Hey There Artist,
Have you ever felt like there MUST be something wrong with you because you seem to burn out quicker than most people?
You start a challenge, launch a course or even plan out your collection and find yourself burning out on the task before you ever reach the finish line.
What is wrong with me?
Why can't I finish it?
Or you make the art and have no energy left for marketing it?
This is a common problem that I see happening for so many artists. And it's something that happened to me OFTEN if I am being honest.
Because making is the fun part. The creation process gets me excited! I put so much into EVERYTHING I create, whether it's a painting or an online course.
But then by the time that I am done, there is no energy left for marketing and selling. That part falls flat.
Because marketing requires an immense amount of energy.
And as creative people, we are not designed for hustle culture.
Over the last 15 years of running a creative business, I have felt like giving up SOOOO many times! Too many to count.
I think that as artists we are much more susceptible to BURN-OUT than most people.
Because of this, I think that it's important to really think through what it would look like to build a sustainable creative business.
But how do you actually do that?
I think that in order to build a sustainable business, that there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Begin with what comes easy to you and what lights you up inside as a creative person. (Do NOT try to be someone you are not or make a living simply through something you are simply good at. It has to be something that gives you life. A good rule of thumb= just because you CAN make it, doesn't mean you SHOULD make it.)
- Capitalize on your strengths and gifts. Outsource what you can and when you can. Note: it's important in outsourcing that you stay within your budget or don't grow beyond what you can handle.
- Build REST into your schedule. It's probably just as important as breathing. But without rest, you will burn out so quick.
- Only SAY YES to opportunities that are in alignment with your purpose and core values.
- READ THAT AGAIN!
- Make sure that the timing is right for specific opportunities. Pacing is EVERYTHING. I tend to try to do too much or bite off more than I can chew. We all do. Really try to be realistic and spread out your work as much as possible.
- LIMIT DISTRACTIONS! This is probably the most important piece. Doom scrolling anyone? No but really. Don't get on social media until after you have created something. Prioritize Creation BEFORE Consumption.
- Marketing requires energy. Probably more energy than you realize, especially right after creating something. Give yourself little breaks in between creating and promoting. Try to only promote one thing at a time. Then promote each thing more times than you feel is necessary!
- Give and build trust. It's so important to have an attitude of service while building your business. You won't be able to build a business that FEELS good unless you are serving other people. And I don't care what kind of business you are building.
- Quit before it wears you out completely. I have found that I often stay doing the same thing for a really long time simply out of obligation or because it's all I know. If what you are doing isn't serving you anymore, it's okay to let it go and do something else.
These are just few of the things that I have noticed over the last few years of building my business.
I just hope that some of these things help you build a creative business that actually makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning, living your best life and thriving as an artist.
Most importantly, I think it's so helpful to know that you are NOT ALONE and you don't have to do this alone.
Starting in July (approximation), I will be opening a mentorship membership (for anyone and everyone) who wants a little extra support in building their art businesses.
Also coming soon... The Artist's Course Roadmap- Everything you need to plan, launch, and sell your own online art course—no audience required.
Happy Painting!
Wendy Brightbill
I will be announcing a few in person local workshops in the Colorado Springs area soon. If you haven't joined the email list for that, please go here.
If you haven't taken a course from me before, I highly recommend Style Lab because it's basically like getting all of my courses for an INSANE discount... Go here to take a look.
I am also offering my Flower Course Bundle for $20 off with coupon code: JUNELOVE (This is a savings of $230).
