My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
— Maya Angelou

These powerful words from the renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou capture the essence of inspired living. They remind us that life is more than about getting by; it’s about flourishing and making our mark on the world with passion and authenticity.

The Human Element Makes Art Truly Meaningful

In our previous post, “AI-Generated Art: What Visual Artists Need to Know About It,” we explored technological advancements reshaping the art world. While staying informed about these developments is crucial, it’s equally important to remember the human element that makes art truly meaningful and magical. This post serves as a counterpoint, focusing on the irreplaceable aspects of human creativity and the importance of living an inspired life as an artist.  

Look around, and you’ll notice a growing desire among people to lead inspired lives driven by passions, values, and objectives. This yearning for authentic, inspired living becomes even more profound in an era of rapid technological change.

I wrote this post to help artists clarify the concept and learn how to embrace it. I know that informing and inspiring you benefits you as both a human and an artist. I want you to know it’s okay just to be okay.

Inspired living involves engaging in activities that spark joy and cultivate a greater sense of connection and purpose. It consists of nurturing yourself, developing meaningful relationships, and making choices that bring out the best in yourself and others. These distinctively human characteristics are at the heart of what makes your art unique and incomparable to AI. 

The Intersection of Inspired Living and Art Marketing  

While marketing activities are often data-driven, they’re also tools that heart-centered artists must learn to use. Marketing’s role is to sell art efficiently. Still, it’s not isolated from artists’ desires to gain personal satisfaction from their work. The best outcome for artists is to find a balance between selling art and enjoying living well.  

Inspired living and effective art marketing intersect in several ways:  

• Authenticity: Both involve being true to oneself and creating art that reflects personal passions and values.
• Passion and Purpose: A strong sense of why you create can fuel both your art and marketing efforts. 
• Storytelling: Your journey of inspired living becomes part of your artist’s story, engaging potential customers. And encouraging them to embrace finding inspiration in their daily lives.
• Connection: Living inspired often leads to creating art that profoundly resonates with others.  

Embracing Personal Growth and Identifying Your Passions  

Personal growth is crucial for living an inspired life. Challenge yourself to learn new skills, take on new projects, or explore different interests. This commitment to growth helps you identify your values and purpose, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences.  

Finding Enthusiasm in Everyday Tasks  

Take time to reflect on what truly motivates and excites you. Consider what activities bring you joy and what principles guide your decisions. Use these insights to guide your artistic pursuits and business decisions, leading to more fulfilling work that resonates with your audience.  

Making Connections and Cultivating Gratitude  

Meaningful connections with people and your community are essential to inspired living. These connections open you to new perspectives, allow you to learn from others, and provide opportunities to share your unique gifts. They’re also the foundation for selling your art directly to collectors.  

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by taking time each day to appreciate what you have. This practice can reduce stress, improve your outlook, and increase fulfillment. Try keeping a gratitude journal, expressing thanks to others, or practicing random acts of kindness.  

Living an inspired life includes finding joy in simple activities. While some tasks may seem mundane, there’s always an opportunity to infuse them enthusiastically. Remember why the task is essential, or find ways to make it more enjoyable, like listening to music or turning it into a game. This approach can bring a sense of purpose and joy to even the most routine tasks.  

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences  

Stay motivated by surrounding yourself with positive influences: 

• Seek mentors who can offer guidance and support.
• Join communities that share your goals and values.
• Spend time with positive, supportive people.
• Limit exposure to negative influences that drain your energy and motivation.  

Learning from the Masters of Inspired Living  

Wayne Dyer and Stephen Covey are two individuals who have profoundly shaped my understanding of inspired living. Their insights offer invaluable guidance for artists seeking more purposeful lives.  

Wayne Dyer’s Wisdom on Inspired Living  

A renowned self-help author and motivational speaker, Wayne Dyer offered profound insights on living an inspired life. His teachings continue to resonate with me and countless others. Here are some key points from Dyer’s philosophy:  

• Finding Your Mission: Dyer emphasized the importance of identifying one’s life’s mission. For artists, this means not just creating art but understanding the deeper purpose behind creative expression. He often said, “Don’t die with your music still in you,” encouraging us to express our unique gifts fully.
• The Power of Positive Thinking: Dyer believed our thoughts and beliefs significantly impact our lives. He encouraged focusing on the positive aspects of life and letting go of limiting beliefs. He said, “When you change how you look at things, the things you look at change.” This practice can transform both your art and your approach to marketing it.
• Self-Acceptance: Dyer taught that self-acceptance is crucial to living an inspired life. As artists, embracing our unique voices and styles is vital to creating authentic work that resonates with others. He advised, “Love yourself rather than abuse yourself.”  

According to Wayne Dyer, love can transform our lives and the world. For artists, this means infusing their work and interactions with collectors with genuine care and compassion. As Dyer said, “Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.” This perspective can bring a sense of compassion and caring to our artistic practice.  

Stephen Covey’s Insights on Personal Effectiveness  

Stephen Covey, best known for “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” offers principles equally applicable to living an inspired life as an artist. One of his insights that I find particularly powerful is this:  

“Every human has four endowments: self-awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom… The power to choose, to respond, to change.”  

This perspective is transformative for artists. It reminds us that:  

• Self-Awareness: We have the power to understand our strengths, weaknesses, and motivations as artists. Covey encourages us to “seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
• Conscience: We can align our art and business practices with our deepest values. As Covey says, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
• Independent Will: We can make choices that support our artistic vision, even when faced with challenges. Covey reminds us, “You have to decide your highest priorities and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically—to say ‘no’ to other things.”
• Creative Imagination: Beyond just creating art, we can imagine and create the life and career we desire. Covey advises, “Begin with the end in mind.”  

Covey’s emphasis on proactivity and beginning with the end in mind is particularly relevant for artists. He states, “Proactive people focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence. They work on the things they can do something about.”  

By clearly envisioning our goals—both artistic and professional—and taking consistent action towards them, we can create not just inspired art but inspired lives.  

Applying Their Wisdom to Your Artistic Journey  

The teachings of Dyer and Covey remind us that inspired living is not just about creating great art but about approaching our entire lives, including our art business, with intention and purpose. Here are a few ways to apply their wisdom:  

• Clarify Your Mission: Take time to reflect on why you create art. What is the deeper purpose that drives you? Let this mission guide both your creative process and your marketing efforts.
• Practice Positive Thinking: Notice any limiting beliefs you have about your art or your ability to succeed. Challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive, empowering ones.
• Embrace Self-Acceptance: Celebrate your unique artistic voice. Authenticity is your greatest strength in creating art and connecting with your audience.
• Act Proactively: Take your time with inspiration and opportunities. Create them. Set clear goals for your art and business and consistently act toward them.
• Use Your Four Endowments: Regularly engage in self-reflection, align your actions with your values, make conscious choices, and use your imagination to envision and create the artistic career you desire.  

Challenging Yourself and Practicing Self-Care  

Push yourself to reach new heights in your personal and professional life. While leaving your comfort zone is difficult, it’s essential for growth and progress. As Covey says, “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.”  

However, remember the importance of self-care and reflection. Pause, reflect on your experiences, and recognize your accomplishments. Regular self-care, even just a few minutes of meditation or mindfulness, can be incredibly beneficial. Remember Dyer’s words: “You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.”  

In Conclusion  

Inspired living involves purposefully and passionately making decisions consistent with your values. It’s about connecting with the world around you and living the life you want. Remember, living an inspired life is about progress, not perfection. As Covey reminds us, “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.”  

As artists, we have a unique opportunity to live inspired lives and inspire others through our work. Dyer beautifully encapsulates this idea: “When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”  

I’m on this journey of being inspired to live with you and share my knowledge and enthusiasm. I wish you joy, inspiration, and success in your artist’s life and business. What steps will you take today to live a more inspired life? How will you bring that inspiration into your art and marketing? Let’s inspire each other to reach new heights in art and life.