We Can’t Sit in the Back Row of Life—We Have to Keep Moving Forward
~ Vinh Van Lam
In the creative world, where art and design blend with passion and purpose, standing still isn’t an option. As artists, surface designers, and creative professionals, we often find ourselves grappling with obstacles, self-doubt, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Whether it’s launching a new collection, submitting art for licensing, or striving to commercialize your work, the creative journey can feel like a continuous cycle of trial and error. Vinh Van Lam’s quote, “We can’t sit in the back row of life—we have to keep moving forward,” speaks directly to this experience.
In the context of the creative industry, it’s easy to fall into the “back row,” waiting for the right moment or the perfect opportunity. This mindset can hinder growth and delay the pursuit of success. The message behind the quote is clear: taking a passive role won’t get you far. To succeed, you need to stay proactive, resilient, and determined to keep pushing forward, no matter the setbacks.
The Back Row Mentality
In life and art, the back row represents comfort. It’s where you blend in, avoiding risks and remaining in your comfort zone. While it might feel safe, sitting in the back row leaves little room for growth or discovery. For artists and designers, this could mean sticking to familiar styles or concepts, avoiding new trends, or hesitating to seek opportunities beyond what feels comfortable.
In the fast-evolving creative industry, staying in this “back row” can lead to stagnation. Artists who fail to adapt to changing markets or who shy away from submitting their work for licensing opportunities can find themselves left behind. Whether you’re an illustrator, a surface designer, or a photographer trying to build a brand, waiting for success to come to you doesn’t work. The industry favors those who step forward, take risks, and actively pursue their goals.
Moving Forward Through Challenges
Creative careers come with their own set of unique challenges: rejection, criticism, financial insecurity, and sometimes a lack of clarity about the next step. But here’s the truth—these challenges are not roadblocks. They are part of the journey.
When you move from the back row and take your place at the forefront, you’re exposed to these challenges, but you also open yourself to opportunities. Every “no” or critique can be a chance to refine your craft. Every failed attempt at licensing your art can be a lesson in how to improve your portfolio or better tailor your work to client needs.
Artists and surface designers who succeed in licensing understand that it’s a long-term process requiring persistence, patience, and consistent effort. Success doesn’t come overnight, but by submitting work regularly and working closely with industry professionals, such as licensing managers, creatives can keep moving forward despite the hurdles. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to where you want to be.
The Importance of Adaptability
Another important aspect of “moving forward” in the creative industry is adaptability. The art and design world is constantly evolving with new technologies, trends, and consumer demands. Those who adapt and evolve with the industry position themselves for success.
For surface designers, this might mean staying on top of emerging color trends, exploring new techniques, or even branching out into different design categories like fashion, textiles, or home decor. Artists might find themselves experimenting with new mediums, taking on commissioned work, or licensing their designs to a variety of industries beyond the traditional art world.
An essential part of forward movement is recognizing that change is not only inevitable but also beneficial. Embrace opportunities to learn and grow—whether it’s by attending workshops, collaborating with other creatives, or diversifying your portfolio. The more adaptable you are, the more doors will open for you.
Building Resilience: The Core of Forward Movement
Building a career in the creative industry demands resilience. There will be moments when you feel stuck, when things don’t go according to plan, and when you question your abilities. But it’s in these moments of self-doubt that forward movement becomes even more crucial.
Resilience is what keeps you moving even when external validation is absent. Artists and surface designers know that creating a body of work takes time, dedication, and the willingness to keep producing, even when there’s no immediate reward. Licensing deals might take months or even years to come through, but the key is to keep creating, keep submitting, and keep refining your craft.
Resilience is also what enables you to embrace failure as a learning experience rather than a definitive end. Artists who achieve long-term success are those who understand that rejection is part of the process and who use each rejection as fuel for improvement.
Taking Ownership of Your Creative Journey
Perhaps the most important message behind “We can’t sit in the back row of life—we have to keep moving forward” is about taking ownership of your journey. You are responsible for your growth, your learning, and ultimately, your success. By stepping out of the back row, you’re choosing to be proactive rather than reactive.
For creative professionals, this means being intentional about your goals. Whether it’s expanding your art licensing opportunities, building your brand, or simply evolving as an artist, success requires strategy. Set clear goals, track your progress, and actively seek out opportunities for growth.
Taking ownership also means embracing collaboration. In the art licensing world, this often means working closely with licensing managers and industry experts. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to collaborate with others who can bring valuable expertise to your journey. Collaboration can push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to think in new ways, further propelling you forward.
Conclusion
Vinh Van Lam’s quote, “We can’t sit in the back row of life—we have to keep moving forward,” is a powerful reminder that success in the creative industry requires action, adaptability, and resilience. As artists, surface designers, and creative professionals, the path to success is rarely straightforward, but by embracing the journey, facing challenges head-on, and continuously moving forward, we can achieve our goals. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or opportunity—take control, keep creating, and always strive for the next step forward
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
- Looking for exciting new Art and Designs to license.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
