Lessons from Legendary Artists: 5 Ways to Become a Successful Artist
If you're not willing to take a risk on the unusual, you will settle for the ordinary.
-Jim Rohn
As the above statement attests, history favors the risk-takers. Contrary to common belief, "great" or "genius" artists are made, not born. We also equate success with being "legendary," a term usually associates with saints, mythical heroes, and heroines from the past who led extraordinary lives. We bestow legendary status to people (particularly artists) who lead unconventional lives beyond the "success" or "fame" defined by our history, culture, and society. They are renowned for going against the grain and conventions, stretching limitations, and turning them into possibilities. That said, no person made history by playing "safe" and following the traditions.
So how did successful artists overcome the myth of "starving" artists and become "legendary"?
After interviewing many artists on and off camera, working with artists for over 20 years, and studying the lives of 100s of artists throughout history, I began to see the common traits that legendary artists embody. Below are the top 5 characteristics many successful artists represent throughout history and today.
Successful Artists are Courageous.
I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life - and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.
-Georgia O'Keeffe
As the quote above references, history favors the risk-takers. Courage is NOT the absence of fear. Successful artists learned to overcome and managed their fears and took action anyway. Often, the "right" steps feel uncomfortable, and uncertain outcomes create anxieties. Just as energy, fear cannot be created nor destroyed. They are generated—from our experiences and imaginations, and we CAN expand or diminish fear by our choices and inspired actions.
2. Successful Artists are Extremely Focused and have a Growth Mindset.
If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.
-Michelangelo
Having crystal clarity in their core values and purpose allows them to stay focused, motivated, and aligned with their actions. In addition, it's much easier to say yes or no when you have the "compass" to guide you through, thus maximize the time to focus on the things that matter to you and your goals.
Most people think history repeats itself. However, for the growth mindset, history evolves when they’ve learned the lessons from their mistakes or failures. They also take full responsibility for their actions and results instead of blaming external circumstances.
When we study art history or hear the stories of the "legendary" artists, we rarely hear about their challenges and all the hard work it takes to achieve mastery. Instead, we only see success as the tip of the iceberg, and the grueling work behind the scene is far from glamorous—it's messy and sometimes feels chaotic. Mastery comes with long hours of practice (about 10,000 hours), trial and error, and steadfast belief in oneself. In addition, it takes patience, persistence, and consistency to achieve mastery.
3. Successful Artists are Action-Takers, and They don't Wait for the "Perfect" Timing.
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. Instead, they went out and happened to things.
-Leonardo da Vinci
The real power lies when we turn our knowledge into actions. In reality, we have the resources and time we need to accomplish our goals in life. But, instead, we let our voice inside our head that hinders us from going beyond our comfort zone. To squash this limiting mindset, we need to take consistent, gradual steps to achieve bigger things in life. Sadly, most artists miss out on the opportunities. They feel they are not ready because they don't have enough resources (time and money) and are unprepared to showcase their work when the opportunity arises.
On the other hand, legendary artists are always ready for the right prospects because they already implemented systems as an integral part of their work and make smarter decisions that align with their goals. Furthermore, while some artists are obsessed with the process and mastery, they are flexible and willing to adapt to change in plans.
4. Successful Artists Lead Fulfilling Careers and Lives.
It is not a torment to be an artist. It is a privilege.
-Louise Bourgeois
Our history and culture have been romanticizing the myth of tragic artists, which is associated with the "genius" artist. Think Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Sylvia Plath, Jean-Michel Basquiat, to name a few. However, contrary to common belief, creativity does not come from pain and suffering, though many artists faced many challenges during their lifetime.
Creativity comes from inspiration, confidence, and courage. Some artists overcame life challenges by using art to confront and heal themselves, ultimately inspiring others. No one is immune to the tragedies and challenges that life throws at us; it's about how we respond to them. Yet, despite the trauma and tragedies in their lives, some artists found beauty through their artwork.
5. Successful Artists Truly Understand Their Value and Treats their Careers as a Business.
Being good in business is the most fascinating kind of art. Making money is art, and working is art, and good business is the best art.
-Andy Warhol
Successful artists truly understand their value and (self) worth. They also invest time and money to master skills that align with their purpose and mission. They know it takes more than imagination and talent to succeed in their career and life, and they need monetary resources to buy back the time to create more artwork.
Do you have what it takes to be a legendary artist? Just as everyone else, legendary artists faced challenging circumstances throughout their lives. They've adapted the mindset to deal with setbacks and challenges differently— overcoming the barriers, defying conventions, and going against the grain. Success requires courage to take risks, unwavering commitment, and a growth mindset.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? To find out more, subscribe here to receive updates and advice on how you can expand your artistic career beyond the white cube and traditional path. Our future is determined by the actions we take today. The choice is yours to stay ordinary or become a legendary artist.