Become a professional artist. Better yet, do this...
Image: Becoming Artist Isabelle Rizo, She Spoke, 1st International Becoming Artist Exhibition, Prague, CZ
Here’s the deal.
You’re an artist, but you’re also several other things; things that have been compartmentalized; things that you don’t believe can co-exist or come together to create a career or the income you desire.
Am I right?
You make art and you’re deeply invested in your own healing, spirituality and the well being of others. Part of you loves the romantic notion of holing up in your studio all day making art, but the truth is that you’re so much more than that.
You have visions of travelling to Africa to empower young women. You know that creativity needs to be shared with others - through workshops, online courses, unconventional projects and retreats in foreign lands.
You want to live in an amazing place, experience the world, make art and make money.
Here’s the big, important secret that few people know:
Your Dream Career Doesn’t Exist Yet. Your Job is To Create It.
See, you’re not just an artist, you’re not just a healer, and you’re not just someone who wants to work in the community – you’re all three.You’re here to create a career that supports every facet of your being: mind, body, spirit and bank account.
You’re here to bring creativity and healing to others.
The unique way that these three come together is something the world has yet to see the likes of. You’re the Christopher Columbus of uncharted territory. In order to create your career, you have to step boldly and bravely into places you’ve never been.
I call this, Your Creative Calling.
Three Questions To Ask To Set Your Creative Calling in Motion
Grab a journal. These three questions will start to unravel the magical, sought-after synthesis.
Question 1: Who Have You Always Been?
Your entire life you’ve been doing certain things that bring incredible benefits to others. Usually, this has nothing to do with the industry you’re in, the mediums you work with or the titles behind your name. This is about the essence of who you are – that hard to name feeling that people get when they’re around you. Ask your friends for clues: What do I bring to your life on an emotional, spiritual or energetic level? What does my presence inspire you to do or become?
For example, I’m an artist, I’m a coach and I’m also a teacher, but what I really do is see people for who they are, allow them to feel seen, and from that place, give them permission to bring more of who they are to where they are going. I do it with my students, my clients and I do it with my paintings. It’s in everything I do and always has been.
Question 2: What would you love to do?
Tap into the most miraculous vision of the life you want to lead; one filled with infinite possibilities and all the resources you need to get there. What do you see? What are you doing? What is the unique configuration of your life? How much time do you spend in your studio, who is there with you? What else are you doing? Where are travelling? Who are you surrounding yourself with and who are you supporting?
Answering these questions will give you massive insight into what you would really love to be doing. Then, the ninja-level trick is to start crafting your life to look like that TODAY.
Question 3: If you could change one thing on the planet what would it be?
Whose life would you work to improve? Which cause would you champion? What message would you bring? The answer to this huge and important question can sometimes be found in what pisses you off the most. What chaps your ass? The way women are treated? Lack of education for girls in third world countries? Food injustice? Urban decay? People not knowing how beautiful they are? Taboo topics never being talked about? Generational pain that is passed down?
My mission is to combat the forces of apathy, despair and futility. I know this because I asked my Trusted Council and they told me. I also know this because for my entire life I have been desperately trying to help people turn whatever they are feeling or experiencing into something creative, life-affirming and miraculous. I just happen to do this through art and creativity.
Asking Great Questions
These questions are big. The more you ask great questions, the more great insight comes. Your Creative Calling is the unique mission you’ve been given and been training for your entire life. It includes your art, but it includes so much more than that. It includes and requires ALL OF YOU.
It’s completely possible to have an incredible art career.
As an introvert. As a highly sensitive soul. As YOU. There are only two things standing between you and a successful art career.
Find and eliminate these things and your art career will thrive.