My Facebook feed this morning looks something like this: art, pandemic report, art, scripture meme, art, “don’t worry if you just lost your job you can make money now online”, art, meme…Let’s just say it’s a really “convenient” time for people to be trying to sell courses and webinars on how to make money online… be wise, act with intention, not desperation and realize there is NO EASY WAY to make “quick money” on the internet.
Online businesses in any industry – now more than ever – require rapport, connection, and relationship. Anybody can teach you tools… there are tons out there. I teach them every day. The key is building connection with your audience.Now is the time to care for your audience, clients, family and friends. Yes learn, grow and invest in yourself during this time, create art, build your inventory, spend time listening with the Lord but don’t be fooled by promises of quick, easy results just because it’s “online”. There is no silver bullet.
There are, however 7 things every Christian artist can do right now, even in this crazy season of pandemic, to thrive. Here they are:
- Be in Faith: The only way to weather a storm like the Coronavirus Pandemic (or any other difficult situation for that matter) is to continue to be in faith. Yes, it’s ok to feel emotion and even have a meltdown from time to time. David did that all throughout the Psalms. But make sure the trajectory of your emotional, mental and spiritual life is pointed toward faith; faith in God, His Word, His plans for You and His promises toward you. These are the only lasting things that make a real difference.
- Be in the Studio: Everyone is quarantined and being forced to be alone… and artists ask “So, what’s new?” Yes, we’re pretty used to working alone in our studio or at home. Why should this be any different? Use this time to create, write, dream, organize, clean and do what you do as an artist. You’ve never had a better chance to have some focused solitude for creating!
- Be Investing: As you are in the studio and having some extra time for solitude, invest in yourself. Learn a new skill. Practice some techniques you’ve been wanting to master. Take an online course or two. Read some books. We’re always looking for those open places in our schedule for self-development. Now is the time. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste.
- Be Online: There has never, ever been a better time to be online as an artist than right now. Whether or not you’re at home or in your studio, most of us have an internet connection and a smartphone that allows us to literally touch the world with what we do. As you’re creating, go live on Instagram or Facebook. Talk about your process. Share your latest work. Have an online sale or auction. Interview other artist friends who are doing interesting things. Use this opportunity of seclusion to be interesting and connect with your audience. It will eventually pay off in referrals and sales as we return to normalcy.
- Be in Contact: The simple act of reaching out during times of uncertainty builds huge relational equity and the desire for reciprocity. Plus, it’s just the right thing to do. Everything in business is about relationship, so take the time to pick up the phone, skype, zoom, facetime, email or message people in your world. Yes, I’m talking about your clients, your gallery owners, strategic partners, suppliers, show promoters and the like. Many people are completely filled with fear right now and your voice of encouragement will mean a HUGE deal to them in the short and longrun.
- Be Wise: Anytime catastrophe strikes, many people tend to react out of fear and make reactionary pivots in their life and business out of a survival mode. Again, you have to realize that God has you in the palm of His hand. You can either try to figure things out on your own or listen to His voice and proceed intentionally, with wisdom. Changing your whole business model in the middle of a panic is probably not the best idea. Know your vulnerabilities, lean into your strengths and double down on the basics of your business: making great work, connecting with your clients and partners. If you are forced to make some hard decisions quickly, make sure you reach out for Godly counsel from experienced people you trust.
- Be Together: Even though we can’t all be together right now because of this worldwide pandemic, there’s still huge opportunities to build community. For example, our Created to Thrive Mentoring Program has 66 small group leaders who are hosting small groups online twice a month. This is normal for us but right now, it’s crucial to stay connected. You can do the same kind of thing through Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook and Zoom. Don’t hibernate. Reach out and connect with your friends and loved ones. Create together. Laugh together. It makes a difference.
My friend, the world has changed in the last few weeks but take heart; God wasn’t taken by surprise! Yes, be careful who you listen to and remember the same dreams God out in your heart a few weeks ago are the same ones he’s going to bring to completion as He leads you. Yes, it may look differently than you think but he’s going to work all things together for your good. I promise!
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