If you’ve been following my blog for the last few weeks you’ll know I wrote a brief overview of this whole Success Tips for Illustrators and Artists. Looking at that list now I would like to combine ‘taking action’ with ‘perseverance’ as in this industry I’m in (we’re talking everything from learning to paint in gouache, illustration, surface pattern) you really need grit to keep going, to keep taking those actions, over and over to gain a level of proficiency. And especially so when you just don’t feel like it, that's when determination and perseverance comes into play.
Whatever it is you are trying to achieve, say being a more capable calligrapher, or a 100 day journalling project etc, you will need to maintain an incredibly strong BELIEF in your ability to succeed, even in the face of setbacks (and believe me there could be many TEMPORARY ones)
To put this in context I’d like to remind you of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb. He once said “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” Edison had an extraordinarily positive view of life that greatly enhanced his ability as an inventor and innovator. When others might have been discouraged after failing thousands of times in an attempt to develop an electric lightbulb, Edison viewed each unsuccessful experiment as moving him closer to a successful solution.
I absolutely would not be where I am today without that utter conviction that I would be able to run a happy and profitable art business. It’s not necessarily a matter of talent, intelligence, or possessing extra creativity What plans I laid down many years ago I HAD to follow through, due to circumstances I had to execute those plans (for passive income, for teaching, for attracting clients) and I had to persevere ... to stick with it. This blog post won’t be about how ‘easy’ taking persistent action is - because it isn’t when you factor in years of endeavour. There are very few overnight successes.
I’d just like you to consider the points below for Practicing Perseverance:
1. Expect obstacles
Whatever creative goals you have in mind you will inevitable faced bumps in the road on your path to reach them This is just something that you won’t be able to avoid. By acknowledging that you might make mistakes and fail will help with the occasions when it happens. Thinking through possible obstacles in your mind before they actually happen will give you an edge, so when the actual problem happens eg you realise painting in gouache is trickier than expected, you will be more comfortable handling it.
2. Clarify your goal
( read my blog posts HERE and HERE about goals)
Persevering is easier when you have a mental vision of where you are going. Base it on your purpose, needs, and abilities. Know why you want this goal, and believe that one day you will make it. Think how you and your lifestyle will benefit - keep your eyes on that prize. Break the goal into small steps, working backward form your desired outcome.
3. Take SMALL Actions Daily
Often there's something you can do to make some small progress right now, today, in the next 10 minutes even if its a doodle sketch. Remember that success is the sum of SMALL efforts. I filled my sketchbooks one page at a time, I now have over 20 sketchbooks. That way not only are you taking tiny positive actions, you are also less likely to give up if all you need to do is take one step at a time ( yes it really can work that way)
4. Acknowledge SMALL wins
Expecting good things to happen will improve and or maintain your moral and enthusiasm through difficult and challenging times. For many years I have kept a daily diary of successes/ wins/ things I’m grateful for. As the pages of the journal build up you will be able to see tiny but significant changes happening from day to day, then week to week, then over months and years. It pays to take a moment to reflect on, assess and appreciate the progress you would have already made. And also ask yourself whether all your activities are moving you forward.
5. Find a Supportive Network
There are lonely moments where no matter how much effort you seem to be putting into your journey there seems to be little movement. During these times you will need a team will support you, encourage you, check in with you and cheer you on. Don’t be afraid to ask your network for help, talk with them, get ideas from them, and provide them with the same support too.
For me managing a separation, then divorce with two small kids whilst trying to establish a illustration business may well be one of the toughest things I’ll ever do. But I kept going because I was determined to make a difference in my life and those of my children. So ask yourself :
How much do I want to succeed in life?
How hard am I willing to work for my dreams?
Things don’t always go according to our plans and we won’t have things going our way all the time. Creating art or learning Illustrator will not always be plain sailing, there will be many frustrations but I urge you to persevere at sticking to the task. I do feel if you’re reading this you will eventually overcome many challenges and be successful.