Questions are the driving forces behind knowledge, invention, solutions, creativity as well as personal and professional growth. As a mentor for artists I often suggest empowering questions for artists to ask themselves in order to propel their career forward. They have helped artists gain clarity, find solutions, and lead to greater confidence. I frequently ask artists questions they often have never thought about. This interaction brings light to important career issues and leads us to a place of heightened awareness often referred to as those “Aha!” moments. In this article I offer more than 30 empowering questions for artists to ask themselves.
The Brain Solves Problems With Questions
Problems are much more easily solved when you use the power of questions. As soon as you begin asking questions the brain automatically begins working on them and continues the mental process even when you aren’t consciously aware of what’s going on.
The Art of Visualization
To create the ideal art career-life you want it’s important to start with a visualization of it. Get into a comfortable position, close your eyes, and imagine that you have everything you need in your art career. Then, apply the power of questions:
* Where are you geographically?
* Who are you with?
* As you envision yourself walking into your studio what does it look and feel like?
* How does your work in progress appear?
* What does your art career look like?
* What people are there to support you and your goals?
* What are you most grateful for?
Self-Confidence and Career Success-Generating Questions
It’s human nature to find ourselves more preoccupied by our imperfections than our accomplishments. Questions like these will lead to a more positive and confident frame of mind and action steps.
* Why is my art desirable?
* How does my art stand out from other art being created today?
* How and why does my work appeal to others?
* How do people react to my art?
* How do buyers feel when they express a desire for my art?
* How do my followers, fans and buyers describe my work?
* What art credentials am I most proud of?
* Why did I win the awards and accolades I achieved?
* What unique characteristics best describe my professional personality?
* What creative abilities and strengths are most admirable?
* How can I become successful and enjoy the process?
Financial Abundance-Generating Questions
If you are like most artists financial problems are very challenging. Here, again, these questions may lead to solutions.
* What are my financial needs?
* How many ways can I think of to raise the money I need?
* How may I barter my artwork for professional services?
* What project of mine would be best suited for a crowdfunding website?
* What grants are available to me?
* What new and existing art items will I sell in the next 12 months?
* What does my ideal customer profile look like?
* How can I increase my income from the previous year?
* What financial system can I set up to best manage my business?
* What can I do to attract more buyers?
Avoid Negative Questions
When practicing the art of asking questions avoid negative questions which will most likely lead to negative thoughts and answers. Instead of asking yourself, “Why am I such a failure”, consider formulating questions like these:
* How can I approach this situation better?
* What lesson is here for me to learn from this experience?
* What’s the next step I should take?
* Where should I concentrate my energy right now?
I don’t see much about marketing. I have found that FB is ideal for me in my marketing efforts – much more than IG or twitter or Pinterest – so this year I’m setting up a system so I can market quietly but effectively every day. setting up a marketing calendar, or editorial calendar, some ppl call it – will really help. we need to pay mroe attention to the business end of our businesses, bcz, after all, we ARE in business –
Thank you Angela,
Regarding Facebook, I’ve been reading a lot lately about FB making more changes that will affect us and our outreach in 2018, so make sure you’re kept up to date about these changes so you can tailor your marketing plans accordingly. Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy New Year!
“What does my ideal customer profile look like?” has given me real pause for thought. I’m now in the process of thinking through all my past buyers and trying to find positive ways of connecting to more people like them.
Thanks so much for this article. Happy and Prosperous New Year Renee!
Thank you Ruth. I’m always excited when an article I wrote stimulates thought. Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!
Damn good!
I shared it on Twitter with a note that it’s not just good for artists, but anyone!
Thank you Victoria! You’re the greatest. Did you see the new video “See How Art Transforms Rooms” – your art is included — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDE2nS24X2c
Thank you for this post, there is some very useful information.
I ask myself: What is the purpose of what I create? How can I escape my pain? How do I feel about politics? How can I clearly reveal that which I hold sacred? Is my art timeless? Does my idea have merit? It is more of a scientific approach come to think of it.