Success in art is relative to your own definition of what success means to you.
One popular definition is this (and one which I subscribe to): An artist is successful when they are able to support themselves and their family from doing that which they love: creating art.
There are numerous ways to earn a living off of your talent.
Many writers will take the tried and true route of finding a large publishing company, others will self-publish.
Some visual artists will attempt to find success through the old fashioned gallery system, while illustrators work to become known in their own niche of passion.
Some take their talent to a commercial level.
And yet others cultivate their own art collectors online and through self-funded events.
Regardless of which route you choose to put your craft out into the world, there are ten basic principles that all creative people must employ if they are to find success.
They are: 1.
) PLAN YOUR CAREER -You can't get what you want without a concrete vision of what it is that you want.
You'll have to begin by making a choice.
Once you do that, you are capable of creating the career of your choice.
2.
) HAVE INTEGRITY: A good reputation will get you more work, collectors and clients.
Integrity means doing what you say you're going to do, when you say you will do it.
Meet deadlines, respect your agreements, and make ethical decisions.
3.
) BRAND YOURSELF: Build a platform that tells a story about YOU and who you are.
Carve your own niche and have your own distinctive style.
4.
) PROMOTE YOURSELF SHAMELESSLY: Tell everyone that you are an artist.
Give out business cards.
Keep your website updated, because it's your window to the world.
Marketing is how you announce to the world that you have something to contribute and it's for sale.
Document your work with photos and video.
Ask the media to write about you.
5.
) KEEP YOUR PASSION BURNING: Think Big Ideas, and don't be afraid to share them.
Being passionate about what you do will shine through you and your work.
Be a light for your ideas.
Never give up.
Focus on the things that you enjoy, not the ones you don't.
6.
) CONTROL YOUR COPYRIGHTS AND USE PROPER LEGAL AGREEMENTS: Protect your style and your name.
Use common sense when signing legal agreements.
Never sign anything that you don't fully understand or agree with.
7.
) MANAGE YOUR MONEY: You must be able to make money off of your craft to be considered a professional.
This means charging the proper amount, handling your money well, and keeping track of expenses.
Never give your work away - you hurt your collectors and your fellow artists when you do.
8.
) SAY "YES": When given the challenge to try a new medium, technique or to create something new that you've not done before, just say "yes.
" You'll stretch yourself that way.
When given the offer to be featured in a book or magazine or radio, don't ever be too busy.
Consider all opportunities that come your way, even those that you aren't sure of.
9.
) CONTRIBUTE TO THE INDUSTRY OF ART, WRITING, MUSIC: Network with other artists, help your fellow artists, buy from your favorite artists.
Join in the vision of making the profession of art become a lucrative career.
10.
) HAVE TENACITY: Commit to your craft and don't look back.
Never give up.
Realize that you can live the lifestyle that you dream of.
It's within your reach As a creative person, you are providing an important contribution to society.
The world needs you and what you've got to offer.
If you follow these basic principles, you'll be able to continue to create, contribute and thrive from your talent.