Inspiration and Motivation

The Timing Will Never Be Right

by Alyson Stanfield on April 9, 2012

There will never be a “good time” to have an exhibit, approach a gallery, write a grant proposal, or give your first artist talk. You have to make room for your priorities, and we tend to put off things that make us uncomfortable.

{ 12 comments }

We’re Darn Lucky

by Alyson Stanfield on March 17, 2012

We’re lucky to be artists. We’re lucky we can make and share our work with the world. We’re lucky we can inspire, move, compel, question. But we’re luckiest when . . .

{ 11 comments }

You Are in Charge

by Alyson Stanfield on January 23, 2012

Never blame anyone for your perceived failures. When you assume control, you bask in your successes – knowing that they were hard-earned. Likewise, you must also accept responsibility when things go wrong.

{ 11 comments }

12 Artist Resolutions to Steal for 2012

by Alyson Stanfield on January 1, 2012

One of my first-ever free gifts for subscribers to my newsletter was a list of Artist Resolutions. Today – being January 1 and all – seems like as good a time as any to update and share. Steal and adapt what feels true to you.

{ 22 comments }

Good Riddance < Deep Thought Thursday

by Alyson Stanfield on December 29, 2011

Yesterday was the annual mass shredding in New York’s Times Square. The idea is to get rid of the bad memories from the year and prepare for better days ahead. What will you shred/erase/burn/banish from 2011?

{ 9 comments }

Make It Happen – Like Santa

by Alyson Stanfield on December 21, 2011

Instead of making excuses, ask yourself: “How can I make this happen?”

{ 18 comments }

Business You Is Looking After the Artist You

by Guest Blogger on December 16, 2011

Guest blogger Heidi Spiegel has created two characters: the Artist Me and the Business Me. She says one is committed to making art, while the other believes in the art enough to support and promote it.

{ 9 comments }

Attracting Good Karma

by Alyson Stanfield on September 6, 2011

From time to time I have a virtual run-in with a subscriber or customer who doesn’t wait for a response before shooting off spiteful emails. This has happened to me twice in the last month, whereas it usually happens once every year or two. Whenever this happens, I question what I do and who I am. This is exactly what the author of the email wants and I know it. I write this post for myself as much as for you.

{ 59 comments }

Make It Up As You Go Along

by Alyson Stanfield on August 16, 2011

You don’t have to have all the answers before beginning a project. Whether it’s trying a new medium in the studio, writing a how-to book, or teaching a class, just dive in! Don’t worry about how others do it. You will learn the ropes. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, but you would have made those anyway.

{ 22 comments }

6 Be’s of the Art Biz

by Guest Blogger on August 14, 2011

Guest blogger Mara Purl is an actress-turned-writer-performer-producer. The central character in her soon-to-be-released book is a fine artist. In this post, Mara shares what she calls the Be’s of the Art Biz: Be Authentic, Be Brave, Be Persistent, Be in Integrity, Be in Experience, and Be Creative.

{ 29 comments }

This blog is licensed under Creative Commons. Please read the copyright policies.