Dear Artist,

Thank you for stopping by. I am grateful you did and I hope you will visit often.

As an artist career consultant I feel compelled to offer a few of my observations based on my experience working with thousands of artists from around the world since I came to New York, NY in the 80's.

I'm sure at least one time in your career you may have asked yourself, will I become a successful artist?

I believe the answer to this kind of question lies more within ourselves than outside us. At the risk of sounding preachy, I believe we each create our own reality, our own destiny, and our own success. That belief is what led me to my own rewarding career.

I've learned it's vitally important for each of us to determine our own definition of success, fame and fortune, not one that pleases someone else. And, live our lives with integrity and balance according to our life's purpose, supported by a strong foundation of clear personal, creative, career and financial goals.

I want to also say, there is no one like you on this entire planet.

As an artist you owe it to yourself to express that through your art with every ounce of courage and conviction. It requires hours and hours of relentless commitment in the studio -- sweat equity -- to produce your unique vision! Don't ever settle for being "derivative".

And, don't ever see yourself as a "poor" or "struggling" artist or a "victim". Even jokingly, please don't refer to yourself or other artists in any unattractive manner (at least when speaking to me!). The negative stereotypes attributed to artists can only be stopped when we see ourselves as empowered and richly endowed with creative abundance. And, part of that process is our commitment to acquiring knowledge they didn't teach us in art school, beginning with how to take responsibility and prosper in our profession.

Do you dare to step out of the proverbial box?

Most of us were taught to color inside the lines, avoid attracting attention to ourselves and try to avoid criticism and ridicule. When those rules govern our actions life is boring, anti-creative and doomed for inertia. They also prevent many creative individuals from receiving the honor and recognition they deserve.

Goethe said: "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too… Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

I love Goethe's words because they resonate to me the magical, mystical feeling I have when I know I'm following my highest power and purpose. Everything is in flow. Joseph Campbell reminds us: "If you are on the right path you will find that invisible hands are helping.”

And, yes, of course there are all of those tangible practical elements like business strategies, establishing the right relationships, good people skills, knowing the right market venues for your work, successful selling, best promotional materials, your artist's statement and "elevator speech".

But fear not, because I have written hundreds of advice articles and documents on these subjects, to help you, some of which are contained in the articles in the Art News and Knowledge section of this website.

Finally, I want to say, success should not be measured by external events - when you sell your first work, or have your first one-person show, or get a positive review by a critic, or when your work is collected by a museum. It should be a constant flame that glows steadily and triumphantly within you - originating from the knowledge that you create your destiny.

You don't need anyone - a dealer, an agent, an art critic or patron - to give you validation or approval. Success - is yours - Now!

I didn't intend to write so much, so if you read this thank you for your time. I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and encouragement with you.

I'll end with a quote by Joseph Campbell that I used in the introduction of my book Success Now! For Artists. He said so brilliantly and succinctly, three precious words, "Follow your bliss"!

Thank you for visiting ManhattanArts.com. Please visit again soon.
Renée Phillips, Director

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