July: Mindset

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.”

– Stella Adler

Things I love about July - being outdoors amongst barbecues, fireworks and the warm summer breeze. Mentally, I’m feeling pretty good this time of year because summer is at it’s peak here in the U.S. For me, this month feels the perfect backdrop to talk about mindset.

As artists, mindset is everything. There is a lot of negative noise around making art - from things we tell ourselves to things the world says about art. This negativity is damaging to our work. While we can’t change how others view art, we can change how we talk to ourselves. By talking to ourselves more positively, we have the best chance at reversing the damaging stereotypes the world tells us.

Below are some negative stereotypes around art that I’m sure you’ve heard. I’ve told myself all of these at some point in my career…

All artists are poor, except a few really famous ones.

I have to jump through certain hoops before I can call myself an artist.

I wasn’t born with enough talent.

Art isn’t a respectable profession.

Artists aren’t smart.

Artists lack direction in life.

Wanting to be a professional artist is an unrealistic childhood dream.

Art isn’t important.

Then on the flip side, we hear things like this…

The world needs more art.

The arts are important.

Artists are so lucky they get to do what they love for a living.

I wish I could paint like you.

I’ve said before that art can be an isolating profession. That’s because most artists work alone and are misunderstood by those closest to them. The world values more “practical” pursuits. Most people don’t really “get” art. For those of us who do, it’s not just what we do but it’s who we are. That’s why we have to stand together and support one another.

In my video this month, I’m talking about how mindset has impacted my creative journey.

Journal Prompts:

  1. Do I think of myself as an artist? Why or why not?

  2. What is the worst thing I say to myself in relation to my art?

  3. What is the best thing I say to myself in relation to my art?

  4. Finish this statement. When it comes to art, I wish the world would…

Sketchbook Prompts:

  1. Find an inspiring artist quote and illustrate it in your sketchbook.

  2. Illustrate a positive phrase you believed about your art.

  3. Illustrate a portrait of an artist you admire.

  4. Illustrate a portrait of someone in your life who makes you feel valued as an artist. Around their portrait, write down what they do to make you feel this way.

Assignment:

On little scraps of paper, write down positive things you wish other people would say about your art. For example, “You are the most talented artist I know.”

Write as many positive statements as you can think of. Then, fold up the pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Take out one per day and read it to yourself until you’ve gone through the whole jar.

Fun Finds:

Nicole Cicak