of what and how we create – is that our creativity is much more than simply what we bring to the studio. We bring all of us and mix it with all of what Holy Spirit wants to do in and through us and boom, all of a sudden what we create goes WAY beyond whatever we had in mind or could ever have done on our own. If we come into the process so convinced that “this is what this is about” or “This is what I’m going to say” we can easily miss the mystery of the Spirit’s journey through us; the exponential result of our creative expression.
Be a river of giving, not a stagnant, fearful puddle who is satisfied to live off of yesterday’s revelation.
Filled, Skilled and Spilled
No matter how gifted or talented an artist is, it’s all for naught unless they nurture their connection with the Father. Being filled with the Spirit of God should always draw an artist into skill development so they can enlarge their capacity to be a conduit for God’s Glory. Likewise, being filled and skilled should also lead artists who are growing in maturity to see their lives spilled out in the service of others. Teach what you know. Give outrageously. Teach your secrets. Be a river of giving, not a stagnant, fearful puddle who is satisfied to live off of yesterday’s revelation.
Grow as You Go!
The promise of the Father is that He will order our steps, light our path, give us the secrets of the Kingdom and allow us to participate in the divine nature through His precious promises. My prayer for each of us who calls ourself artist is that as you go, you would grow in stature before God and man, that people would see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven, that light and life would flow from your art, that Kingdom transformation would be your legacy. -
Have you felt it?—… an insular suffocation that leads your heart to say, “I can’t stay in this rut any longer! There must be more for me.” We all go through these seasons of yearning for a bigger pond to swim in or a new adventure to pursue. What if God is behind this restless discomfort? What if the Holy Spirit is calling you to step out of your comfort zone and into the marketplace with your creativity?
Artists of faith often feel a lot of pressure to keep their gifts within the church instead of sharing them with the world. Donating your time and artistic contributions in service to the church is a beautiful act of worship. But sometimes, it goes too far. Some leaders even encourage Christian artists to walk away from professional or financial opportunities, to “lay them down” or sacrifice them so the artist can “best serve the Lord.”
When you look closely at that message, the thinking behind it doesn’t hold up. It’s like saying it’s not godly to get paid for your creative work or that the only way to serve the Lord is within the context of the local church.
That mindset does not make sense. We serve the Lord whenever we steward the gifts He gives us—not only within the church but everywhere the goodness and beauty of God’s Kingdom can be a blessing. Consider the parable in Matthew 25:
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, “Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.”
The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”[. . .] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. (Matthew 25:14-21,29)
As my friend, the late Jack R. Taylor used to say, “I’m not anti-church, but I am pro-Kingdom.”
Here are seven thoughts I hope will give you the courage to step into the vast, beautiful, freedom-filled place God has made for you within the culture.
7. Institutions Typically Breed Insulation
While every Christian artist needs to be relationally connected to other believers for the spiritual health of themselves and the community, they must resist the temptation to withdraw from culture and thereby lose their voice within that culture. Involvement in the broader culture informs our worldview and allows authentic relationships to develop. Institutions breed insulation; relationships birth relevance.6. Variety Informs Our Art
Artists must continue to fill their hearts and minds with great art, music, writing, life experiences, and beauty. The Holy Spirit draws from this beautiful reservoir within you as everything you’ve seen, heard, felt and experienced becomes raw material from which to create. Are you seeking more creative depth and spontaneity in your art practice? Then seek out more experiences, build your skills, and deepen your connection to your spiritual source. The more an artist enlarges their capacity, the more opportunity they have to create with God.5. Worship Can Happen Anywhere
God lives in the spontaneous worship expression of His people—not just in a church services. Worship can and should happen everywhere as people offer their hearts and creative expression to God. In that context, all creative expression is an invitation from the artist to God to release His power and presence in and through their art. And the studio becomes a sacred space set apart for co-creating with God.4. Called to Go and Tell
As preached and modeled by Jesus, the Gospel of the Kingdom has always been a “go and tell” message, not just “come and see.” Every place artists put their feet—and artwork—they carry the Kingdom. We are transformed as we create in His presence while at the same creating works that carry His transforming presence to the world.3. Artists are Cultural Prophets
Artists are prophetic messengers to culture, designed to release the light and life of God in places that need it the most, using a fresh perspective and an artistic language unfettered by traditional religious jargon. God uses artists to challenge, encourage, edify, exhort and even provoke. Remember the old adage, “If good preaching and good singing were going to change the world, it would have already been done.” People everywhere are hungry for an encounter with God, and artists are uniquely equipped to translate the Truth of the Kingdom through creative expression.2. Build Up the Whole Pond
The local church can often be a valuable space for artistic ministry and spiritual expression of artists. That said, God most likely has a purpose for your gifting that extends beyond the doors of your church into the public square. No single space is intended to be the be-all and end-all as a venue for all your creative gifting. Have you ever heard the adage, “Impression without expression leads to depression?” Believe it! The creative gifting in the Christian artist community can and should bless and build up the church—but its audience is more extensive than that; it’s in the marketplace and culture in general.1. Harvesting Provision by Understanding the Assignment
God wants artists to live sustainably. If He has given you the ability and opportunity to make a living from your passion—what a blessing! Consistent financial provision allows artists more time and freedom to hone their skills and focus on the art making journey. Artists of faith who bring their art to the marketplace connect with buyers who will gladly invest in creative expression—as long as the artwork speaks to them. For everyone in the Kingdom, God releases ideas that generate money in the marketplace to create our provision in line with our unique design for our specific assignment. Once you fully embrace who God has created you to be, you can freely pursue all God has created you to do while resting assured He wll provide all you need.
So what do you think? Let me hear from you in the comments below! -
Nobody becomes an artist just to worry about paying the bills.
Nobody becomes an artist just to have something to do or to have a job.
We become artists because after trying everything else in life we finally were not happy unless were doing the very thing were created to do. We become artist because there’s this thing inside of us that won’t quit burning until we give it expression. We become artists because we can’t do anything else authentically.
For many of us that journey of self-discovery has taken a lifetime. We’ve all worked jobs we hated, just for the money in order to get to do what we loved at night and on the weekends, dreaming one day that this could be our real job. We’ve all sacrificed more than many will ever know in order to get that burning in our creative bones out somehow.
Sometimes I wish that I could have just POOF gotten it when I was in college and started out on the creative road to success but my journey probably like many of yours has been a long, windy, scary and exhilarating road that brings me to where I am today. And it’s that journey that we all have in common. Each so very different and yet each exactly the same. It’s our stories that bind us together.
So, it sounds like we should have this idyllic life experience of life, love and creativity but for many artists – maybe even you – that’s far from reality. Too often our story becomes one of trying to make ends meet, sacrificing creativity for profits, making things that sell instead of making things that inspire us all in a package of too little sleep, growing frustration and an overwhelming feeling of ‘is this really worth it.” I wrote this book to tell you that it is worth it. You’re worth it. I also wrote this book because I have a passion to encourage you on your creative journey and to move from just surviving into thriving.
Understanding the unique identity that makes us each ‘artists’ is not as easy as simply grabbing a paintbrush and putting color to canvas. For thousands of years, humanity has struggled with what it means to be an artist, even to be creative. The Greeks and Romans even thought creativity was the result of channeling daemons or a disembodied spirit they called a “genius” who would live with, speak to, inspire and create through the individual. Then the Renaissance came along and the focus shifted to the artist being the genius and humanity being the center of creativity, leaving little room for the divine. Even today, the questions remain; is creativity simply some random act of chance, the result of tenacity and hard work, an encounter with divine providence or a culmination of all of the above.
We can’t do it all ourselves. We’re not wired that way. We can’t just make it happen and in fact we don’t have what it takes to be all that we desire. That smacks in the face of our good old American work ethic but it’s true. However, when we take what we have been given, mix it with hard work and thankfully offer it back to the Giver and humanity as a gift with a heart of joyful expectation, we will always find we have more than enough – fulfillment, creative inspiration and yes, financial provision. Otherwise we end up in the typical ‘starving artist’ scenario which is based in fear, scarcity and control: working more, getting less, never thinking our work is good enough and always existing in a place of lack and frustration.
Our creative sensibilities are not simply the result of well-executed skills or practice made perfect, but rather collaboration between a divinely invested gift, the Giver of that gift and the hard work of artists who steward well the gift entrusted to them.
-
One of the questions I get a lot from artists and creative types is “How can I do what I love creatively full-time?” Many times what’s underneath that question is a feeling that they know there’s more but they feel really bogged down with all the issues that life and a full-time job entail. Deeper still are feelings of being overwhelmed, frustrated and dissatisfied with life as they currently know it. Couple that with the fact that almost all creatives are major dreamers, always believing that “the grass is greener” and you’ve got a recipe for some moody artistic temperaments to begin to flair up! I’ll do my best to put this into perspective.
First off, just because you are an artist doesn’t mean you have to do it as a full-time job that supports you financially. GASP! I know, I know, you may think I’ve just broken the cardinal rule of all artists, but it’s the truth. True art and creativity are expressions of our heart – they are overflow of what we are about on the inside. Some people’s overflow is for themselves alone where as others may be for their family, local church, region or nation. Many people are creative but not everyone is called to be a full-time working artist or musician. Believe me, if you’re not called to it then please don’t force yourself there prematurely. It will lead to a place of you hating your art, being way more frustrated than you are now, and feeling tons of anxiety because the thing you just knew you were supposed to do is not really that at all. The main point here is that you have to know in your heart of hearts with great clarity what it is that God’s called you to do and then begin to walk in that direction.
Now you may already know what it is that God’s called you to do but your frustration is that you’re not there yet. This is common for all dreamers. We can see the end result but get really upset because we’re not seeing it manifest in our lives right now. So what to do? I call it building a bridge.
You see, we’re all on a road to somewhere. It’s up to you to define that somewhere with the Lord. The fact remains however, that there is much for you to experience, receive and learn in the process. Honestly, if God were to just place us right now into the fullness of what he created us for we would totally screw it up. Why? Because He’s still forging those attributes that we need in our life so at the right time we’ll be found ready to take the reigns of destiny and go for it! Let me offer a few signposts for you to follow as you build a bridge to your dreams.- Assess: Where are you now and where do you want to go? Most people overestimate what they can do in one year but underestimate what they can do in three years.
- Strategy: Once you know where you want to go, begin breaking that vision down into bite size pieces. Ask the Father to reveal to you what you need for the next steps – money, time, relationships, resources, tools, etc.
- Envision: Your heart is an incubator – it manifests whatever you believe. Proverbs says that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. You’ve got to get a clear picture of where you’re going. Ask the Father to clarify the vision and then as you’re with Him, in faith (that is being fully persuaded) meditate on His plans for you!
- Ask: Through 2 Peter 1:3-4 it says you’ve already been given everything you need for life and godliness and that we can participate in the Divine Nature by appropriating God’s precious promises in our life. Also, Hebrews 11:24 says that when you pray believe that you HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED it and you shall have it. So based on God’s precious promises ask in faith for whatever you need and start thanking God that you’ve already received what you need to accomplish the vision he’s placed in your heart.
- Activate: Begin using the gifts and resources the Father has placed in your hands now in the area he’s planted you. Don’t just wait til everything’s perfect to start.
- Follow the Favor: As you walk in faith, using your gifts and envisioning the dream God has set before you, watch for the Father to bring supernatural favor, divine appointments and resources into your life. When you recognize these, act quickly and don’t waste time wondering “I wonder if this is from the Lord or not?” Yes, it is!
- Don’t eat all your seed: One of the things artists tend to do when they start making a little money with their art is spend it! Rather, you need to use that money as seed to invest in your business during this ‘bridge time’. Do you need more equipment, space, tools, etc? Be wise with the money that comes in!
- Constantly Reassess: Every couple of months or so re-evaluate where you are and what you are seeing manifest in your life. Keep fine-tuning the vision.
There’s a lot more I’ll be sharing on this in coming days, but I hope this gets you started in the right direction!
-
Over the years, I’ve met so many artists who struggle in their lives with everything from creative expression to finances, relationships to addiction, spirituality and their relationship with God. Most of the time, the overwhelmingly popular view of life among these friends tends to lean towards one of two areas; mailbox mentality or starving artist.
On the Christian side of life, many believers embrace a popular fallacy that says something like “get saved, obey God and He’ll do the rest because God’s in control.” Everyday, these artists go out to their proverbial mailbox hoping that today is the day God blesses them with the desires of their heart, only to be disappointed.
The other view of life among almost all artists is one I call the starving artist mentality. This one is pretty familiar to most creatives in that it presupposes that life as an artist is hard, you’ll never make money, to sell your art successfully is to “sell out” and you just have to settle for an existence laden with poverty or at least the lack of prosperity.
Thank goodness, I found a better way based in God’s Word that is based on how the Kingdom of God works. Here’s the 5 ways you can choose to thrive as an artist in God’s Kingdom:
- Have a vision for your life that resonates with how God designed you. Without clarity on where you’re going and how you’re designed, your life will be all over the place.
- Change your thinking. Whatever you think about constantly – like a movie playing inside your head – is what will manifest in your life.
- Real change comes to your life when you change the way you think. Remember, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”!
- Be fruitful first with whatever God has entrusted you with and then multiplication and growth will come as the natural result. You don’t have to force it.
- Understand you were created for a story bigger than your own. When you connect with God and His design for you, you’ll be amazed how and where he’ll position you to release the power of His Kingdom.
Do you want to start thriving as an artist in the Kingdom of God? Want to connect with other’s on the journey, too? Check out my online mentoring program.
