“Create Art, Never Stop—If You Find Your Purpose.
You Stop Because You Have Self-Doubt”
~Vinh Van Lam
In the world of art and design, especially for artists and surface designers, this quote is a powerful reminder about the link between purpose, creativity, and resilience. It underscores that a clear purpose fuels unstoppable momentum in one’s artistic journey, while self-doubt or a lack of direction can become the primary reason for halting creativity. Let’s delve deeper into how purpose and persistence shape a successful creative career, especially in art licensing.
The Power of Purpose
If you genuinely love what you do, and if your work is driven by a deep, personal purpose, your creativity becomes an unstoppable force. This sense of purpose gives your work meaning beyond any external validation or short-term success. It’s the difference between creating to meet market trends and creating because you have something uniquely valuable to share with the world.
For artists and surface designers, purpose isn’t just about producing beautiful pieces—it’s about understanding why you’re doing it and how your work can add value or joy to others’ lives. Having a defined purpose provides direction, making it easier to stay focused, to keep learning, and to push through periods of self-doubt or market setbacks. The excitement of creating, then, isn’t solely tied to outcomes like sales or praise, but to the fulfilling experience of contributing something meaningful.
Self-Doubt: The Creativity Blocker
In contrast, when self-doubt creeps in, it can be paralyzing. Many artists struggle with thoughts like, “Is my work good enough?” or “Will anyone actually want to license my designs?” If these thoughts take root, they can halt progress. Doubt often stems from short-term thinking or the desire for quick success, and while these feelings are natural, they can cloud your sense of purpose and lead to stagnation.
Self-doubt can also make artists over-rely on the feedback of others, which, while helpful, should not dictate one’s creative direction. When you’re unsure of your purpose, it’s easy to get swayed by trends, or worse, to lose confidence after a single rejection. Artists in licensing need resilience, as it’s common to face many rejections before landing a contract. This process of trial and error, however, is not a reflection of your worth or talent. It’s a fundamental part of building your portfolio, learning, and growing.
Art Licensing: The Need for Consistent Creation
The art licensing industry, which includes wall art, stationery, home décor, and fashion, requires more than just a few designs. Many artists mistakenly believe that a handful of designs is enough to break into the market, but success in licensing is more like a marathon than a sprint. Building a substantial, regularly updated portfolio is essential, as licensors and art directors prefer artists who consistently produce new work.
Much like our physical well-being requires regular exercise and balanced meals, an artist’s creative practice thrives on continuous work and development. Just as skipping meals would leave us weak, failing to produce new work leads to a stagnant portfolio. By constantly creating, artists not only keep their work fresh but also increase the chances of appealing to a broader range of clients and brands. This regular output becomes a rhythm, supporting both personal and professional growth.
Quantity, Quality, and Purpose
In the world of art licensing, both quantity and quality matter. It’s not about pumping out designs mindlessly, but about setting structured goals and a realistic production plan that you can stick to. Establish a weekly or monthly goal to create a set number of pieces. Rather than rushing, plan each design thoughtfully, ensuring that your portfolio continues to grow with work that aligns with your style and brand.
Purpose-driven creation goes beyond simply making art; it’s about building a legacy and a brand that clients and fans can trust. For example, if you aim to produce four new designs per month, you are steadily creating a well-rounded portfolio. This approach not only builds your skills but also makes it easier to meet client expectations when new opportunities arise.
Handling Rejection and Building Resilience
Rejection is a common part of the art licensing journey. Artists submit work, hoping to land a deal, only to face disappointment when their designs aren’t selected. However, these setbacks should not discourage you. Think of each submission as an investment in building your exposure and resilience. Each time you submit work, you create a new opportunity for selection, even if it takes multiple tries.
When you approach your creative journey with purpose, these rejections become easier to handle. Instead of viewing them as personal failures, see them as chances to refine and improve your portfolio. Also, remember that certain designs might not fit a specific call but could be perfect for a different one. If you wait until a specific call to start creating, you may miss the chance to showcase a broader range of your work. Instead, continuously build your collection, so when the right call comes, you’re prepared.
Finding Your True Creative North
In the Northern Hemisphere, people often follow the North Star as a guiding light. Similarly, artists and surface designers should let their “True Creative North”—their purpose—guide them through challenges. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross serves as a guide; artists can also look to their unique guiding “star”—whether that’s a style, message, or personal goal—that keeps them moving forward. This inner compass, when grounded in purpose, leads to a more fulfilling journey and lasting impact.
Purpose vs. Profit
The commercialization of art can sometimes blur one’s purpose, as artists might focus on what sells over what feels true to them. While profitability is important, especially in art licensing, it should not compromise your core purpose. Your passion for creating must be strong enough to sustain you through both profitable and lean times. When purpose is the driving force, profit often follows as a byproduct of the authenticity and consistency in your work.
Conclusion
As Vinh Van Lam emphasizes, creativity fueled by purpose is unstoppable. Art and design are not passive pursuits; they demand dedication, resilience, and a commitment to growth. Purpose anchors artists, providing clarity when doubt arises, while continuous creation nurtures the artist’s craft and keeps their portfolio vibrant. In the world of art licensing, where rejection is common and trends are ever-evolving, an artist with purpose stands strong.
So, the question is: Are you ready to commit to your purpose? If your answer is yes, then make your creative practice as consistent as breathing. Produce, submit, and refine your work with a long-term vision, and watch as your portfolio and confidence grow together. Let your purpose be your North Star, guiding you forward, one inspired creation at a time
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