I Am A Success Because…

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art, art success, Artist, career success, how to be successful, success, success defined, success definition, successful art business, successful art career, successful artist, what is success

What defines success? It’s a good question. So many see it as money/sales and fame. While I am really happy that my artwork sells, it isn’t the biggest part of how I define my accomplishments. It’s actually quite small…

I thought today would be a good day to remind ourselves of all of the “good” in our lives and what truly makes us a success. It’s a simple little exercise that might take some thought, but surely success can be found in even the smallest of things…

Pick one or more ways you are successful and leave a comment.  I would love to hear from you!

I will go first…

I am a success because: in my life, the people around me have always underestimated me. When they said “you can’t do it”, I always did. Whether it was mucking horse stalls in Florida’s Summer heat, defeating cancer naturally 15 years ago or selling my art and earning a living with it. When they said “no way”. I’ve done it!

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F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.!!

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abstract art, art, art marketing, Artist, artist's resources, economy, hard work, selling art, selling art online, successful art business, successful artists, working

When I started this art business, it couldn’t have been at a more oportune time.  The housing market was on fire and people were buying and selling like crazy.  All of that moving and redecorating kept me super busy.  I worked 16 hour days sometimes just to keep up!  My income was only limited by my ability to work and the time needed.  Back then I was only selling originals which meant a lot of physical labor for me.  I definitely paid a price for that, but the profit I was making was out of this World.

Then it all came crashing down. The bubble burst!

Like many artists I found myself lost and barely able to stay afloat for many years.  I had thousands of dollars worth of supplies sitting in my studio, but no one was buying much.  I kept creating, but watched so many paintings languish in storage.  I had sales. I worked harder.  I spent more hours marketing.  I decided to start offering prints.  Then I marketed those like crazy.  16 hour days came again, but for less per hour than servers make without tips.  But I kept the faith.  I held on.

So many of my artist friends let go and went back to regular jobs.  I considered it many times myself.  Some got angry and bitter, and I lost a few along the way over petty jealousy (even a small sale could cause snarky remarks).  Others held on tight and stayed the course right along beside me.  We celebrated even the small triumphs together.

I am so happy that we are FINALLY seeing the turn around.  My income is right where I want it to be and I no longer have to kill myself for it!  My prints are selling at an amazing rate and commissions come a few times a week.  I take 2, 3 and sometimes 4 days off each week.

It’s really perfect.  Finally.   Yes, it could all crash again, but for now I will just keep a big smile on my face and keep on creating!

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What Is Success Anyway?

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art career, asian, asian theme, botanical, botanical art, botanical photos, botanical prints, career success, Family, floral, flower, flower art, flower photography, flower photos, flowers, happiness, koi pond, lily pads, lotus, lotus flower, love, meditation, mom, mother's day, mothering, pond, relationships, sharon cummings, spring, success, successful art business, successful career, yellow flower, yoga, zen

 

What makes a person successful in this life?  Is it dying with a big ol’ pile of money?  Is it having the most friends?  Is it the big house and fancy car?  Is it being recognized by others for your achievements?  Is it being pretty and well liked?  Is it bagging a perfect spouse?  Getting that kid into Harvard?

Over the years I have dramatically redefined my perspective on personal success.  Everyone has their own criteria, but for me it has nothing to do with any of the above.  I have come to realize that true success has little to do with worldly achievements and everything to do with the inner peace that comes from not needing them.

Am I a successful artist?  Absolutely.  I am not getting rich off of my creativity, but I am earning a living.  If my spouse died, I could support myself entirely on my income.  I only have to work a few days a week now thanks to years of time investment.  I make money while I sleep and on the days I do not work too.  In my own mind, that is success.  I ignored those that said I couldn’t do it and I worked hard to achieve my goals.

Am I a successful Mom?  You bet.  I turned away from my abusive upbringing and defied the odds.  I did not perpetuate the abuse and I’ve helped my autistic daughter find her own voice.  I have supported her every step of the way and encouraged her to love herself just the way she is.  I did not teach hate or prejudice and as a result she has friends of all races, religions and sexual orientations. She is now enrolled in college and doing all of the things normal folks do.  She didn’t go for an Ivy League school, but one that fit her goals.  She didn’t win a bunch of awards or get a perfect SAT score.  But she is happy.  To me this is one of my greatest achievements and I feel pretty successful as a parent.

Lastly, am I successful overall?  The are so many ways to achieve success: Relationships, Job, Health, Family, Hobbies, Fitness, etc. The simple answer for me is:  Yes.  The detailed answer would be far too long to expect the average blog reader to get through.  I am at a point in my life that I no longer concern myself with how others view me.  I am satisfied and happy with who I am and all I’ve done. In the end, that is all that matters.  So, yes, I am truly successful.

Do you see yourself as a success?

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