 People reach out and ask me all the time how to make money as an artist. Yep. Many well-meaning artists have asked this question and most believe that it's a single answer, like there's some shortcut or secret ad you can run to make everyone buy your art and make a million dollars. SPOILER ALERT: There's no silver bullet for learning how to become a successful artist. However, after working as a creative now for over 25 years, speaking to thousands and personally mentoring thousands of artists via my books, podcasts, and online artist mentoring program, I've come to understand some of what it takes to really thrive. I'm going to share some of those insights with you right here. Since I also believe no one person has the corner on success, I reached out to several of my thriving artists friends who are creating beautiful work and selling the heck out of it all while living an incredible life. Based on their input and my experience, here's my top 29 tips for taking your artistic calling to the next level so that you can really start thriving in 2021.
As you probably know by now, information doesn't create change. Real change only happens when valuable information meets action and interaction; action on your part and interaction with others on your journey and an experienced mentor. Why, you ask? Most of the time, there are things in your life you just can't see by yourself. For those who are willing, God uses mastermind and mentoring relationships to bring you to the next level of growth. If you'd like to make this year your breakthrough year and really start thriving as an artist spiritually, artistically and in business, check out my Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program and read some of their stories! Thousands of artists just like you have made the decision to be a part and it's changing lives. Thanks again to all my artist friends who contributed to this list. Each one is creating great work, thriving as a professional artist and a joy to call friend!
9 Comments
Carol Holland
6/21/2017 09:48:46 pm
These are 29 artists who are living exactly what you've been advising us all alone, Matt! Thank you as this list gives us reminders at a glance! BTW, I printed mine because I could not see the print very well on screen--it is just my computer or do others have this problem?
Peggy Wilmeth Carr
7/2/2017 11:42:07 pm
This is faint, for me, too, Carol. I am having trouble with areas 1,3, 18, and 25, because I have such a multidisciplinary gifting and vision. I have always heard this, but it didn't resonate with me. Finally, when I was wrestling and wrestling with it, completely uncomfortable with the concept of just choosing one discipline, God began to talk with me about it. He said that Jesus is the perfect Man, and that Jesus had all 4 major personality types, at once! Therefore, He grew up, expecting to fulfill all 4 personality types, at once, to achieve "wisdom and stature and . . .favor with God and Man," and to fulfill all the creative giftings. He was probably a skilled craftsman in woodworking, He probably sang in the Temple, we know He debated with the Rabbis, that He memorized Scripture, that He started the world with a Sculpture and that He managed to relearn His creative Genius in Quantum Physics by meditating on Elijah and Elisha, before He fed the 5,000, He walked everywhere, even on the sea! If Jesus knows no bounds, and He lives in us, why can't we do what He did, and work on one thing at a time, an not neglect anything He has given us?
Carol
7/28/2017 09:54:20 pm
Peggy, I love what you wrote! How many of us fail to consider any of this? I often pictured Jesus observing Joseph as he made a table or carved legs for a piece of furniture, but YES, he had to know the exact meaning and every dot and tittle of the scriptures! Can you imagine singing along with him? What a joy! And besides, the physics, the long walks, intensive prayers and time spent with the Heavenly Father--besides healing hundreds, visiting those he knew needed him, and helping his parents, etc. he has the best sense of humor--ever! Sometimes he gives me a glimpse of understanding things from his perspective, and my spirits just lift and I'm so amused!
Michelle Jacobs
7/28/2017 03:55:58 am
Look forward to creating a website getting more involved with fellow artists as tribe & in my community in order to share my gift & be a part of. I enjoy putting a smile on someone's face and touching others lives. 11/5/2017 10:38:02 pm
You say to create a business that fits you, could you explain that further?
Matt Tommey
4/9/2021 01:59:27 pm
That means creating a business that serves your lifestyle, energy level, financial goals, family life, etc. Otherwise you create a business you become a slave to, which is not the goal :) Besides giving time and effort, you have to sweat to succeed and accomplish your ambitions. Sticking to the presumptions in the face of opposition will help you to maintain a right mindset which is necessary for overcoming the challenges. Setting goals, becoming result-driven, keeping yourself safe from making excuses, accepting the specific lack of control- are the habits that a person needs to cultivate to become affluent. No matter, you are an artist or a scientist, you need to be mindful of your physical and mental health in order to succeed in life tomorrow.
Christine A Dexter
6/6/2022 11:58:17 am
This morning I was having a literal "come to Jesus" meeting about how I will serve Him with my creative work. I am a performing artist/writer/producer. I was needing some practical direction and knew if I came to your website I would not have to reinvent the wheel. I printed out this list and marked 12 items to pray about and put in motion. Thank you for compiling this very helpful list of inspired directions!
Matt Tommey
6/6/2022 02:53:06 pm
You're very welcome! Check out this free workshop too - i think it will be a blessing on your journey: http://www.thethrivingchristianartist.com/transform Leave a Reply. |
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AuthorMatt Tommey is an artist, author and mentor who is passionate about empowering artists to thrive spiritually, artistically and in business. |
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