I have a daily mental arm wrestling match.

To be a professional artist means to have a good head for business.  Of course you could spend tens of thousands of dollars and hire someone(s) to represent you and handle all of your accounting, but let’s just assume you don’t want to.

So you have to juggle the mental state of conducting business and being creative.  This is the mental match I mentioned above.

It’s similar to the switch that occurs when working in different media, in fine arts vs. entertainment, or working on a private commission vs. a public location.

The end result is usually a lop-sided day – a lot of creating accomplished or a lot of networking/generating business.

Beware having too many of one and not enough of the other – especially on the business end of things.  It can be seductive in a way.  Before too long, what you represent can easily transcend into representations of itself.  Prints, giclee’s, photos, merchandising and all ways “milking” something you will have done years ago.

In our high-speed society, you may lose your endurance for bigger projects, more time-consuming endeavours, or being creative at all.

And before you know it, you WERE an artist.

In all things, balance.  Of course you have to pay the bills, but don’t forget your dreams in the process.

Did you know you’re being watched?

I don’t mean to foster paranoia, but it has been said (at least in public) that someone always sees EVERYTHING you do.  Whether or not it registers, they do anything with the information, or if they’ll even remember it remains to be seen.  I like to think that there exists the potential for greatness in everyone and I may be in the presence of the next famous (you fill in the blank.)  It staggers the imagination!

But it goes both ways.  Anyone who stands before the multitude – in a classroom, as a politician, in entertainment, etc. has an impact.  Aside from a few comedians and several country music singers, I don’t hear a lot of appreciation expressed.

I think part of living one’s faith, ideals, ethics or all-of-the-above means realizing the impact you have on all who perceive you.  I especially (at the risk of sounding cocky) like to reflect on my impact on children.  They are the future and how inspired or jaded they become has a lot to do with who they interact with. 

It’s really quite a responsibility and can even be heavy at times – especially if they all remember you but you’re terrible with names (like me – the flakiness in my family is legendary!)

So whether your destiny is great fame or “simply” to teach, be aware of those that follow you.  Whether their feedback is verbal or non-verbal, you are a key part in raising up or dashing the future.

Say “thank you” anytime you feel it – and expand on your feelings when you can.

Smile! Be at least happy to see whomever is THRILLED to see you!

Your personal life has NOTHING to do with their esteem.  Keep it out of your interaction.  For example, kids don’t care about your finances, marital situation, or even being late for work.  Check your problems at the door.

And embrace opportunities to go the extra mile and not just the bare minimum.  Givers gain!

Enjoy!