10 Ways for Artists to Be Optimistic

There are many things you will never be able to change, such as who your parents are, the closing of your art gallery, or the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic. How much we focus on the current economy or state of the art market will not change the facts nor the statistics. However, we can control the way we view these circumstances and we can choose where we focus our minds and the actions we take. The power we have within us is greater than we may imagine.

Being optimistic is a choice. However, it is not always easy to achieve or sustain this state of mind. In this article I offer 10 ways for artists to be optimistic and ideas on what you can do to make your life more enjoyable now and in the future.

Avoid the Pitfall of Extremist Thinking

Have you noticed that a lot of people think in terms of black or white? An example is “no one is buying art” or “the art market has tanked”. These generalized statements conceal the complete and accurate truth and trap us into states of doom and gloom. This type of thinking is not only incredibly limiting it creates a severe handicap. Instead, the truth is, there are so many shades of grey to see in any given situation and it is important to allow ourselves to see the bigger picture. Decide which “truths” you accept. The best way to protect yourself is to be receptive to different points of view and have a flexible outlook. Realize that whatever situation you find yourself in, things can and will change.  Read “Count The Many Ways to Achieving Art Career Success”.

Seek Opportunities and You Will Find Them

Opportunities can be found within your hand’s reach as well as in distant shores. They are those that whisper and those that come in a roar. Trust they exist and be receptive to all of them. If your mind is closed and pessimistic you won’t see them. Opportunities may be in your email box, from a next door neighbor, a social media connection or a book, podcast or video.  The very talented and optimistic artist Barbara Rachko, barbararoachko.art, posted on Facebook “Amidst the pandemic, I picked up (virtual) gallery representation in London and later this year I’ll be working with someone to sell my art in high-end Manhattan apartments! Two unsolicited invitations so far.” Notice she added “so far”. She expects more opportunities to come her way and I guarantee they will. Read “Artists Who Are Sharing Positive Messages”.

Think Long-Term and Plan for A Better Future

Avoid the danger of being short-sighted. The successful art business plan doesn’t set a deadline for a few months from now. A powerful art business plan usually sets goals for 12 months and longer. A successful art business plan contains well-designed, practical step-by-step activities to get you there. Plan now for several months and a year from now and two years from now. Do you have a plan in place that you are taking steps to achieve this very day? Read How to Create Your Art Business Plan. Every day you get another opportunity to delve into your deepest desires and formulate new ways to bring them to fruition. Read “Take Your Art Career Dreams and Goals Higher”.

Collaborate With Others for Mutual Success

We are pretty much all in the same boat now. We can either be pulled downstream, crash into an embankment or drown together or we can come together and lift each other up, rise and thrive. I suggest you brainstorm with others who are pioneers, problem-solvers and creative achievers. Now, more than ever, there is strength and power in developing camaraderie, teams, support groups and wonderful ways to collaborate with others. Many artists are bringing positive change to the world by working with, and even launching, nonprofit organizations.  Read “The Powerful Art of Collaboration for Mutual Satisfaction”.

Continue to Take Positive Steps Every Day

The worst thing you can do is to panic and withdraw into a state of desperation and inertia. Instead, continue creating the best art you can. Use this time to explore new artistic mediums and directions. Continue to offer your art for sale; after all, not everyone has lost their job. Build a strong body of work and a stellar inventory. Prepare yourself for the time when the economy has improved and more people will want to bring art into their daily lives and galleries will reopen and new ones will appear. In the meantime, consider ways to increase your sales venues, sell your art on online galleries, and from your own website.  Read “10 of the Best Sales Tips For Artists”.

Channel Your Creativity to Find Solutions

You have special gifts as an artist. They include the ability to imagine something in your mind’s eye that does not yet exist and bring that vision to fruition. You can create works of art that alter a viewer’s perception, inspire them and ultimately change the world. Consider, how else can you channel your creativity to help yourself achieve your fullest potential. How will you envision positive outcomes and manifest them? Shall you design new sources of revenue, such as online teaching? Would you consider partnering with an art-related business and actively cross-promote and exchange art marketing efforts? There are many possibilities to increase your income streams. Read “Ways for Artists to Make More Money”.

Decide to Be An Optimist and Train Your Brain

The choice is yours. You can either see the glass as half full or half empty. As one who experienced a very difficult, chaotic childhood, I decided to learn from those experiences and elevate myself from them. Through role models found in literature and in life, I was led from the darkness into a light-filled path of life. So, I know first hand about the power of positive thinking. You can train your brain. Read “The Art of Creating Positive Grooves in the Brain”.

Avoid Naysayers and Pessimists and Follow Positive Role Models

I am appreciative to the pessimists because they remind me how fortunate I am to have a positive attitude. If you are vulnerable, they may test your level of faith and optimism, but they can also be debilitating and cause anxiety. Try to limit your exposure to them. Also limit your exposure to mainstream negative media. Be selective about how and where you obtain news and information. Surround yourself with people who are motivators and achievers. Watch podcasts presented by optimists. I practice that daily.  Read “Get Inspired by Famous and Courageous Artists”.

Look to History for Positive Changes in Art

According to a recent article in Los Angeles Times, it’s been known that in the 20th century, tuberculosis, typhoid, polio and Spanish flu breakouts prompted urban planning, slum clearance, tenement reform, waste management and more. Modernism  emerged complete with wide open spaces, and cleaner surfaces such as glass and steel. These might be clues to how design and architecture will evolve after the COVID-19 pandemic which have an impact on the kind of art will be placed in those new spaces.

Choose An Attitude of Gratitude and Your Gifts Will Multiply

Whether or not you believe in the Law of Attraction there are certain laws that we may not necessarily “see” but they exist. Practice reciting gratitude affirmations. Keep a gratitude journal and read and add to it every morning and at the end of the day. Try it and depending on how much resentment, regret and pessimism you need to erase, in a short period of time you will experience life differently.  I have integrated this attitude so deeply that even when a challenge occurs instead of feeling frustrated I immediately go into “gratitude mode”. I believe the challenge will teach me something new. Read “The Art of Gratitude and Giving through Creative Expression”.

A Few Key Notes

* Decide which “truths” you accept.
* Be aware of all opportunities — those near and far, those that whisper and those that come with a resounding roar.
* Connect and brainstorm with others who are optimists, pioneers, problem-solvers and creative achievers.
* Limit your exposure to negative news and people.
* Use this time to explore, discover, and create the best art of your life!
* Be prepared for a new and better future. It will come.

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