Defining Success as an Artist

Although PR and marketing is generally what helps cement an artist’s success in the marketplace, as an artists you will have your own definition of success.

But often those initial definitions and ideas are passed on by others and have a tendency to be very limiting.

Let’s say that as an artists you grew up with the belief that true success could only be measured by the galleries that showed your art. You not only need to show in a galleries to consider yourself successful, you need to show in very specific, high-end galleries, perhaps particular name galleries would only suffice.

My purpose here is not to dissuade you from that belief. That may well be how success is defined for you. But, I am convinced that it is important to at least challenge our beliefs when it comes to success in our chosen field of art.

For example, if you were not to show in those galleries, but did find an audience, made sales and were able to establish a very comfortable living for yourself though your work as an artist, would you consider yourself successful?

Some wouldn’t. For some exhibiting in specific galleries or museums is what defines whether they have succeeded or not.

But for many, I dare to say most, when they do challenge the preconceived ideas of what defines success, they realize that there is not simply one road, or one carved in stone description of what success looks like.

Also, as times change, one’s definition of success often needs to change with it.

For example, selling your work online was not even a possibility not that many years ago, now it is the way that some artists make the bulk of their sales. Still, there are some who find showing their work online a painful necessity at best.

For some art licensing is anathema, for others it’s how they make their living. It’s certainly an avenue artists should consider. If it feels like an approach that would work for you, remember although art licensing companies are generally very specific in what they’re looking for, they are continually on the lookout for new artists. It’s worth checking out such sites as: www.artlicensinginfo.com, www.millpondlicensing.com, or www.porterfieldsfineart.com.

And, when it comes to publicizing and promoting one’s work, is where it often hits the fan, so to speak. Actively launching a public relations campaign makes some artists cringe, although, that is changing. Many have been taught that PT and marketing is not something that an artist should do. Some believe it is beneath them, others feel it demeans them.

Yet there are others who embrace, celebrate it and make an art of their marketing. Those build the most bridges between their art galleries, collectors, museums, and influences.

There is not necessarily a right or wrong definition of success. Only you know what that definition is.

But do keep in mind, that definition can change and transform.

The way I see it, the larger your success bulls-eye, the greater your chances of hitting it.