Now that you know how to appreciate your art collectors, it’s time to remind yourself that others appreciate you. Since you’re probably working by yourself most of the time, it’s easy to forgive that there’s a whole world out there waiting to love you and your art. Or maybe they already do love you and you have forgotten about them because you’re so busy in the studio.
Some time ago, my coach, Cynthia Morris, suggested I keep a file labeled "Loved." I’m going to suggest you do the same.
In the file, you will keep
- Emails that say nice things about your work
- Comments left on your blog that make you feel good (copy and paste into another document)
- Documentation whenever someone says something nice to you at your opening, in your booth, or on the phone. Write it down before you forget about it.
- Nice notes you receive in the mail.
Whenever you feel down . . . whenever someone isn’t too nice to you . . . pull out your Loved file and remember that there are a lot of people who appreciate you and what you do.
Join us! The fun starts July 28
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
When I had a corporate job, I used to do this. I put everything in a folder called, “warm fuzzies.”
I’ve done this for years through community=based organizing (where you often really really really need to remember that) through art – in fact I have a sticky note from a fellow blogger/artist on my printer right now. It’s a great idea – thanks for reminding us all about it!
I keep 2 folders, one for successes and one for rejections. The success folder is for the reasons you described and I refer to it often. There are times, however, when I need a reality check of another kind. A look at where I still need to go, the obstacles I still have to overcome. You might think this would be discouraging, but it isn’t. It makes me realize how resilient artists need to be. Often those rejection letters have been turned into success letters.
I’ve heard more and more people using this system and it does really work. Especially since, for some twisted reason, we’re wired to mentally delete all the great things people say and focus on the negative things! This is a way to have proof when you are going for something you feel is beyond your grasp. Thanks for reminding us of it, Alyson!
Deanna: I love “warm fuzzies.” That pretty much says it all. Peggi: I know a lot of artists keep the rejections file. Some have even made exhibits out of their rejection letters. I’m okay with the rejections file, but don’t keep around mean letters and email. Every so often I get a nasty email–perhaps unintentional, but mean just the same. I refuse to keep these around. Bad mojo associated with them. Cynthia: Yes! And it’s really neat to see it fill up. Before, I didn’t know what to do with these nice words. Now, I have a place for them and really do use them.