How to Become A Thriving Artist
Do you subscribe to the “struggling artist” myth? You know, that image we all know of the artist who is super talented but can’t pay their bills, is always depressed, anxious and tormented, and barely makes ends meet. Be honest. Is that what comes to mind when you think of your life as an artist?
This myth has been part of popular culture for years and has been passed down from generation to generation. Many of us truly believe that to be an artist means to struggle. As soon as we accept this career path, we surrender to it, celebrate it even. This is just the way it is. But I want to challenge your thinking today. Is this really the way it needs to be? Do you have to struggle to be an artist? Or is there a better way?
The Thriving Artist
Is it possible for us to be artists and to thrive? Hear me out. What I am proposing is a way of being that allows us to put our needs first, ahead of our craft. Many of us are so focused on our goals that we drop our needs to pursue them–we skip meals because we need to finish a self tape, or we don’t sleep because we have to go over our lines. We have no boundaries around our craft. And we think this is normal. We accept it as ok, because we are doing it in the name of passion. But what if we took the time to address our needs first, no matter what? How would that change our art? How would it change our lives? What if we decided we would prioritise the way we eat, sleep, move our bodies, connect with our higher selves?
I believe that prioritising our needs makes us better artists. Art is a reflection and expression of the world around us. But how can we truly express what we are feeling, seeing and hearing, if we don’t allow ourselves the time, grace or energy to do just that? If we are always running on autopilot, frantically running from one audition to the next without taking time to tune into ourselves, our art is not coming from a place that is as authentic as it could be. It is coming from a fragmented, more shallow version of ourselves.
If we take the time to honour our needs and connect with our higher selves, we give our art the chance to come from a truly authentic and empowered place. That art would look much different from anything we have done before.
Thriving Physically
If we take the time to meet our needs physically–eating well, moving well, sleeping well–we allow our bodies a chance to recharge, energise, recover and get stronger. This essentially puts us in a better place to handle the stresses of performing and creating. The fact of the matter is, when we feel good, we do good. If we are going into auditions feeling poorly, we are not giving half as much as we could be. This wastes our time, and everyone else’s. Honouring our physical needs is an important part of becoming a thriving artist.
Thriving Mentally
As artists, we often butt up against many doubts, fears and limiting beliefs that come from years of hearing the same old programming about how artists should be. When you learn to gently release and reprogram these old patterns, your confidence will soar. You will start to see how talented, unique and creative you really are, and embrace your gifts as an artist. Letting go of what is holding you back mentally will allow you to thrive as an artist.
Thriving Spiritually
Spirituality is about your connection to yourself, your environment, the planet, and a higher purpose. This is crucial in an artist’s life because, when we are truly connected to ourselves and the world, our art comes from a powerful and sacred place. It is a genuine expression of our higher selves. Connecting with yourself spiritually will allow you to stop over thinking and people-pleasing–traits that kill your confidence and make you a carbon copy of someone else. It is time to build your confidence in what you offer as an artist.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a thriving artist means taking care of your needs physically, mentally and spiritually, so that you can make the most authentic and empowered art you can make. It is a way of being I hope more of us embrace. As we move forward from the pandemic, let’s shed the struggling artist image and embrace the thriving artist, so we can create beautiful art together.
