“As a creative, taking control of your art or design practice is essential—no one can help you if you don’t help yourself.
At the end of the day, it’s your art, your designs, and your vision.
If you don’t care enough to believe in them,
no one else will.”
~ArtSHINE
This quote serves as a powerful reminder that success in any creative field begins with personal accountability, commitment, and unwavering belief in your work. As coaches, we work with many creatives who embody this philosophy, pouring their hearts into their passion and giving 110% to their art and design practices. They understand that consistent effort, even in the face of challenges, leads to growth and success. However, we also encounter those who struggle to fully commit, often citing external factors as reasons for stagnation. Their situations remain unchanged because they fail to take the necessary steps to reclaim control and move forward.
Passion and Commitment: A Tale of Two Creatives
To illustrate the importance of taking control, let’s compare two types of creatives.
The Committed Creative:
This individual wakes up each day with a clear vision and purpose. They know their art or design practice is not just a job; it’s a calling. Even when faced with obstacles like a slow economy or global challenges such as COVID-19, they adapt, innovate, and keep moving forward. They might experiment with online marketplaces, invest in upskilling, or reach out to potential collaborators. Their mindset is one of problem-solving and persistence.
The Short-Sighted Creative:
On the other hand, the short-sighted creative approaches their practice with hesitation and a lack of faith in their abilities. They frequently blame external factors for their lack of progress: the economy, lack of time, creative block, or a saturated market. They shy away from taking risks or making meaningful changes, believing circumstances will improve on their own. But without action, their situation remains stagnant, and their dreams fade into the background.
Making Excuses vs. Taking Responsibility
It’s easy to blame external factors for a lack of progress. Challenges like the economy, a global pandemic, or limited time are real, but they are not insurmountable. Creatives who make excuses often say:
“I can’t find clients because the market is bad.”
“COVID-19 has made everything uncertain.”
“I don’t have time to work on my art right now.”
While these reasons may feel valid, they ultimately prevent growth. The reality is this: your situation will not change unless you change. Excuses only maintain the status quo, but taking responsibility allows for transformation.
For example, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many creatives pivot their practices to online platforms. An artist who relied on in-person gallery exhibitions started offering virtual tours of their work. A surface designer expanded their reach by creating patterns for digital products. These individuals refused to let circumstances define them—they took control and found opportunities in the midst of uncertainty.
The Role of Self-Belief in Creative Success
At the core of taking control is self-belief. If you don’t believe in your art or designs, it’s unlikely that anyone else will. Your passion and confidence are what attract others to your work, whether they’re clients, collaborators, or collectors.
Here’s an example: a designer we coached struggled to pitch their work to potential clients because they doubted their value. They spent months tweaking their portfolio, waiting for it to feel “perfect” before reaching out. Meanwhile, another designer with less polished work but unwavering confidence secured multiple contracts. Why? Because they believed in their art and weren’t afraid to put it out into the world.
Taking Action: Turning Excuses Into Results
Changing your situation begins with action. Here are some steps to help creatives regain control and move forward:
Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Whether it’s selling a certain number of artworks, licensing designs, or growing your online presence, having clear goals provides direction.
Develop a Routine: Success isn’t built overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort. Dedicate time each day or week to your creative practice, even if it’s just 30 minutes.
Invest in Yourself: Take courses, attend workshops, or hire a coach to help you grow your skills and navigate challenges. The more you invest in your development, the more confident and capable you’ll feel.
Network and Collaborate: Connect with other creatives, clients, or mentors who can support your journey. Building relationships opens doors to new opportunities.
Embrace Change: If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot. Adapt to market trends, explore new mediums, or experiment with different approaches to your work.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Remember that small steps forward are better than standing still.
Real-Life Inspiration: Creatives Who Took Control
One of our clients, a photographer, struggled to find work during the pandemic. Instead of giving up, they started offering virtual photo sessions, guiding clients through shoots over video calls. This innovative approach not only sustained their business but also gained media attention, helping them build their brand.
Another client, a surface designer, felt stuck after receiving multiple rejections. Instead of quitting, they took a course on art licensing, refined their portfolio, and started submitting to new markets. Within months, they landed a contract with a major home goods company.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Ownership
Taking control of your art or design practice is not just about making money—it’s about honouring your passion and committing to your vision. As coaches, we see countless creatives who thrive because they take ownership of their journey. They understand that challenges are inevitable but believe in their ability to overcome them.
For those who struggle, the message is simple: your situation will change when you do. Stop waiting for perfect conditions or external validation. Start taking action, even if it’s small steps. Believe in your art, invest in your growth, and show up for your dreams. Because at the end of the day, no one can help you unless you help yourself.
Want to learn more?
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
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
