There’s a commercial aspect to art-making that can be a challenge. Once as an illustrator, I worked on a project that was so lucrative I couldn’t turn it down. However, the art direction was so specific and outside my taste that I ended up making something awful. Though the money was good, the work killed my spirit. Another project came along that was far less lucrative but gave me the freedom to do what I wanted. Because this was so personally gratifying, it gave me momentum, and confidence and taught me the power of making work for yourself first.
Hear my story…
Even commissions can feel less gratifying because they’re usually derived from past work we’ve moved away from. Staying at the helm of your art-making makes your work stronger. Doing what you love makes success more likely.
How do you keep your art practice, yours? Let me know in the comments.
This week’s podcast relates to this idea as I have a conversation with a very commercially successful surface designer whose work remains so personally hers. Listen to how she beautifully integrates her work and her life. I hope you’ll join me.
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Have an awesome Sunday!
Nicholas
PS Check out the Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group. Every day, artists from all over the world are creating amazing art, and you are invited!
