How to Start a Fine Art Business and Love Every Minute of It
Wednesday is Business Series
Post 12
Disclaimer: Not for the faint-hearted.
It would seem that starting any kind of business takes a lot of consideration, weighing different options, testing things out. But what if life has dealt you a card which requires you to play all or nothing move? Further still, what if this is the card you just knew is coming your way because you had no doubt as to what your true calling is. For an artist, there are so many creative outlets, but there is usually one that is pure passion.
That’s the card you wait for, not realising that it is already in your hand.
It’s not even important how you arrive at this point. But now that you are here you know you are going all in. Yes, you can take the slow and safe(r) route (God knows I tested the slow one), however - a huge amount of risk is involved and you will ultimately need to be brave enough to step into the unknown.
Seeing that you are reaching for your next level, the mindset upgrade is going to go hand in hand, as you start inching slowly forward. The leap people so often talk about - is just that initial decision, the point of no return if you will. Everything else is depending on the day, but you will take millimetre increments, as long as you move in the direction of what you are building here.
You’re finally feeling free to do what you love, but at the same time, you realise the vast space in front of you that you are just beginning to conquer. The desire to keep creating and the vision that forms in your mind make for an exquisite combination of magic.
There will be a lot to observe, and although the number of options you have at your fingertips is only limited by your imagination - remain true to yourself in order to stay on your path. Others may have interesting paths, yes. Observe, admire, but believe that yours is the best for you, as it’s the only one that leads you with happiness to happiness. Taking on a path that’s not authentic to our soul – even though we still may accomplish a lot – cannot be as blissful, because something inside us will forever know that we are not on our path. That’s difficult to reconcile and we didn’t come to this life to follow anyone else’s path. We came to create our own.
Disappointment and regret are sure signs you’re not following your own way. As long as you are honest with yourself, you can course-correct. You always have time when you are on your own path. And beware that sometimes you think and feel that you are happy, but that is just the surface level. Always check with your heart, and be sure that you are able to hear it – remember: even if you don’t have experience in fine-tuning to your inner voice – you do have the ability to do that. All it takes is a little quietness of mind and willingness to feel profound joy, the kind that anchors you to the source within and makes every step forward a pure pleasure, a real adventure and exploration of the unknown, a lasting feeling of bliss (as opposed to a rollercoaster: one day highest of highs, and then the next day – the abyss – steer clear of those, my friend).
In practical terms, just in case you need this black on white matter of fact way -the above text means exactly this:
Create art that fills your heart with joy, and enjoy that you are creating it for another soul. That soul and your art will reunite. They are meant to reunite. Your only job is to keep creating and to make your art available, make it seen, share it. Those who are drawn by the gentle, yet distinctive details that are unique in your art – will recognise it from very deep within their soul. At that moment the value you as an artist know is true for your art will be reflected on their soul, too. With ease. Not hammering everyone over the head with constant offers, not pulling anyone’s sleeve, not allowing bargaining (God, no!), just holding your nerve when it comes to earning money in the beginning.
Unlike the other business models mentioned in the beginning – it is beautiful to see artists create with the joy, and for the joy of creating. It is true that you might have to be a little hungry sometimes, but never hesitant to deliver the content of your heart. The pure love that you have there will guide you on your way and if you surrender to it if you trust it enough – that part of the journey will be just as long as it needs to be, but not ever suffering. The reward that is the artist’s gift will keep it all in balance.
Be armed with patience, and fierce when it comes to defending your passion. The deeper you immerse yourself in creating your art – the more beautiful the art itself and its rewards in all other ways. However, be warned, without this necessary trust – you prolong the only hard part of the journey.
Find your bliss – and just follow it from there!
* * * * The Exclusive Update – 336 Days to Dream * * * *
1.
Very satisfying to see the numbers roll and to feel the small progress made. Of course, there is room for much more yet to come, but there are moments of contemplation, cleaning, preparing, measuring, standing in the middle of the place and imagining how it will be in 336 days from now. The excitement of all of that is unspeakable. Pure joy is how I would describe it most accurately.
Today was a big bathroom spring clean day, and I am glad that is done. I am still in two minds about touching the bathroom within the 365 Days to Dream project, as it was the most recently renovated room in the house and I am happy with its features. If you have missed that blog post about the bathroom makeover, you can see it here. I am happy to leave that one for a later date to decide. If I change anything, it will still be white, and will definitely keep the sink and the unit that was custom made by none other than Indigo & Verdigris design, i.e. yours truly.
2.
Great day, which apart from the above cleaning activity, involved considerable work done on the new aquarelle painting - feeling blissful about it all! Particularly the painting part, as it is pure meditation. I’m so pleased with the new longer time slots for the activities (although it’s taken me to 10 am to write this blog post, but as long as it’s written on the day, I am OK with that). That is definitely the way forward. A lot more can be accomplished in 3-4 hours continuous work on one thing, than 1 hour and 5 different activities during the main part of the day.
3.
Having started the new painting, I am resolved to keep finding time for it every day. I am also aware that the catalogue is my next big thing to do regarding the 365 days project. I am happy I made a start with it, and there are about 50 items in there already, but a lot more to come as I resume the sifting and sorting part. Some exciting news to share with you about the podcast – coming soon…. Maybe even tomorrow. Stay tuned to find out what that is.
Remember – You Are Safe Here
This is the sacred place between our souls. Thank you for sharing your visions, dreams and ideas. Your courage to be vulnerably seen will always be respected, and you will be treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. ♡
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