Habits of Successful Creatives

Image: Duo Rêves

Every artist is likely to tell you that the creative life is the only one for them. It is a life that comes with great rewards and challenges, and it's naturally the envy of the corporate world. Although the lifestyle can be grueling and demanding in its own right, it sure beats sitting at a desk all day.

But trying to pay the rent with your art is another story. In order to make a true success of yourself as an artist, what's the magic formula? Why is it considered impossible to be successful at something you really love, save for the lucky ones?

The great irony of the arts is that talent is no rare thing. Art galleries, music venues and play houses all over the world are overflowing with incredible, unique and innovative work. After all, making art is what creatives do best. So what is it that sets apart the successful creators from those who get stuck on dreaming? On a certain level, it all boils down to a little thing called work ethic.

Here's a brainstorm for building habits and routines in order to create success as an independent artist:

Careful and Consistent Attention to Detail is a small habit with a big payoff. Whether your art form is tangible or not, you deliver a product to your audience. Visual artists, musicians, dancers, and all creatives will benefit from mindfulness of their brand. What are you gifting to the world as your legacy? Is it a hasty manuscript, or one you have given careful consideration to produce? Little things add up to the big picture. Make sure you are not overlooking your most important asset: your vision.

Maintain Your Unquenchable Thirst for Knowledge. Those who keep learning will keep growing. As a working artist, your education should never retire. Stay informed, especially about what's going on in your industry, in world events, and beyond.

Time Management is Critical. In our age of instant gratification, it's particularly important to be able to prioritize. This includes rationing time for your own creative projects, too. It can be a painful choice. Try working a short time on each aspect of your goal every day. It's also helpful to keep a calendar and stick to it as best you can!

Practice Efficiency at Your Rehearsals. Whatever your creative discipline, remember that your practice time is sacred. These are the precious hours you set aside to hone your craft, perfect your harmonics, or work on beautifying those pirouettes. Try to limit distractions and remember: training is a part of the calling.

Be Open to Receiving Criticism because sooner or later, you will. It's a very human reaction to instinctively get defensive and shut down. A wiser choice may be to turn on that curious nature of yours to find out if there could be anything to take away from the critique. You just may see a dramatic improvement in your work!

Develop an Enthusiasm for Working Harder than Your Competition. It's called artwork for a reason. Put in those extra hours and that extra effort. As an independent artist, you are in business for yourself. Be the best in that business.

Know Your Market. Sure, we all make art, write songs, and dance to satisfy ourselves and express our inner souls. But who is actually going to buy that sculpture or tickets to your next big show? Be clear about who you are pitching to so you can stay on top of current trends.

Know Your Competition...and Your Allies! It may frequently be tempting to shut the world out, incubate, and just do your own creative thing. But isolating can rob you of familiarity with your community. Knowing what the other girl is up to can keep your skills fresh. You may have more friends, fans and supporters than you think!

Transform Setbacks Into Your Greatest Teachers. It's easy to internalize a rejection or some other situation that takes you a step back. But just like the value in accepting criticism, you might examine the obstacle and grow even more wisdom from it.

Be Willing to Let Go of Old Ideas. Great art is very often the result of great editing. Don't stay attached to the things that aren't working in the service of your higher vision. Cut the pieces that don't fit and work on making your vision a reality.

 Spend Time Away. Whether that means taking a hike or just a mini retreat at home, it's probably safe to say that most artists need a little downtime. Quality time in a natural environment can work wonders for the weary soul.

In the end, it's not great talent that succeeds. Everyone has great talent at something. Success in the arts is more about an insatiable drive to work tirelessly for what you love. Hone your craft. Be flexible and stay humble. Don't worry...you'll still have bragging rights to all of your amazing work, and your fans will love you for it!

A certain moment captured

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