Break out of your artist comfort zone!
Are you stuck in an artist comfort zone? Do you find yourself passively creating similar pieces of art? Or, are you avoiding opportunities to show your work? It’s okay to coast in the slow lane every so often, but you can’t stay there. You’re an artist and a business owner, and pushing yourself both with your work and your business is part of your job.
Here are ten ideas for getting out of your routine and pushing the envelope a bit And, just to make sure I put my money where my mouth is, I’ll report back in a month and let you know about what I did to get out of my personal comfort zone.
1 – Join a group.
Find a group of people who will help to motivate you. Maybe that means you join an art league or a local business group. Making friendships with people across the art community or your local community will help you to keep your creativity going as you are exposed to new ideas and perspectives. Or, you could join a Facebook group or Meetup centered around a common art or business interest, Being part of a community of like-minded individuals will motivate you and give you a way to share your goals and progress with others.
2 – Be Spontaneous
Can you switch up your schedule? While routines are good and necessary in order to stay on track, that doesn’t mean that you can’t shake it up once in a while. Do you start every day working in your studio? Instead, why don’t you take a morning and visit a museum for some inspiration? Occasional changes in routine will keep your mind stimulated and the creativity flowing.
3 – Don’t be afraid of a little discomfort.
Have you avoided an event or maybe trying something new simply because it makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable? Growth will always involve some sort of “pain” and the key is to push yourself a little bit at a time. Expect the pain, nervousness or uncertainty and deal with it appropriately. What can you do in advance to prepare for what is coming? Don’t let emotions surprise or defeat you.
4 – Push Yourself
Could you work a little harder to get something accomplished? What can you do to find extra time into your studio work? Can you set a specific goal to work intensely for a period of time? Remember, this is temporary and may be just what you need to push through to the next level in your work or business.
5 – Take it One Step at a Time
When you’re trying new activities give yourself time to adapt to the new activity. Focus on small steps that add up to big accomplishments over time.
6 – Track Your Progress
I encourage all of the artists that I work with to keep track of what they are doing on a weekly or monthly basis. We do this in a journal format. However you track your progress, you will be motivated by headway and less hesitant to take a leap outside your comfort zone the next time you need to do so.
7 – Focus on Your Vision
What’s at the end of the road? It always comes back to vision. Revisit the reasons why you are doing what you are doing. Or, remember what you have envisioned as the payoff at the end of the road. Can you imagine the sense of joy and accomplishment you will have once you achieve your goals? Doing this will help you to realize that a short bit of discomfort over time will be worth it.
8 – Learn Something New
If you’re feeling stuck, shake things up with a workshop or class. There are many different opportunities to do this whether it is through your local art league, a private class or even an online course. Keep an open mind and look forward to learning something new.
9 – Engage in Healthy Competition
Can you commit to a group exhibit or competition? Give yourself a tangible goal and set a deadline to work towards it with a fabulous piece of new work. Instead of just entering something you have sitting around, focus on a very special piece. Aim to win.
10 – Get Help
Do you need some help in pushing yourself along? Ask an artist friend to be your accountability partner. Hire a studio assistant or a consultant. Find someone to help you move things forward.
What have you done to break out of your comfort zone? Drop me a line at becky@artisan-advantage.com and let me know.
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