Create an Artistic Life - Part 3 - Behave like a Pro

Professional behaviour will help further your career. Consider developing these habits.

Treat other people well. This is one of the biggest marks of professionalism. Even if you disagree with the other person, treat them well, treat them respectfully. This will take you far--even if not in the other person's eyes, it will in someone else's eyes. This aspect of your reputation may tip a balance in your favour.

Be serious about your craft. Your dedication will show in your work. Constantly work towards improvement.

Be organised. Don't believe the adage about "controlled chaos". There is no such thing. Chaos will suck your creativity. Trust me. There is no art to chaos.

Actively seek out opportunity. Because it ain't gonna come find you.

Don't be a dick. This may seem obvious, but sometimes people act like dicks without realising their dickishness. Develop the awareness of how you present. If you're consciously acting like a dick, think twice. Do you really want to be known as a dick?

Be proactive. Especially in kindness. Be proactive in all positive aspects of your life.

______________________
Her Grace says "you", but what she really means is "me".

Create an Artistic Life - Part 2 - Want to be a pro?

When I was young, I received the following bits of advice:

"Hang out with those you want to be like the most." and it's corollary, "Whoever you hang out with, that's who you'll become."

I also received, "Act as if you are already where you want to be."

When I was young, I was also stupid and didn't fully understand these pearls of wisdom for what they truly were. Fortunately, I have gained some wisdom as I age. (Man, why didn't anyone tell me [convincingly] how stupid I was how not to be stupid when I was younger?)¹

So how does this relate to being a professional artist?

It's all about the mindset.

Professional isn't about what you do or where you are, it's all about how you act regarding your craft.

I only truly figured out professionalism about five years ago when I realised I needed to take my craft seriously. Until then I had dreams of being a pro author, but I had the habits and attitude of a hobbyist.

Serious cat is serious.

So here I was, watching my fellow OWW peeps' careers practically skyrocketing while I was lucky to get a handful of short story sales here and there. I sat around with my thumb in my mouth wondering what was going on.

What was going on was they were focused, dedicated and serious about their craft. It really meant something to them.

1. It's not a game. It's real. You gotta ask yourself: do you really want to be an artist, or are you just playing? If you're just playing, then don't be surprised at the tepid little results.

2. Your Art is a priority. You've got stuff you need. Sleep. Food. Supportive human relationships. You do what you gotta do to ensure you have the needful stuff. Your Art should also be a priority, if you want it bad enough. Don't try to fit Art in around the other stuff you have to do. Do your Art first, and fit in other stuff around it.

3. What would a professional artist do? Sit down, make a list, put some thought into this, ask a pro. Know what they actually do, because you need to be doing it as well.

4. Have a plan. Pros always have a plan. Spontaneity, good vibes, sheer dumb luck and "I'll get around to it" are not good plans. "Being published in five years time" is also not a good plan.  "Finish a novel, crit a novel, pitch an agent, write another novel" -- that's a plan.

_____________________
Her Grace regrets the time she wasted not being serious about the craft.

¹There is a difference between saying "Hey, you're stupid!" and "Here's how not to be stupid." At least I had enough sense in my youth to recognise the difference and listen to the latter. It's a shame their advice was few and far between.

Create an Artistic Life - Part 1 - Financial Independence

After Wednesday's post, I realised I wasn't finished saying everything I needed to say. I've gotta lot to say, in hopes that my words will make someone else's life better.

Over the past couple of years I've been putting in some serious thought regarding my writing career.

I want to be a full-time career author.

I work the day job (same place for nearly fifteen years), but dream of the Career. (Doesn't every Artist?)  Wouldn't it be nice not to have to work a day job and to be able to focus solely on my writing?

I owe some thanks to a cousin who's smarter than me, who pointed me in a direction I wish I had known about twenty years ago. If I knew then what I know now, I very likely would have been financially independent today, free from a day job, and indulging full-time in my writing career.

Want to free yourself from a full-time job so you can pursue your art more? Want to give up the day job entirely? Become financially independent.

Financial independence is the key. The reason we get jobs that have nothing to do with our chosen careers is because--let's face it, honey--we gotta eat. Unless you enjoy being a GOSH¹, living in your parents' basement and under their rules, a job is a necessary Adult thing. You've gotta admit, money's nice. Working for the money, maybe not so much. But if you had your money working for you, that'd be so much sweeter.

So, I would like you to meet MR MONEY MUSTACHE. He's a financially independent badass who freed himself early from the Rat Race so he could pursue what he truly loved.

Admit it; that's your dream as well.

If you want to be free to pursue your art, go read his blog from the very beginning and put his principles to work. You don't have to completely adhere to every single thing he does, but he will put your feet on the path of financial independence.

Stop being financially foolish!

I wish Personal Finance & Investing 101 was a primary requisite for anyone pursuing any Arts degree. We'd have a far fewer financially frustrated artists/musicians/writers. Far too many of us artistic types aren't wise when it comes to money, saving and investing when we need to be, especially if we want the independence to be able to pursue our art without starving.

For the Aspiring Artist who's at the beginning of their life, I recommend this simple plan:

1. Get a job. At this point, it doesn't matter too much what it is, because you're not going to be there forever (see this illo to keep you motivated).
2. Keep your spending needs to a minimum and invest every spare cent you can.
3. When your investments are returning enough income to meet your spending needs, quit the day job forever and indulge in your art.
4. Do not dabble. you are not a dilettante. Treat your artistic career professionally. Otherwise, you might as well stay in the Rat Race and keep your art as an occasional hobby.

I might be entering the game twenty years later than I should be, but at least I'm getting into the game.

________________________
Her Grace has a plan. She shares this with you so you can also have a plan.

¹Grown Offspring Still Home.