A successful artist is a person who is able to create something that manifests their truth…a perception that they feel they need to bring to the world. A successful creative person is someone who continues to create no matter what happens. I respect many artists. They are not all extremely successful in the art market, or in the art status structure. Some are, and some aren’t. Some of the ones I respect have been overlooked. But I still consider them to be successful, because they have succeeded to give the world their vision, even though the world does not always acknowledge their worth…In other words, I define a successful career as much more than just external validation.
– Jan Harrison
via Black Sheep Pen.
Comments 8
“In other words, I define a successful career as much more than just external validation.”
-Amen.
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Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 9:19 am ¶Perfect words from an artist who struggled as kid growing up from a single parent family to following her passion with great integrity. No matter what career you chose you can still kick-ass as long as your passionate about it 100%.
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Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 9:22 am ¶Happiness is success.
Every other form of measurement is entertaining illusions of grandeur.
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Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 9:58 am ¶If other people don’t want the external validation I’ll gladly take it.
Yes, it’s nobel to be true to your art. And I know many talented people that don’t get the recognition they deserve – as well as many that do succeed based on their showmanship rather than their talent.
There are times to celebrate the work that you’ve done and times to work at putting your art out into the world.
It’s still possible to dream about having it all.
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Tim Reply:
October 1st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
@Mark Harmel, In my opinion, there’s a clear difference between validation and recognition. One purpose of art is to convey an idea or interpretation to others through your given medium. I think without recognition from, at least a few others, that hasn’t really been achieved. I see validation as seeking someone’s approval to be recognized as an artist; to be celebrated by a certain, so-called hierarchy.
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I’m so glad you post these. I follow your blog daily and as a struggling photographer (and aspiring artist, who is considering a second job at the moment to make ends meet), I find many of your blog entries really connect with me. Thanks for all the posts.
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Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 2:14 pm ¶The only time you fail is when you quit. Have lived by that motto for years. Also as a creative person working in the music industry…success is not defined by the dollars or recognition you receive. Continuing to strive for what “is” marks success in all creative endeavors.
Janet Hansen
Scout66.com
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Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 3:56 pm ¶What about social responsibility and success? For me, in the end, it’s about if my work or working has not only made me happy, but has also made the world a better place – forget the recognition and money – it is only a means to an end.
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Posted 02 Oct 2009 at 6:27 am ¶sounds like blabla to me.
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Posted 05 Oct 2009 at 9:24 am ¶Post a Comment