Harmful Beliefs That Can Prevent Art Career Success and Many Ways to Overcome Them

We all possess an arsenal of certain types of assumptions, habits and excuses that prevent us from achieving our fullest potential. In this article I point to several beliefs that can harm you and prevent you from achieving art career success. You’ll find many ways to overcome them. If you identify with any of the disempowering beliefs listed below you can go immediately to the suggested articles I provide. You will also find many more articles on this website where I offer hundreds of ideas and resources to help you attain your goals.

You can start now taking the path to positive solutions and action steps. As you will discover there are unlimited opportunities to unlock the potential to achieve your art career dreams and goals.

Warning! This article comes with so many links to other fantastic articles you may want to save the link and return often! Enjoy reading!

Belief #1 “I’m computer challenged.”
That’s the excuse I often hear when an artist submits incorrect entries to a competition, or they don’t correct major mistakes on their art website, or why they haven’t updated their blog or social media pages in over a year, or when they procrastinate about sending out their important email newsletter.

You can learn a vast array of computer skills if you want to. There are many simple, free online resources to walk you through the steps. YouTube has tons of free tutorials. You can also hire interns who will work for course credit or small stipends. You can hire a professional who will train you and/or will take care of the tasks for less money than you may think. And, many artists use Fiverr.com for low cost assistance.

Suggested Articles on this Website for the “Computer Challenged” Artist
Free Online Resources for Artists
Free Tools to Create Social Media Graphics to Promote Your Art
Online Resources for Artists to Expand Your Creative and Business Skills

Belief #2 “I don’t have time.”
It’s not how much time there is available to us, it’s how we spend it that makes the biggest difference. Here’s an idea: Take an honest look at how you are spending your time. If necessary, maintain a time log for a week to discover how you can make better use of your time. And, seek time-saving solutions.

Suggested Articles on this Website to Manage Time More Efficiently
16 Steps to Achieve Your Art Career Goals in 30 Days Spending 30 Minutes A Day
10 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Artists
10 More Time-Saving Tips for Busy Artists

Belief #3 “I’m not an extrovert.”
This is what I hear from an artist who doesn’t reach out to build professional relationships. The fact is, you don’t need to be an extrovert to build relationships and develop a successful career. It’s wiser to focus on building admirable qualities that include being enthusiastic, gregarious, altruistic, and trustworthy.

And, you’ll be surprised at the long list of successful introverts that include Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, J.K. Rowling, Bill Gates, President Obama, Abraham Lincoln, and Emma Watson — just to name a few.

Suggested Articles on this Website to help you Build Relationships
Successful Artists Know Relationships Are Key to Growing Your Art Career
Follow The Laws of Nature to Grow Art Career Relationships
10 Steps for Artists to Warm Up “Cold Calls”
Build Your Art Career With People Power

Belief #4: “I don’t have any support or encouragement.”
Perhaps you haven’t been blessed with supportive parents to provide the much needed source of encouragement to excel. Or, maybe you live in a remote area far from artists and art enthusiasts whose camaraderie you crave. Today, to gain support from others you can choose from many arts organizations and other social groups either in person or online. You can join others in social media, webinars, Youtube videos and more. There are unlimited opportunities to connect with others, help you stay motivated and find the support and encouragement you need.

Suggested Articles on this Website to Find Support and Encouragement 
Nurture Your Inner Artist – An Inspirational Visual Reminder
Creating Bonds of Strength with Fellow Artists
Helpful Art Organizations and Resources
Valuable Art Organizations For Artists
How to Handle Rejection as an Artist

Belief #5: “I don’t have any art education”.
Many of the most talented artists I know are self-taught and they are doing very well selling their art. Art education is not a guarantee that you will have a successful career. However, it is important to improve your skills, knowledge and ideas. To advance your education, you don’t need to go far. For instance, major museums offer course, lectures and behind the scene tours.

Suggested Articles on this Website for the Self-Taught Artist
The Art of Self-Education in The Information Age
What Really Is Self-Taught Art and What Does It Mean to Be A Self-Taught Artist?

Belief #6: “I need an Agent or Gallery to Sell My Art”.
What does it mean to have an agent? Do you believe you need to have a gallery to sell your art? The art world has changed dramatically over the last decade and having a gallery does not come with any guarantees. Artists have learned they need to assume responsibility for their own art career success — with or without agents and galleries.

Suggested Articles on this Website about Agents and Galleries
The Truth About Fine Art Agents
Dealing With Dealers and Art Galleries
Beware of Vanity Galleries
Advice About Getting Into New York Art Galleries or Any Desired Galleries

Stay Positive, Focused and Don’t Give Up!

More Suggested Articles on this Website to Help You Stay Motivated
Advice from Artists Who Encourage You To “Never Give Up!”
Positive Possibilities for You as an Artist
Are You an Artist Who Suffers From Occasional or Chronic Low Self-Esteem?
10 Ways to Avoid Art Career Sabotage