Here I am soon to be 49. I have an 8 year old, a wife, and I can never hold down a job. Why? I don't know. Maybe I do know but am afraid to be honest with myself.
I always thought my destiny was in art. This is not my doing, but people have been saying it since I was in 1st grade. In my vain in imagination I always thought this life was waiting for me. But now I see I might not be that good. And even if I am that good it's a hard hard life.
I purchased a trademark that I might lose because I never used it. I purchased domain names but have never followed through. I have been to job after job after job over the years and I can't keep steady income.
I am a good honest person. I love to work. It gives me purpose. But I always end up in the same sad desperate lonely place; unemployment!
I just don't know what to do anymore!
Was it all a dream?
Is there something mentally wrong with me that I don't know about?
If I knew what to change I would try.
Was it all a fantasy?
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Guest
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Guest
Hi,
Just recently have I finally found the self-confidence to call myself an artist. I don't think that makes me ****y, and I think that others who are artists should claim that identity because it's part of the truth about who you are as a person. You are right, it is a hard life, and you have to really to get to a place where you feel comfortable being authentic even if it doesn't bring you the monetary rewards. You are often getting something greater with it.
One book that has helped me is a Christian book called, "The Creative Call", and another secular book that many promote is "The Artist's Way". Try reading those books to see if they will give you some perspective on your situation.
It is hard to support yourself as an artist, and it doesn't mean that you aren't good at it. Think of all of the artists who's works weren't praised as "good art" until after they passed away.
I, personally, think that it's a step in the right direction for you to admit that you are a creative person who doesn't necessarily march to the 9 to 5 drum. I also think it's important for you not to see the situation as an "all or nothing" situation. Yes, I have a husband who is the bread winner which I thank God for, and we've recently figured out that I am much better off with my anxiety and functioning when I make sure that I invest time in my art. I don't get paid for my art, but the benefits far outweigh any monetary benefits I could receive. I've learned to focus on the process and not as much on the outcome. Doing my art changes my brain chemistry for the better, lifts my spirits, etc. My mom is a creative person who is mentally ill. I always feared that if I pursued my art that I would be mentally ill like her. The exact opposite is true. Many people who suffer with emotional disorders are people who do not embrace their artistic and creative side and who decide to conform to society's erroneous belief that art is a waste of time, etc.
Yes, it's nice to have your art turn out well, and I just think that since you have the urge to do art that it is important to do it in at least a limited capacity. I want to share a story with you about the most important piece I've ever done. Two years ago, I decided to experiment with colored pencils and pastels on a different colored piece of paper to draw my new dog, who has just been such a blessing. I had no classes, etc. It ended up being the best work I had ever done, and it truly came out of love and enjoyment. At the time, I had an artist friend who told me that the neck was 1 cm too big and throwing the entire picture "off", that I should start over, and do it in black and white(this can be seen as her saying that using color was too advanced for me). I was frustrated over her comments since she was an artist and almost tore up the picture. A few weeks later, she said she was going to draw a picture of someone's dog on the same colored paper the way I had and wanted advice. She then said, "imitation is the best form of flattery." So, when you say your art isn't good, make sure that it's coming from the right source, and be careful about comparisons.
So, on to the most important picture. After doing my drawing of my dog, I tried to advertise my services for a really cheap price. I got no bites, and just let it go. However, this time last year, an acquaintance had just had a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Throughout her battle, her husband posted beautiful photographs of their dog online. The dog was a wonderful source of comfort to them, and she was so beautiful. It was a risk, but I decided that I wanted to do a picture of their dog. I would start and stop, and think about how the ex friend said the neck threw the entire picture off for the picture of my dog, and it was a real battle. However, I kept thinking of all that I had learned in the book "The Creative Call", and I fought the negative voices in my head. I finished the picture, and for the first time had it professionally framed. When I went to pick it up, the framers had wonderful compliments. It turned out beautifully, but I would still tell myself that I was being egotistical to give her the picture, and I would worry how it probably didn't even look like her dog in person. Later, after giving it, her friend told us that they loved it. I still didn't believe it. Last month, the friend found out there was no hope for her leukemia. My husband and I went to see her, and I noticed the picture hanging right by her bed. I couldn't believe that had come out of me, and I don't mean that in a ****y way. I finally met her dog in person, and it looked just like her. Her husband and her mother in law would say, "You captured her spirit, etc." Two weeks ago, the friend passed away. That picture could have very well been in her presence as she left this world. I didn't receive any money for it, but spent money on it and time and was trying to send a message of love to her. I know for a fact that it was the most important and meaningful picture I've ever done and probably will ever do.
This wasn't about me, but just to let you know that art is important and can often be used to show others love in a great way. Money is necessary to support your family, but it doesn't mean that if your art doesn't make money that it isn't valuable. It is probably priceless really. Try to put it all in perspective, and make sure you are motivated to do your art for the right reasons. In addition, there is always a possibility that your art can make money. That dream doesn't have to die.
Take care,
luvpiggy
Just recently have I finally found the self-confidence to call myself an artist. I don't think that makes me ****y, and I think that others who are artists should claim that identity because it's part of the truth about who you are as a person. You are right, it is a hard life, and you have to really to get to a place where you feel comfortable being authentic even if it doesn't bring you the monetary rewards. You are often getting something greater with it.
One book that has helped me is a Christian book called, "The Creative Call", and another secular book that many promote is "The Artist's Way". Try reading those books to see if they will give you some perspective on your situation.
It is hard to support yourself as an artist, and it doesn't mean that you aren't good at it. Think of all of the artists who's works weren't praised as "good art" until after they passed away.
I, personally, think that it's a step in the right direction for you to admit that you are a creative person who doesn't necessarily march to the 9 to 5 drum. I also think it's important for you not to see the situation as an "all or nothing" situation. Yes, I have a husband who is the bread winner which I thank God for, and we've recently figured out that I am much better off with my anxiety and functioning when I make sure that I invest time in my art. I don't get paid for my art, but the benefits far outweigh any monetary benefits I could receive. I've learned to focus on the process and not as much on the outcome. Doing my art changes my brain chemistry for the better, lifts my spirits, etc. My mom is a creative person who is mentally ill. I always feared that if I pursued my art that I would be mentally ill like her. The exact opposite is true. Many people who suffer with emotional disorders are people who do not embrace their artistic and creative side and who decide to conform to society's erroneous belief that art is a waste of time, etc.
Yes, it's nice to have your art turn out well, and I just think that since you have the urge to do art that it is important to do it in at least a limited capacity. I want to share a story with you about the most important piece I've ever done. Two years ago, I decided to experiment with colored pencils and pastels on a different colored piece of paper to draw my new dog, who has just been such a blessing. I had no classes, etc. It ended up being the best work I had ever done, and it truly came out of love and enjoyment. At the time, I had an artist friend who told me that the neck was 1 cm too big and throwing the entire picture "off", that I should start over, and do it in black and white(this can be seen as her saying that using color was too advanced for me). I was frustrated over her comments since she was an artist and almost tore up the picture. A few weeks later, she said she was going to draw a picture of someone's dog on the same colored paper the way I had and wanted advice. She then said, "imitation is the best form of flattery." So, when you say your art isn't good, make sure that it's coming from the right source, and be careful about comparisons.
So, on to the most important picture. After doing my drawing of my dog, I tried to advertise my services for a really cheap price. I got no bites, and just let it go. However, this time last year, an acquaintance had just had a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Throughout her battle, her husband posted beautiful photographs of their dog online. The dog was a wonderful source of comfort to them, and she was so beautiful. It was a risk, but I decided that I wanted to do a picture of their dog. I would start and stop, and think about how the ex friend said the neck threw the entire picture off for the picture of my dog, and it was a real battle. However, I kept thinking of all that I had learned in the book "The Creative Call", and I fought the negative voices in my head. I finished the picture, and for the first time had it professionally framed. When I went to pick it up, the framers had wonderful compliments. It turned out beautifully, but I would still tell myself that I was being egotistical to give her the picture, and I would worry how it probably didn't even look like her dog in person. Later, after giving it, her friend told us that they loved it. I still didn't believe it. Last month, the friend found out there was no hope for her leukemia. My husband and I went to see her, and I noticed the picture hanging right by her bed. I couldn't believe that had come out of me, and I don't mean that in a ****y way. I finally met her dog in person, and it looked just like her. Her husband and her mother in law would say, "You captured her spirit, etc." Two weeks ago, the friend passed away. That picture could have very well been in her presence as she left this world. I didn't receive any money for it, but spent money on it and time and was trying to send a message of love to her. I know for a fact that it was the most important and meaningful picture I've ever done and probably will ever do.
This wasn't about me, but just to let you know that art is important and can often be used to show others love in a great way. Money is necessary to support your family, but it doesn't mean that if your art doesn't make money that it isn't valuable. It is probably priceless really. Try to put it all in perspective, and make sure you are motivated to do your art for the right reasons. In addition, there is always a possibility that your art can make money. That dream doesn't have to die.
Take care,
luvpiggy
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Guest
Hi, I just want everyone to know that the word that's bleated out isn't a sexual or bad word when used in the right context. It has more to do with a rooster and arrogance and not the other horribly bad meaning, but this program bleated it out, and I can clearly understand why. Please know that I had no idea that it could have implied anything bad. I'm 
!
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Guest
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Guest
Hi SongWriter!
First of all, I can promise you that everything has been real: the compliments you've received on your art throughout your whole life, your inner drive to create artwork, and the sense that it was what you were meant to do. None of it was a fantasy, and you should keep creating. Of course, it's easy for a stranger to utter phrases like that, but I truly believe that if you feel called to be an artist, then you should pursue your dreams. My mother recently quit her full-time job to open up the art studio she had always dreamed of, and while it's off to a bit of a slow start, she's having the time of her life.
One of the wonderful things about art is that it can be incorporated into so many different jobs. If you look for opportunities to be creative, you will find them everywhere. It can be difficult to hold a steady job with the economy in the state it is, but things will eventually get better. Focus on what brings you joy and makes you feel as though you've accomplished something meaningful.
Have you ever tried selling your pieces independently on an online auction site? Many folk artists are doing that now. You might look into it.
Good luck! I wish you all the best!! Remember, ever since you've been in first grade, people have been complimenting your art. Those compliments did not come out of nowhere. Keep believing in yourself!
First of all, I can promise you that everything has been real: the compliments you've received on your art throughout your whole life, your inner drive to create artwork, and the sense that it was what you were meant to do. None of it was a fantasy, and you should keep creating. Of course, it's easy for a stranger to utter phrases like that, but I truly believe that if you feel called to be an artist, then you should pursue your dreams. My mother recently quit her full-time job to open up the art studio she had always dreamed of, and while it's off to a bit of a slow start, she's having the time of her life.
One of the wonderful things about art is that it can be incorporated into so many different jobs. If you look for opportunities to be creative, you will find them everywhere. It can be difficult to hold a steady job with the economy in the state it is, but things will eventually get better. Focus on what brings you joy and makes you feel as though you've accomplished something meaningful.
Have you ever tried selling your pieces independently on an online auction site? Many folk artists are doing that now. You might look into it.
Good luck! I wish you all the best!! Remember, ever since you've been in first grade, people have been complimenting your art. Those compliments did not come out of nowhere. Keep believing in yourself!
