What does your self-talk sound like? How often do you encourage yourself in between expending energy encouraging others? The phrase “our own worst critics” doesn’t come from nowhere, indeed it is quite common for many people to motivate those around them while quietly sabotaging their own efforts. It is important for anyone to find their way to saying yes to their own efforts. For anyone building a career in the arts, this skill is absolutely critical. We cannot achieve what we don’t believe in. Praxis student Janice has taken up this challenge and it is paying off. In her own words:
“Joining Praxis and conversing here is my way to say “yes” to myself. I am breaking open some champagne tonight! Today, I received a check for two paintings sold to an architectural firm to be installed in a lobby of a renovated building. I worked to keep this contact alive and it paid off a year later after the first spark of them showing interest…I also found out that I was juried into two exhibits this month! One in particular, was curated by an artist whose work I really respect. What was especially exciting about this was that I entered a new piece that is painted in a more representational style from old family photos, a continuation of a body of work that I haven’t shown since 2004. ”
Praxis Center is not your average art school. We help artists access the tools and skills needed to achieve a career. This includes the ability to say YES to yourself. To set aside the fears and anxieties that hold you back so that you can take chances and achieve results. When you join us you not only receive a full suite of courses to hone your art business skills, you also tap into a community of experts and peers ready to support you. What does all this add up to? The ability and the courage to say a resounding YES.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists; Making it in the Art World, New Markets for Artists, The Art World Demystified, Fund Your Dreams Like a Creative Genius, Sell Online Like a Creative Genius and the forthcoming Succeed with Social Media Like a Creative Genius.
Signed and doodled copies of these books can be purchased from Praxis Center.
Golden Artist Colors began publishing the Just Paint newsletter in 1989, a source for information about painting techniques, product information, and the latest research in art materials. Now online, JustPaint.org has become one of the most exhaustive resources for technical information in fine art. With the new Just Paint Experience, GOLDEN is expanding the concept to provide artists with quick-reading, studio-oriented content to help bring their visions to life.
When you subscribe to Just Paint Experience (free), you’ll receive access to exclusive content. GOLDEN will also notify you whenever there is new content added to the site.
Photo credit: Phileas