What if I told you the biggest thing holding you back as an artist isn’t your painting skill, your marketing strategy, or even the audience you have access to? What if the real barrier is actually how you define success?
After mentoring thousands of Christian artists over the years, I’ve realized that so many well-meaning creatives spend their lives chasing a version of success that God never intended for them. And it’s no wonder they end up burned out, frustrated, and sometimes even wanting to give up on their art completely.
But friend, let me encourage you — God has a much better plan. A plan that brings real abundance, deep joy, and lasting impact. One that not only fulfills you but also blesses countless others along the way.
From Hobbyist to Kingdom Artist
For years, I was what I like to call an “ENT” artist — an “every now and then” artist. I’d make baskets in the fall and winter when the weather was nice, maybe do a few art shows to make some Christmas money. I loved it, but I never once thought that God had a plan for my art. In my mind, my spiritual life was in one box, my art life was in another, and my business life somewhere else altogether.
But as I started going through my own healing journey, God began to show me something that rocked my world. He revealed that my art wasn’t just some fun, extra hobby — it was at the very center of my calling. He wanted to use my art not just to bring me life and freedom, but to bring healing, influence, impact, and yes, even income.
When I began to embrace that, everything started to shift. God brought my identity, my purpose, and my healing together into one beautiful package. It wasn’t an overnight transformation — there were plenty of bumps and potholes along the way — but each step drew me closer to Him and deeper into who He had created me to be.
The Baltimore Wake-Up Call
Early on, like so many artists, I thought success meant following all the latest strategies and hustling as hard as I could. I figured if I worked harder, did more shows, got into the best galleries, and won all the accolades, that would mean I had “made it.”
I’ll never forget the time I went to the prestigious American Craft Council show in Baltimore. I had invested big — thousands of dollars in booth fees, hotels, travel, not to mention the countless hours of preparation. I went in thinking, “This is it! This is going to be my breakthrough show. I’ll make $15,000–$20,000 easy!”
But instead of success, I hit a brick wall. I barely made enough to cover expenses. As I packed up and drove eight hours back to Asheville, I was furious, discouraged, and confused. I had a long, raw conversation with God on that drive home — what I like to call a “come to Jesus meeting.”
Somewhere in the middle of my ranting and complaining, the Lord interrupted me. He asked me a question that would change everything: “Do you really want to know why this didn’t work?”
When I finally said yes, He spoke so clearly: “Because you’re trying to build your art business in a way that I never designed for you.”
Ouch. But oh, what a freeing revelation that was.
The Power of His Plan
God reminded me of what He had already spoken to my heart before I even launched out — that He wanted my studio to be a place of connection and encounter, and that He would bring clients to me if I stayed faithful in the studio.
So, I went home and completely reworked my studio, turning it from a casual bohemian workspace into a professional fine art gallery. I invested money I didn’t have, trusted God every step, and prepared my space as an act of obedience.
Just a few weeks later, a couple from Atlanta — who had originally planned to see me at that Baltimore show — drove all the way to my studio unannounced. They commissioned a piece on the spot, paid a $1,000 deposit, and left me speechless.
In that moment, God made it crystal clear: His ways are higher than ours. When we walk in obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense, He opens doors we could never force open ourselves.
Redefining Success God’s Way
The world tells us success is all about numbers — sales, followers, fame, and fortune. But God? He measures success by faithfulness.
1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God isn’t looking at your Instagram stats or your bank account to measure your worth. He’s looking at your heart — at your willingness to say yes, to obey, to trust Him even when it doesn’t make sense.
When you shift your mindset from striving to abiding, everything changes. John 15 paints the picture perfectly: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Our job isn’t to force the fruit. Our job is to stay connected to Him, and fruit will naturally flow.
Embrace the Unforced Rhythms of Grace
The Message Bible beautifully calls it “the unforced rhythms of grace.” As artists, it’s so easy to get caught in the comparison trap. We see others selling out shows, getting huge commissions, landing big exhibitions — and we start to question, “Am I enough? Am I doing enough? Am I successful?”
But comparison is the thief of joy. When you stop measuring your life by someone else’s highlight reel and start measuring by faithfulness to God’s voice, freedom comes. Peace comes. True joy comes.
Be Faithful in the Pasture
I love the story of David. Before he was king, before the victories and the songs, he was just a shepherd boy playing his harp in the fields. That secret place, the pasture, was where God shaped his heart. He learned intimacy before he ever stepped onto a public stage.
Likewise, Bezalel in Exodus 31 was filled with the Spirit of God and skilled in all kinds of craftsmanship. God doesn’t just want your talent; He wants your heart. He anoints both — your hands and your heart — to carry out His purposes.
Faithfulness Over Fame
In the Kingdom, faithfulness always precedes fruitfulness. God isn’t calling you to be famous; He’s calling you to be faithful. Fame might come, but it’s never the goal — it’s simply a possible byproduct of a life rooted in Him.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The world’s system says, “Get all the things, then you’ll have peace.” But God says, “Seek Me first, and I’ll add everything you need.”
Your Invitation to Yield
Maybe today is your moment to pause and ask, “Lord, have I been building my art life on my own terms? Have I been chasing numbers instead of Your presence?”
Friend, He’s inviting you into the deeper place — to lay down striving and pick up abiding, to yield your plans and receive His. And when you do, I promise, you’ll discover a life and art practice beyond what you could ever imagine.
P.S. If you’re ready to step into this journey for real — to move from striving to thriving, from burnout to breakthrough — I’d love to invite you to check out my Foundations Course for artists. It’s a powerful, transformative discipleship journey designed to help you align your heart, renew your mind, and confidently walk out your unique calling as an artist in God’s Kingdom.
Remember, my friend: You were created to thrive.