Why I’m not a successful artist.

Summary

In this candid video, the creator reflects on reaching 100K followers on Instagram but still struggling financially. Despite growing a large following, they admit to neglecting the business side of their art career, particularly finances, which has held them back. They acknowledge the importance of treating their art as a business and vow to be more transparent about their process going forward. The creator invites their community to join them on a journey of growth, sharing both successes and failures as they work towards financial sustainability and artistic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reaching 100K followers on Instagram is not a guarantee of financial success or stability.
• 😀 The importance of treating your art and creative career as a legitimate business cannot be overstated.
• 😀 Financial oversight is essential for sustaining a creative career; ignoring finances can lead to significant struggles.
• 😀 Growing a large following on social media doesn't automatically translate to earning money; business strategy is key.
• 😀 Burnout can occur when balancing multiple commitments, such as a job and personal creative work, without proper time management.
• 😀 Creative freedom is important, but it must be balanced with practical business decisions to ensure sustainable income.
• 😀 Having multiple streams of income, such as product sales or classes, is crucial for financial success as an artist.
• 😀 Avoiding the reality of financial struggles or mismanaging funds can prevent growth and progress in your career.
• 😀 Transparency with your audience about struggles and challenges builds trust and helps you stay accountable to your goals.
• 😀 Treating your artistic career with a serious business mindset allows you to plan and execute effectively for long-term success.

Q & A

What was the initial goal when the artist started using Instagram seriously?

The initial goal was to reach 100K followers, which the artist believed would allow them to become a full-time artist and make a sustainable living from their art.

How did the artist feel when they reached 100K followers?

The artist felt ecstatic and overwhelmed, unable to believe that they had achieved this milestone. It was a dream come true, but they also felt that it didn’t immediately result in the success they had anticipated.

What mistake did the artist make regarding finances while growing their art career?

The artist neglected to treat their art as a business, avoiding looking at the financial side of things. This led to spending more than they earned and failing to manage costs effectively.

What was the consequence of not managing finances properly?

The artist ended up financially struggling, unable to cover basic expenses like rent, which led them to move back in with their father and even get another job just to survive.

Why did the artist stop drawing for a period of time?

After getting another job, the artist became exhausted and creatively drained, leaving them with little energy or time to focus on their art. This led to burnout and a lack of motivation to pursue their art career.

How did the artist's feelings about their job contribute to their burnout?

The artist felt creatively stifled because they were putting all their energy into someone else’s vision for their job, while their own creative projects were put on hold. This made them feel disconnected from their own work.

What realization did the artist have about their art career?

The artist realized that to succeed as a full-time artist, they needed to treat their art as a business by considering finances, pricing, and sustainability, rather than just focusing on creativity and social media metrics.

What was the artist’s approach to social media and content creation?

The artist initially focused on creating content and building a community without considering the business aspects. They wanted to connect with followers and share their passion, but neglected the operational side of their art business.

How does the artist plan to move forward with their art career?

The artist plans to take their art career seriously by treating it as a business, closely monitoring finances, and sharing their journey openly with followers. They aim to show what works, what doesn’t, and what it truly takes to succeed as an independent artist.

Why does the artist think showing their process is important?

The artist believes showing their process helps connect with their community and provides transparency. It also allows them to share both their struggles and successes, offering valuable insights into the real journey of building an art career.