Mindfulness for artists is being fully present in the creative moment, quieting distractions to unlock your deepest well of ideas and unleash your creative potential.
— Barney Davey
Let’s be honest. Most artists didn’t choose to become creative to manage art marketing tasks, spreadsheets, and social media algorithms. What truly drives us is the raw, creative impulse—the need to express that unique vision that sets us apart. The business side? Well, let’s say it rarely gets the same heart-pounding excitement.
Many artists, including myself, create a marketing strategy that balances bursts of inspiration with the quiet hum of creativity. Some aspects, such as email marketing or the frequently recommended “must-dos,” like blogging, usually get put on the back burner. And that’s okay. Making art requires dedication, focus, and a healthy dose of creative insanity. You want to avoid burying yourself in marketing tasks that feel like nails on a chalkboard.
Your Secret Weapon
However, one secret weapon that most artists have yet to embrace fully is their mindset. Shifting their focus from struggle to empowerment can lead to a more fulfilling and successful artistic journey. The key to unlocking this potential lies in three powerful soft skills: mindfulness, abundance thinking, and gratitude. These tools help you overcome anxiety and insecurity.
These skills are not just feel-good buzzwords; they are the foundation for self-awareness and self-empowerment and can transform your artistic journey. I created the Artist Advocacy Project to explore these skills and to aid artists in producing exceptional work and confidently navigating the art world.
Mindfulness: Knowing Yourself
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment without judgment. For artists, this means a better understanding of their creative process. Observing your thoughts and feelings without becoming engrossed allows you to determine what inspires you, fuels your creative fire, and drains you.
Here’s a simple exercise: Set a five-minute timer and find a quiet area. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Take note of the thoughts and feelings that arise. Do not pass judgment; instead, observe them. After that, take a few minutes to journal about your experiences. Did you find yourself developing marketing-related anxieties? Were you excited about a new project idea? Knowing your internal landscape allows you to understand your natural rhythms and tailor your creative process accordingly.
The exercise offers a unique path to self-discovery, harmonizing your conscious and subconscious minds. When these aspects are in sync, they foster inner peace and reduce feelings of anxiety, creating a sense of balance and well-being.
Abundance Thinking: Changing Your Perspective
Many artists, particularly those just starting, require assistance with a scarcity mindset. They see the art world as a finite pie with few slices. Every gallery opening is a competition, and each collector represents a potential missed opportunity for another artist. This scarcity mindset causes anxiety, stifles creativity, and impedes the ability to form meaningful connections.
On the other hand, abundance thinking views the art world as a vast ocean of possibilities. There’s room for everyone’s unique voice; success isn’t a zero-sum game. By embracing abundance, you open yourself to collaborations, unexpected opportunities, and a sense of joy and fulfillment in your creative journey.
Here’s a challenge: Reframe every negative thought about your art career with an abundant perspective for a week. Is a gallery rejection discouraging? See it as an opportunity to refine your work and find a gallery that’s a better fit. Is another artist getting much attention? Celebrate their success and see it as inspiration for your journey. By practicing abundance thinking, you cultivate positive energy that attracts opportunities and fosters a sense of well-being.
Gratitude: Fueling Your Passion
Gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful; it’s a powerful tool for cultivating self-awareness and fostering positive connections. When you take the time to appreciate the good things in your life, big and small, you shift your focus away from negativity and toward the things that truly matter. For artists, this can mean appreciating the raw materials you get to work with, the quiet moments of inspiration, and the supportive network of friends and family who believe in you.
There are many ways to cultivate gratitude. Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for daily. Take a moment to thank the people who inspire you and support your art. A handwritten note or a heartfelt phone call can go a long way in building genuine connections.
The Power of Self-Awareness
By cultivating mindfulness, abundant thinking, and gratitude, you build a strong foundation for self-awareness. This self-awareness is your compass, guiding you to understand your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and priorities. It empowers you to make conscious choices about your art career, aligning your actions with your artistic voice and goals.
The Artist Advocacy Project offers a structured approach to cultivating self-awareness through its courses on “How to Know What You Want” and “Conversation Starters for Artists.” This program can help you identify what fulfills you as an artist and allow you to focus your energy there.Â
- Focus on what matters most: Are you chasing trends or staying true to your artistic voice? Self-awareness helps you identify what fulfills you as an artist and allows you to focus your energy there. The Artist Advocacy Project’s course “How to Know What You Want” can guide you through this process of introspection and goal-setting.
- Eliminate the time wasters: Self-awareness helps you identify activities that drain your energy and don’t serve your artistic goals. For example, you could spend hours mindlessly scrolling through social media or forcing yourself to participate in art fairs that don’t resonate with your aesthetic. By letting go of these activities, you free up precious time and mental space for what truly matters: creating art. The Artist Advocacy Project doesn’t advocate for abandoning marketing altogether. Instead, it teaches you to find marketing methods that align with your personality and skill set.
- Embrace the journey. The path of an artist is never linear. There will be setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. But with self-awareness, you can view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. You can celebrate your small victories and find the resilience to keep creating.
The Art of You: A Life Empowered
Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to become a more successful artist (though that’s a beautiful side effect). The goal is to become the best version of yourself—an empowered, fulfilled artist radiating creative energy. By embracing mindfulness, abundant thinking, and gratitude, you build self-awareness to navigate the art world confidently and clearly. You become an artist who is not only driven by passion but also equipped with the tools to navigate the business side of your creative journey.
Doing this doesn’t mean you have to become a marketing guru. There are ways to approach marketing and promotion that align with your unique personality and skillset. You may find joy in connecting with other artists on social media and building a supportive online community. You may thrive on the interpersonal connection of in-person artist talks and studio visits. The key is to identify what works for you and focus your efforts there.
As always, making art has to be more than just about making money. While some artists achieve superstar status, most find their greatest reward in the creative spark—the ability to express their unique vision and share it with the world. Embrace that intrinsic motivation. Marketing your art is not about turning a profit but about sharing your passion and connecting with others who appreciate your work.
By incorporating these soft skills into your practice, you can build a thriving artist’s life filled with connection, creativity, and joy. You’ll become a master of your artistic journey, empowered to create a life that is as unique and inspiring as the art you create.
Ready to take your art career to the next level?
The Artist Advocacy Project can be your guide. Thanks to its comprehensive program, you will acquire the soft skills necessary to produce exceptional art and confidently navigate the art world.
Here’s what you’ll gain from the Artist Advocacy Project:
- A deeper understanding of yourself and your artistic goals
- The ability to communicate effectively and build meaningful connections
- Strategies for marketing your art authentically and attracting your ideal audience
- A renewed sense of purpose and passion for your creative journey
Enroll in the Artist Advocacy Project today and unlock your full potential as an artist!
To learn more and get started, go to artmarketingnews.com/advocacy
P.S. Because we believe in the program and your ability to use it to your advantage, the Artist Advocacy Project has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can invest in yourself risk-free and start transforming your art career today.