Making a living from one's art: visibility, consistency, and conviction

Breaking through as an artist and making a living from your art isn't solely about talent. Visibility, consistency, and the ability to believe in your potential play a crucial role in building a sustainable artistic career. Here's a frank and candid reflection on what "success" truly means in the art world today.

Getting noticed: an essential step to making a living from your art

I receive several messages from artists who want to break through and succeed in making a living from their work.

They ask me for advice or answers to specific questions.

The question I get asked most often is: How did you do that? How did you manage to break through here and internationally?

And my answer remains the same: go to hell!

If no one knows what you do, sees your work… how do you expect to generate revenue from sales?

Visibility comes through daily action

Publish your artwork and your creative moments in the studio, communicate your aspirations, your dreams, your goals.

Every day, you are on a mission. Consistency is key.

Ask yourself who can help you.

Attend events where your potential collectors are.

Investing in oneself and one's artistic career to make a living from one's art

And above all, you need to believe in yourself, in your potential, and give yourself the means to achieve your goals.

This involves investing in your career, your brand image, your partnerships, business coaching, specialized training, etc.

There's no queue at my door (at least, not yet!).

I walk the path each day to get closer to my goals.

Doubts, discouragement, and perspective

And yes, I do sometimes get discouraged and doubt myself.

And in those moments, I look at the path I've traveled, what I have, instead of focusing on what I believe I lack.

When perseverance pays off

Life has given me invaluable gifts: meeting Ontario artist Patricia Gagic, who became my mentor, painting for Michelle Obama, exhibiting at theCarrousel du Louvre in Paris , seeing my works travel and be exhibited on five continents, winning the Women of Inspiration Awards – Art and Entertainment by the Universal Women Network and, most recently, the grand jury prize as Artist Entrepreneur of the Year by ArtxTerra .

Never give up

Never give up.

Be prepared to receive 200 "no's" for every "yes".

You must be convinced yourself in order to succeed in convincing others.

And now, it's your turn.

Good luck to you.

If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect on your own visibility, your daily actions, and how you choose to believe in yourself. Share this reflection with other artists who might need it, or leave a comment to continue the discussion.

AroArtiste painter | Artist-entrepreneur | Speaker