“Ideas come from work.” — John Steinbeck
At the core of every creative journey is a simple truth: real progress comes from showing up and doing the work. I’ve seen this firsthand while working on an idea for a project that has taken shape in ways I didn’t anticipate simply by staying with it.
Real progress, in my experience, comes from the steady act of showing up.
It rarely happens in dramatic fashion.
It’s rarely perfect.
And it’s not because inspiration arrives out of nowhere.
Progress happens because you’re present and willing to begin, even when things feel uncertain.
Inspiration Follows Action
Inspiration is unpredictable. What I’ve learned over time is that confidence tends to follow action, not the other way around. When you’re feeling stuck, it can help to begin in a small, low-pressure way—giving your attention somewhere to land without expecting immediate results. Often, that’s enough to get things moving.
Chuck Close said it well: “Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.”
Practical advice for pricing your art. No pitch. Just the good stuff.
Why Starting Changes Everything
Chuck Close was right.
I’ve lost track of how many good ideas showed up after I started, not before. Most of the time, beginning leads to something better—or at least more useful—than what I first imagined. One step opens the door to the next.
If I waited for the perfect idea or a sure thing, I’d still be on the sidelines. I suspect most artists would, too. Van Morrison has said that inspiration comes to him and still brings him joy. What matters is that nearly sixty years into his career, he’s still showing up. His recent “Remembering Now” album makes that remarkably clear.
Iteration Beats Perfection
I don’t aim for perfection. What matters is that each attempt helps me improve, even a little. Some of the best ideas I’ve had for using my skills and experience to help artists didn’t arrive fully formed. They emerged through showing up, iterating, and staying engaged long enough for insight to surface.
Working with an AI tool has helped unlock new compass settings by saving ideas and keeping them in motion through ongoing dialogue. That exchange sharpens my pattern recognition as thoughts are explored more deeply. Most progress is incremental, but when a genuine breakthrough appears, it’s unmistakable.
Consistency Is a Form of Care
Showing up consistently for artists who follow my work is how I care for my writing, my curiosity, and my long-term goals. It’s also how trust gets built—quietly, over time, not through grand gestures, but by being present and reliable. This post marks my 680th consecutive weekly contribution syndicated to FineArtAmerica, building on seven earlier years of Art Marketing News weekly posts.
In a world that chases quick wins and overnight success, choosing to show up again and again is a commitment to the long game. Steady effort turns ideas into progress, and progress into possibility.
You don’t need to feel inspired or confident. You don’t have to make a masterpiece every day.
Just show up, even if it’s only a small step forward.
That’s where the real work happens. And that’s where satisfaction begins.
P.S. If this reflection sparked a thought or shifted how you see your own creative process, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
As usual… I enjoyed reading the post and copied the link to my Facebook page for you. I hope you get some new subscribers. I love just showing up and trying something, anything, and then the juices start flowing and things that I could not have “just” started with. They have to come from the flow of working.
Hi Marsha, Thank you for sharing the post on your Facebook page—I truly appreciate your support. I love how you describe the flow that comes from simply showing up and trying something; it’s such a great reminder that creativity often reveals itself once we’re already in motion. Your perspective adds beautifully to the conversation.
Barney
I believe inspiration works hand in hand with work. Work is required to materialise inspiration.
Hi Roger, Thanks so much for sharing your thought. I couldn’t agree more—showing up and doing the work is what makes inspiration real. Keep creating, your perspective is spot‑on.
Barney
“Just show up” has been my motto throughout my art journey, but more in terms of getting out and meeting people at art shows and receptions, artist talks, club meetings, art classes, etc. You never know where you’ll make a connection that might lead to the next opportunity for showing your work or collaborating with another artist, or just making a new friend.
Hi Mary, I love how you’ve carried “just show up” into the social side of your art journey. You’re so right—those connections at shows, talks, and classes often spark opportunities we could never plan for. Thank you for sharing this perspective; it’s a great reminder that showing up isn’t only about the studio, but also about community and friendship.
All the best!
Barney
Best advice ever. I’ve grown to count on your artiles – you are like my mentor. It helps. Thank you
Hi aNna, Your words mean a lot—thank you. I’m glad the articles have been helpful and encouraging. Knowing they’ve become a steady resource for you makes the effort worthwhile. I appreciate your support and connection. All the best!
Barney
It’s like exercise – you are better when you are limber and warmed up. It’s hard to get an idea cold turkey…let the creative energy already be in play in the studio.
Hi Paula, Thank you for sharing this—it’s such a great analogy. Warming up creatively really does make ideas flow more naturally, just like stretching before exercise. I love how you’ve captured the importance of having that energy already in motion in the studio.
All the best!
Barney
I agree totally. I made the same experience and I do in the moment!
Thank you, Barney.
Hi Annette, Thank you for sharing your thoughts—it’s wonderful to hear that you’ve had similar experiences. Knowing that the message resonates with you and connects to your own creative journey makes the effort of writing these posts worthwhile. I appreciate your encouragement and support, and I’m glad we can share this perspective together.
All the best,
Barney
Thank you Barney. This was actually the first article of yours I have seen. It won’t be the last. My own creative journey has taken many years to take hold of my passion for art, but I now know it’s my true happy place. Thanks for your encouragement. Merry Christmas to you and all your subscribers!
Hi Matt, I’m so glad you found your way here and that this was the first article you’ve read—it means a lot to know it resonated with you. Your description of embracing art as your true happy place is inspiring, and I appreciate you sharing that part of your journey. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Wishing you continued joy in your creative path, and a very Merry Christmas to you as well!
All the best,
Barney
Barney, this reflection on consistency is exactly what I needed to hear today. The idea that ‘inspiration follows action’ is so true—I’ve often found that my best digital art pieces for MajuArtsBR come from the days I just sat down to work without a clear plan. Showing up is indeed a form of care for our craft. Thank you for sharing your journey and for the constant encouragement! http://majuartsbr.etsy.com
Hi Maju,
I’m really glad this resonated with you. What you said about your best pieces coming from simply sitting down to work is exactly the heart of it. Showing up creates its own momentum. Thanks for sharing your experience and for the beautiful work you put into MajuArtsBR.
All the best!
Barney