I so much appreciate that many people share their experience and wisdom through blogs, websites, books, email, the phone and conversations. I am delighted that artists (and others) are very generous. Workshops and classes are another exciting way to connect with people. The amount of information is immediate, helpful and sometimes a little overwhelming.

Abstract Design II, Digital © Diane Clancy

This abstract design signifies the continuing of the discussions from posts earlier this week … Another area in which many share a lot of advice is the how to be successful as an artist. Many of the strategies are consistent and similar, and others are pretty divergent.

Sometimes I feel that I should passionately throw myself into the creative process of painting and sideline much of the rest of life. Some people have taken great leaps of faith and have realized their dreams of success with much hard work and some luck. I could focus on painting and drop much else that I do.

Other times, I think the slow steady way is right for me. I keep building this art business, but at the same time I also do graphic design and web design for clients. Also, many times people will ask me to do a job here and there with computer skills – convert some files from vector to bitmap or put their kitty into a field of flowers.

I did make a comittment last fall to myself, my artwork and my business – Any new volunteer work needs is to be directly connected to art. I have taken responsibility for managing part of a website for local artists and I am the chair of the Visual Artists Group in Franklin County. I feel those comittments enhance networking and support me as an artist even though they take time.

Doing my paid design and computer work allow me to keep my paid work in a creative field. That is working for me right now. Thank you for sharing in my clarifying process.

~ Diane Clancy

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