It occurred to me the other day that I'm always thinking about where I'm headed and often forget to appreciate how far I've come (I think we're all guilty of that). Not only in terms of what I have produced but my whole mindset.
For example, I have grown in resilience - I can handle negative comments about my work without taking it personally. I have learnt to value my skill, artwork (and time) more and have started to price accordingly. I trust my artistic instincts and don't always need a second opinion on something. I don't constantly compare myself to other artists as this can be counter productive.
Despite this, I still feel like I'm at the start of a journey. Perhaps that says more about how much I feel is possible than what I have achieved so far.
I am always looking for ways to improve both as an artist and a business person. I am definitely not yet using all the tools at my disposal. I see other artists using social media so successfully and realise I have only scratched the surface in terms of how platforms like Instagram and Facebook can increase my exposure. I often work from an image on my phone - a process which could be made far easier if I bought myself a tablet: I just need to decide what kind and save up! Since being selected to appear on LAOTY I've only just started to enter more competitions and think about exhibiting - getting my little painting into the ING Discerning Eye exhibition was a real boost to my confidence and will mean my work will be seen by lots more people.
When I have doubts that I'm on the right path, I remind myself that I'm still building my business and these things take time.
I love this quote by Maya Angelou: 'You can only become truly accomplished at something you love'. It really resonates with me because I love making art (much more than I loved being an administrator). To be as good an artist as I can be is my goal and the reason I decided to do it full time (not to become rich and famous).
A regular income and the benefits of being 'employed' would be nice but ultimately, I'd rather be doing something I love!