the artist's€¦ · the artist's SUCCESS PATH YOUR ROAD-MAP TO A SUCCESSFUL & PROFITABLE CREATIVE...

the artist'sSUCCESS PATH

YOUR ROAD-MAP TO A SUCCESSFUL & PROFITABLE CREATIVE CAREER

FROM STUDIO

HOBBYIST

EMERGING ARTIST

AFICIONADO

CREATIVEMAVEN

the artist's SUCCESS PATH

PIONEERING ARTIST

What if there were a path you could follow in your creative business? What if there were pre-mapped steps you could take and track as you progress? Well, here ya go!

I’ve walked this road myself, taking my sweet little hobby and transforming it into a highly profitable business employing others and giving life to myself and thousands of others who come in contact with my studio.

But let’s back up. I am the first to acknowledge that the creative life can be glorious and endlessly fulfilling — but it also comes with so many unknowns. You are blending two challenges: creativity & entrepreneurship, and that blend comes with its own unique cocktail of uncertainties.

When I was beginning my creative career as a fine artist, I was walking out of art school without a vision or clarity on what “a career as an artist” actually looked like. There was no plan. I started scattering my energies around — setting up an Etsy shop at random in 2007, painting every now and then, creating a line of hand-painted cards... no rhyme or reason. Not only is this kind of energy expenditure really exhausting, it is also highly unsustainable and unreliable.

From that scattered place, I began quieting my mind and setting some goals & creating processes. Those goals turned into profitable work that I found joy and satisfaction in, which slowly, steadily grew into a business that I am immensely proud of and thankful for. This path does not unfold overnight or within 12 months or 2 years... I’m still on the path 3,650 days later! But I can see that the steps I took to get to this point were not actually rocket science. They are highly repeatable.

Okay, want more details?

STEP ONE: Realize your love for creativity and dedicate your energy to pursuing it. Begin developing a style truly unique to you and your vision. PROFIT: <$

STEP TWO: Begin to offer your work to the world (friends, family, and strangers), selling your work and finding joy in that process. Dip your toe into thoughtful marketing and growth. PROFIT: $

STEP THREE: Realize this passion is a business and begin treating it as such. Profitability, marketing, expansion all take place in droves during this phase of your journey. PROFIT: $$

STEP FOUR: You are running a fairly complex and diverse business by this phase. Opportunities are being attracted to you, your business includes several streams of income, your work isestablished and career-making, your audience is devoted, and you have space to really expand and to play. PROFIT: $$$

STEP FIVE: Your work is making culture-changing, mountain-moving impact. You know you can’t commit to work alone and are collaborating with a team of people you admire. PROFIT: $$$$

let's dive in.

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read through the success path from start to finish.

In order to “place yourself ” inside one of these stages you must also be able to check YES to all the previous stage’s accomplishment & “Next Steps”.

You can stop along the path at any point. Getting to “the end” is not the goal. Find the space that feels the most aligned for you right now and be aware of where you can grow if and when

you choose to.

ALLOW THIS PATH TO INSPIRE YOUR ACTIONS

AND TO GIVE YOU A BLUEPRINT TO USE AS YOU MOVE FORWARD

Ok! Press on!

HOBBYIST

VISION: You are envisioning a beautiful career as a creative You are gathering inspiration for your creative work & for your business

SUSTAINABILITY: You have established a rhythm or a schedule for your creative work that allows you to see marked progress each month You are passionately pursuing your creative work, but also aware that your energy is precious

MARKETING: You are beginning to share your creative work within communities that feel safe and supportive (family, friends, social media, etc.)

CREATIVE PROCESS: You have fallen in love with the creative process You are actively working to find your creative voice and style

Congratulations!* *You are beginning your journey and falling in love with your creative process.

This is the perfect time to begin finding your unique creative voice, your aesthetic, and to begin warming your audience (large or small) to the idea of you as an Artist.

*

*

BEGIN SHARING YOUR JOURNEY and your work as you feel comfortable, knowing that each time you do, you move a little bit closer to your dream of becoming a professional artist and possibly even a full time creative entrepreneur!

It can be tricky to create work in a particular “style” while in this exploration phase, but begin actively seeking out an aesthetic you feel a connection with. Mix in some gentle goal-setting & future planning for a business, and you will be well on your way to creating a sustainable creative career and brand! YES! It really is sooooo close.

But remember that your main focus is to hone your craft, TO CREATE GOOD WORK, and develop a style that is your own and that you can be deeply proud of.

You may not be conscious of this, but YOU ARE GAINING CONFIDENCE, clarity, and courage, and those are going to be much needed in the future.

This phase is precious and it can be very tricky to return to this quiet, safe space once you officially venture into the world of “creative entrepreneurship,” so cherish this time.

PROFIT IN THE “HOBBYIST”STAGE: <$

While you might make some income during this time, your goal is to refine yourcraft, not your bottom line. That will come in time.

nourish your creativity, DEVELOP YOUR STYLE & GAIN THE TENACITY NEEDED TO MOVE

FORWARD BOLDLY AND BEAUTIFULLY.

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an Aficionado can check “yes” to each of these statements

look out for:OVERWHELM. There is a lot of growth ahead, but don’t let that intimidate you! Progress is quiet and slow because it is the very best way for us to grow. Anything else would be too painful. So rest in the knowledge that you are exactly where you need to be.

FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY. It’s totally true that you might not have all the answers to all the things right now — and that is completely okay, but that does not mean that your ideas are invalid or that your vision is silly or that your opinion and voice in the creative world is not needed. It is SO needed! Be boldly, beautifully you (and guess what? by doing so, you are going to grow by leaps and bounds and will attract some amazing people to your journey)!

THE URGE TO RUSH FORWARD because you can envision your future as a world class artist but instead you are doodling and smudging paint around. Trust me — I get it. I still feel this way! Keep hold of that vision and that burninginspiration, and commit to loving your dream so much that you will take all the 10,000 small steps needed to get you there.

next steps:ENVISION YOUR CREATIVE “BRAND” AND AIM TOWARDS THAT VISION

RECOGNIZE & VISUALIZE YOUR ASPIRATIONS. THIS INSIGHT WILL HELP TO GUIDE YOUR CHOICES MOVING FORWARD.

DOCUMENT YOUR WORK (MOBILE PHOTOS ARE FINE! )

BEGIN SHARING YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY AND ATTRACTING A COMMUNITY. THIS CAN BE AS INTIMATE OR AS EXTROVERTED A PROCESS AS YOU WISH.

WORK TOWARDS CREATING YOUR FIRST COLLECTION OR PRODUCT LINE

CREATE A WEBSITE AND SHOP THAT ELEVATES YOUR WORK AND MAKES IT ACCESSIBLE TO YOUR AUDIENCE

CHOOSE SOMETHING TO INVEST IN THAT WILL FURTHER YOUR INSPIRATION (A NEW TUBE OF PAINT, CAMERA LENS, COURSE, BOOK...)

Investing time, energy, passion, & resources into your vision gives it life.

further reading:All 3 books by Austin Kleon

Big Magic — Elizabeth Gilbert

Creative Block — Danielle Krysa

The War of Art — Steven Pressfield

The biography of every artist you’re interested in!

WORK WITHIN YOUR VALUES. YOUR VALUES WILL DIRECT YOUR STEPS AND WILL HELP YOU CREATE A SUSTAINABLE AND FULFILLING CREATIVE CAREER.

Need more insight? Check out the Do It For The Process Podcast!

Longing for some direction as you move forward and some community as you step into this big, creative world? I invite you to check out THE COLLECTIVE — a membership built on the idea that we are better when we do this together. Education, mentorship, & community.

WWW.EMILYJEFFORDSLEARN.COM/COLLECTIVE

HOBBYIST

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EMERGING ARTIST

*

VISION: Your idea about what an artist can be is expanding and inspiring your actions

BRAND: You are creating a recognizable brand with distinct mood, colors, and images

SUSTAINABILITY: You are beginning to selling your work regularly

MARKETING You beginning to develop a presence on social media and are sharing your creative vision & work consistently You are consistently creating work and offering it to your community You have a website that offers your work elegantly and accessibly

CREATIVE PROCESS: Your aesthetic is defined and you are creating work in a style that is both resonant with you and appeals to your audience and customers You are creating work in a rhythm that feels exciting and sustainable

...and she's off! * *Woohoo! You are officially on your way to having a thriving creative career.

You have taken many of the bravest steps of your life to get to this point! Stepping out as a professional & offering your work to the world takes tremendous bravery so take a moment to acknowledge that brilliance!

*

Exciting times ahead! Your business has begun to grow and you are SENSING THAT IT CAN + WILL BE SUSTAINABLE. Your work is selling consistently, but you know there is space for some major growth (and that you want to pursue it).

You are DEVELOPING A COLLECTION, SERIES, OR LINE that you're proud of and you are able to market with the kind of passion that feels contagious.

This is the point in your career when you feel emboldened to proudly say “I AM AN ARTIST.” You can own that titleknowing that you are speaking the truth and that your work deserves to be championed in that way.

But let’s take that one step further: It is great to be know “as an artist,” but, in order to make a real impact, you need to become KNOWN FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC. Become “the lady who ____” (paints wedding bouquets, designs branding with a mid-century-modern vibe, sculpts gems in clay, bakes cakes using ingredients from local farmers, etc.). This takes a lot of clarity on your part but is SO helpful as you work to make an impact in this space.

LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CREATIVE CAREER. You can, of course, pivot and change your mind, but the clearer you can get during this phase, the better it will be for your marketing and business growth. CLARITY DURING THIS PHASE IS GOLD.

PROFIT IN THE “EMERGINGARTIST” STAGE: $

steady, though you’re probably not getting wealthy.Plenty of space for growth (which is, of course, the fun part)

Focus on slow, steady progress& set monthly sales goals.

want people to pay attention?HAVE AN OPINION. OPINIONS GIVE YOUR WORK A VOICE AND THEY GIVE YOU A VOICE WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT YOUR WORK. OPINIONS

WILL NATURALLY ATTRACT YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE.

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look out for:PRESSURE TO GROW QUICKLY. You have the vision and longing to “make it” as an artist, and it can be tempting to want to push past this phase quickly. Don’t. You are laying such a strong foundation by settling into your creativity and gaining clarity about what you want to be known for.

OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. One of the bravest things you will ever do is say, for the first time, “I am an artist.” This is especially true if you are transitioning from a different career path or are more established in life. It can be relatively easy to make that claim if you are fresh out of art school, but even then, it’s a big deal. Along with that statement you might also feel a large dose of inadequacy. You might hear something along these lines: “Who are you to say ‘you’re an artist?’ You haven’t created as much as so-and-so and your work isn’t as good as so-and-so...” And, while that may be true, it does not mean your work is any less valid or that you should remain silent. NO! The world needs your beautiful, unique voice.

TOO MUCH INSPIRATION FROM YOUR PEERS. Keep your work really pure. Don’t derive too much inspiration from another artist (especially someone else in the current art scene). The only way to create a strong foundation for your creative career is to offer work that is uniquely inspired and totally your own.

next steps:CLEARLY VISUALIZE AND BEGIN TO DEFINE YOUR NEXT-LEVEL BRAND AESTHETIC AND VISION

REFINE YOUR WEBSITE SO THAT IT ELEVATES YOUR WORK AND SPEAKS TO YOUR VISION

STUDY YOUR CURRENT AUDIENCE AND DEFINE YOUR “IDEAL CUSTOMER”

TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TO GROW YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER BASE

SET UP AN EMAIL NEWSLETTER LIST AND BEGIN ATTRACTING SUBSCRIBERS

CONTINUE REFINING YOUR CREATIVE ABILITY SO THAT YOUR WORK ATTRACTS CUSTOMERS AND CLIENTS ON ITS OWN

EXPLORE UNIQUE WAYS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS (TEACHING, OFFERING NEW PRODUCTS, HOSTING A RETREAT...)

Nourish yourself as you step into this new life. You are doing brilliant things!

further reading:Style Your Brand — Fiona Humberstone

Art Money Success — Maria Brophy

The Business of Being an Artist — Daniel Grant

Hashtag Authentic – Sara Tasker

The Smartist Artist — Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova





EMERGING ARTIST

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PIONEERING ARTIST

VISION: You have established yourself as a relevant voice in your niche by showing up consistently as a source of clarity & authority You are elevating your work by also elevating everything that surrounds it (styling, packaging, website, photography, displays, etc.)

BRAND: You have created a recognizable brand with distinct mood, colors, and aesthetic Your brand aesthetic is beginning to really fit your vision & the quality you desire

SUSTAINABILITY: Your revenue is increasing consistently and is providing for your needs, but there is You have diversified your brand in several ways so your income is not depended on one revenue stream

MARKETING: You are in conversation with your audience, meeting their needs & creating for them You are marketing your business effectively and consistently across social media & to your email list You have a sustainable marketing calendar planned out (for at least the next quarter)

CREATIVE PROCESS: You are creating and selling work in a rhythm that is sustainable for your creativity & the profitability of your business You are able to summon inspiration when it is needed — you no longer rely on random bursts of creativity

Oh, lady...! * *Woohoo! This is me cheering for you because you are well on your way to making this beautiful dream into a real, solid, sustainable REALITY!

Let this sink in for just a moment. You create something beautiful (because it brings you joy) and you get PAID. FOR. IT.

Can you imagine a better career? Me either.

You are embracing challenges and learning as much as possible to reach your dreams. You are gaining in boldness and reaching a little bit further each day.

Celebrate that mentality! It leads to great success & some seriously beautiful work.

*

Exciting times ahead! Your business has begun to grow and you are SENSING THAT IT CAN & WILL BE SUSTAINABLE. Your work is selling consistently, but you know there is space for some major growth (and that you want to pursue it).

At this point, you are probably sensing that your work is attracting people all on its own (such a magical feeling). It is singing loud & proud, and your ideal customers and collectors are being pulled towards it like a magnet.

This might feel like magic, but you and I know full well that it is NOT. A lot of work is going into this “effortless happenstance connection”. For one, YOU ARE SHOWING UP CONSISTENTLY, day in and day out for years. You are CREATING GOOD WORK (that’s huge!), you are photographing it well, sharing it in a way that ELEVATES THE WORK, and talking about it basically non-stop (don’t stop) — and boom! Magic! LOL

Do you want to know what’s actually happening? Your audience is RESONATING WITH THE EMOTIONS YOU ARE OFFERING and THE OPINIONS SHARED IN YOUR WORK. They are feeling all the feelings, feeling seen and heard within your work and brand, and that is what they’re buying. Fascinating, right?

Let this idea really take hold and begin to focus on it as you move through this phase and into the next phase of success (the Aficionado).

YOU ARE CREATING SOMETHING THAT IS NEEDED AND RESONATES STRONGLY WITH YOUR AUDIENCE.

CONT. 8

A Pioneering Artist can check “yes” to each of these statements:

PIONEERING ARTIST

The phrase “DO IT FOR THE PROCESS” is probably feeling pretty important to you right about now. It can be so tempting to produce work like a machine or write content like a robot (“just do what needs to be done and do it quickly!”). You know so intimately that this is NOT sustainable and that your joy needs to be rooted in the process. You are an artist after all! The process is what brings life to everything!

Ok, let’s get real for a second. This career IS beautiful, but it can become a bit much at times — especially when you feel surges of growth and your head is spinning from the energy of it all.

IF YOU ARE STARTING TO FEEL PULLED IN 1,000 DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS IT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE AT A CROSSROADS. There are so many options available to you at this phase in your career and they all look shiny and profitable and wonderful. It’s a good thing you took time to write down some clear-headed goals!

look out for:DISTRACTIONS. Shiny objects and opportunities are everywhere. Keep your goals and aspirations really clear and get used to saying “no” frequently so that you have the energy and resources for your higher vision.* *Be discerning about which path is right for you and your work.

LONELINESS. You are entering a level of success and dedication to your work that your friends might not fully understand. It is very important to find a community of creatives and entrepreneurs who will understand your struggles and successes intimately.

EXCUSES. You are doing things you have never done before and bringing a level of refinement to your work that might surprise even yourself. Don’t stop! Continue refining and finessing. What may have worked in the past might not work moving foward. You are creating a BRAND, a body of work that deserves to be supported, and a work ethic that needs to be valued if you are going to make it past 2021. Do it for the process and really learn to love this process of refinement in ALL areas of your business.

LIMITING MONEY MINDSET. Many creative entrepreneurs stop growing at this point because to grow also includes earning more money and many of us don’t think we can earn a good living, so we don’t try.

Nope. No. No.

Do not hold your beauty back because you are caught up in the idea that creativity should be a struggle, and to struggle is to “starve” or to suffer. That’s not actually romantic.

wake up call:YOU ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE A STARVING ARTIST.

Starving artists have no voice. Starving artists have no ability to share their message boldly and vibrantly. Starving artists have no influence and no ability to act generously.

YOU ARE DESIGNED TO THRIVE.

Spend time with this idea. Get to know artists and creatives (such as myself, Bonnie Christine, Gina Julian, Britt Bass, Lulie Wallace, Heather Day, and many others) who are all creating beauty AND getting paid well for it.

It is 100% possible for you too — but only after allowing this truth to sink in.

PROFIT IN THE “PIONEERING ARTIST”STAGE: $$-$$$

You are growing in all ways.You are feeling more comfort & wiggle room than ever before in your business.You are able to hire help when needed and create the lifestyle you desire.

You’re on the right path. Why stop now?

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next steps:SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY: DIVERSIFY YOUR PRODUCT LINE SO YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY DOESN’T RELY ON ONE THING

IMPROVE YOUR SYSTEMS TO CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

TAKE YOUR EMAIL LIST SERIOUSLY AND BEGIN SENDING EMAILS THAT SPEAK TO YOUR AUDIENCE DIRECTLY AND WITHIN YOUR BRAND VOICE (SEND AT LEAST ONE EMAIL A MONTH)

REFINE YOUR BRAND AESTHETICS AND VOICE — CREATE A BRAND STYLE GUIDE

PREEMPTIVELY MAKE A LIST OF OPPORTUNITIES AND SITUATIONS YOU WILL SAY “NO” TO. BOUNDARIES KEEP YOU SAFE AND CREATIVE FOR THE LONG HAUL!

WORK CONSISTENTLY AND WISELY TO GROW YOUR AUDIENCE & EMAIL MARKETING. GROWTH IN THESE AREAS IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT AS YOU SCALE YOUR BUSINESS, BUT MONITOR YOUR TIME. THIS IS NOT YOUR FULL TIME JOB ;)

BEGIN TRACKING YOUR TASKS AND TAKING NOTE OF WHICH ARE MOST PROFITABLE AND WHICH TASKS CAN BE OUTSOURCED TO AN ASSISTANT (WOOHOO!)

In case no one has told you recently, YOU can achieve great things (even as an artist).

do it for the processAND FIND PROFITABILITY IN THAT WORK

further reading:Style Your Brand and Brand Brilliance — Fiona Humblestone Do the Work — Steven Pressfield

Art Write — Vicki Krohn Amorose In the Company of Women — Grace Bonney





PIONEERING ARTIST

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AFICIONADO

VISION: Your business includes 5+ streams of revenue You are able to anticipate the desires of your audience and create what they are hoping for before they ask for it

BRAND: Your brand is well established within your community, niche, and among your ideal customer base Your work is well rounded, refined, and elevated. It is recognizable and admired by your ideal audience

SUSTAINABILITY: You have created a business that has grown to sustain you — financially — physically — emotionally You have established healthy boundaries to keep your energy focused You have assistance in your business (virtual assistant, studio manager, etc.)

MARKETING You have a 12 month launch & marketing calendar mapped out You have grown (and are growing) a substantial social media and email marketing community through consistent engagement & conversation You have set up at least one source of “lead generation” (an attractive opt-in to your newsletter) You are growing customer base by reaching outside of your natural market You are seeking representation & press frequently

CREATIVE PROCESS: You are creating creative work that is defining your creative career & is being recognized as such You are able to create work you are proud of consistently and within a rhythm that is sustainable

Now this is where it gets really fun. You have established yourself as the expert in, well, probably several areas by now, but certainly in your creative work. You are finding joy in the process of growing and expanding your business, and your audience is responding to your ideas so vibrantly & energetically.

YOU ARE CHANGING THE CULTURE WITHIN YOUR NICHE! I can say this so resolutely because I know that, by this phase, when you speak, people listen. They consider your ideas and respect your vision. They are here for you, sista! What an honor. And, because you value your people and you are honored to be in this place, you show up so wholeheartedly and consistently and with so much passion you attract even more people! What a party!

The work you do impacts more people than you even know.

PROFIT IN THE“AFICIANADO” STAGE: $$$

Your business is providing ample income. You are able to grow your business and live comfortably

Focus on expansion, growth, & setting bigger and bigger goals

Your vision is clear, you believe in your work, you have opinions that need to be shared, & all of this is

validated because people are paying attention.

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An Aficionado can check “yes” to each of these statements:

fact: you are the expert BUT YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL ALONE

AFICIONADO

Whether they are paying attention to your words, your artwork, your cookbooks, your educational resources, your gardening plans, or your ideas on motherhood... the things your community listens to are the things that matter most to them, so share your wisdom as generously as you are able.

Continue refining your brand aesthetic and voice. It matters at this stage more than ever that your work be wrapped in a brand that elevates and supports it elegantly and beautifully. Your website needs to act as your ambassador, greeting people from around the globe, sharing your unique perspective and vision. Your social media accounts need to be full of images and words that support your brand’s vision, giving your audience a tiny taste of what they will get when the dig in even more, buy your work, and work with you.

This is also the phase to get creative with your marketing and outreach. Just because your past actions brought you here does not mean they will help you progress further. Consider podcasting, blogging, and collaborating with other brands and influencers, offering your work in a new way, partnering with a new company... get creative! Unless you have outsourced your marketing to a highly skilled agency, you are in charge of supporting your work in the world. YOU are in charge of allowing it to shine.

look out for:FEAR OF GROWTH. Speaking from experience, growth can beuncomfortable. It can feel like anxiety, stress, or nervous energy that has no outlet. It can also be uncomfortable to grow because, in doing so, you may very well surpass people that you admire and respect which can create a strange dynamic every once in a while. Don’t let that hold you back. It’s only weird for a bit, then you realize that you haven’t actually changed that much after all, and you can still relate with your peers, family, friends... on 1,000 other levels (and those matter more anyways!).

IMPOSTOR SYNDROME. I’m telling you, YOU ARE THE EXPERT (in your thing at least) but I know my chanting those words to you over and over wont actually do any good until they become true in your mind. And only you can allow that to happen. During this process, it might feel as though you should not be standing up quite as boldly as Im telling you too. “Why do they want to hear from me?” “What value can I really bring to them?" "Someone else has already said this way better than I could." I know these thoughts sound true, but they are NOT! Sure, everything has been done before, but not by YOU. Not with your unique set of skills and learned experience. Not with your perspective and vision. So paint, teach, lead, design, share, mentor, offer advice, share wisdom! Please. We all need it.

PERFECTIONISM. Keep a couple things in your business “perfect” (for me, that’s my artwork and my instagram posts - meaning I want to keep those two things close and as refined as possible) and let go of perfection in every other area of your life. You don’t have the energy to maintain perfection consistently and trying to do so is a sure way to meet perfections ugly bff: burnout. Aim for B+. Good is just fine. Keep moving forward.

let’s talk about outsourcing. You are probably longing for the day when you can hand something off to someone and trust that it will be done well! Your plate is so full, your to-do list never shrinks, and your mind even fuller.

HIRE SOMEONE. Your most valuable work is not found in your inbox or in replying to customer service issues. You do not need to package every box yourself or edit every image. You can choose freedom over “perfection.” You can choose peace over micromanaging. Done is better than perfect, and just imagine how much you would get done with a little (or a lot) of assistance.

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next steps:FIND NEW AVENUES FOR GROWTH & FRESH WAYS OF BRINGING YOUR WORK TO A NEW MARKET

AIM TO IMPACT MORE LIVES & WIDELY SHARE THE BEAUTY YOU CREATE

FURTHER DIVERSIFY WHAT YOUR BRAND OFFERS

CREATE A SMALL TEAM OF PEOPLE WHOSE STRENGTHS PERFECTLY MATCH YOUR WEAKNESSES REFINE YOUR BRAND EVEN FURTHER (LOOK AT YOUR PACKAGING, WEBSITE, PHOTOGRAPHY, TYPOGRAPHY CHOICES, ETC.)

GET YOUR WORK FEATURED IN NATIONAL/INTER-NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS

ENVISION YOUR NEXT-LEVEL GROWTH STRATEGIES: A.K.A. GO BIG OR SHRINK WORK TO CREATE AND OFFER SOMETHING SO AMBITIOUS IT MAKES YOU A BIT NERVOUS-EXCITED FROM THIS SIDE OF IT

EXPAND YOUR INCOME GOALS SO THAT YOU ARE NOT ONLY MAKING A LIVING BUT THRIVING

You are going through great personal and professional expansion, settling into your role as a leader and visionary.

AIM TO CREATE AN

aspirational brand,ONE YOUR AUDIENCE

LONGS TO ALIGN WITH





AFICIONADO

OK, LISTEN UP. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

If you identify as an ”Aficionado“ then it is time for you to go big in at least one area of your business. Within the next 12 months I want you to do something huge. Create a gallery show full of new work, create and launch a course, collaborate with your dream company... spend a few weeks dreaming and scheming then get to work. Make it happen. Because YOU CAN.

You have all the tools, the foundation, the audience, the knowledge.

Don’t waste this. It is precious and powerful.

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CREATIVEMAVEN

*

Congratulations!* *Cue the trumpets! Get the champagne! We have a QUEEN amongst us!

Congratulations, lady. You are doing things that are truly, deeply inspiring, and I am honored to know you.

Your community is resonating with your vision, you are making a meaningful impact within your niche, and you are showing up despite resistance.

Thank you for the beauty you bring to the world.

Now, I know you don’t like all this fuss (you just want to get back to your studio and back to work) I GET IT — but also, we need to take a moment to sit in this beautiful empire you created and just CELEBRATE!

*

PROFIT IN THE “CREATIVEMAVEN” STAGE: $$$$

Your business is highly profitable,You are able to employ others, and have multiple income streams.

vision is freedomWHEN YOUR BRAND VISION IS CLEAR IT ATTRACTS A STRONG AND LOYAL

FOLLOWING, LEADING TO A STRONG AND PROFITABLE BUSINESS

VISION: You are actively evaluating how your words and actions impact culture (whether it is a small niche or broader society) You are able to take some risks because your work is profitable enough to allow some aspects of your business to fail You have created an infrastructure that allows for innovation You have eliminated distractions that do not align with your highest goals

BRAND: Your brand is elevated & aspirational, but approachable to your ideal customers You have a clearly defined style guide but are consistently refining the aesthetics of your brand Your branding has extended to every aspect of your business (website, social media, packaging, etc.)

SUSTAINABILITY: You have diversified your brand so that there is something intentionally designed for every member of your audience You have established multiple revenue streams, both within your creative practice and outside (licensing, affiliate marketing, royalties, etc.) You area leading a team of people you admire who can execute your vision without supervision and can innovative within your business.

MARKETING: Your business is creating waves in your industry and, as a result, you are leading a large and vibrant community You understand how your customers are moving through your sales funnel and can customize that process so it is effective and feels good for your audience You have a thorough monthly marketing calendar in place so that your mind is free from distraction and you know exactly what to share each day You are able to plan out your annual marketing calendar and preserve your energies for the times you need to show up a la Beyonce ;)

CREATIVE PROCESS: You have created work that defines this phase of your career Even though your business is established, you still feel creative freedom and a sense of exploration in your creative work You are a visionary — you are able to anticipate the desires of your customers

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a Creative Maven can check “yes” to each of these statements

OUTSOURCE AS

MUCH AS POSSIBLE

- except for your vision

CREATIVE MAVEN

You have accomplished so much, but there is still SPACE TO GROW. Your best adventures are still ahead. Don’t stop pursuing your vision and ambitions just because you have had great accomplishments and financial success up to this point. There is always something new to explore, another life to impact, and another way to express yourself.

With a business at this scale, it is so important to SHED ALL BAGGAGE. You cannot carry that mess while running this fast! Say goodbye to distractions, people that do not fully support you, and limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from making even more of an impact.

YOU ARE CHANGING CULTURE: the work you do impacts more people than you can truly quantify or comprehend.

Let that sink in. The ideas in your head are changing lives for the better. CHILLS.

What does your brand stand for? What will you speak out about or honor or support? What is your brand’s personality? Getting really clear on these details is even more important at this scale because the eyes on your work and brand can feel like a cage otherwise.

Creating an ASPIRATIONAL BRAND takes great clarity and vision. It also requires that you understand what “aspirational” means to your audience. Loyal fans, collectors, and customers follow the vision of artists they aspire to align with and this is incredibly profitable for both your bottom line and the growth of your creative business.

look out for:FLASHY OFFERS AND SHINY OPTIONS. They seem amazing, but distract from your true goals and ambitions. Clarity is even more important when operating at this scale and with this much impact.

BURNOUT. Now, more than ever, sustainability is incredibly important. You need space within your business to innovate, move your vision forward, and maintain consistent revenue — but you also need to feel free and at peace as a person. Otherwise, moving at this pace, burnout is certain.

Care for your energy and the energy of your team and only give that precious energy to ideas and tasks that deserve it.

I-CAN-DO-IT-ALL ATTITUDE. Yes. you totally CAN do it all because you are an expert in many things! Most Creative Mavens are “generalists,” meaning we can be good at many tasks (to varying degrees), accomplishing a tremendous amount because of it. But a great leader choreographs the skills of the experts around them. Hire the best as often as possible, and let go of some tasks that just aren’t within your “sweet spot”.

Your “sweet spot” is a way of referring to the tasks that you both enjoy, are extremely skilled in, and are profitable. Spend most of your time here.

OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS. You cannot create a healthy business at this scale AND care deeply about the opinions of others. Don’t outsource your vision; set your own standard of excellence, and rely on your vision to keep your business growing and thriving.

let’s talk about outsourcing. At this phase of your business, with the need to be extremely careful with your time and productivity, it is important to hire people skilled in the task you are hiring them to do.

Need amazing images? Hire a photographer. Need someone to manage your inbox and customer service? Hire someone with the right personality and dedication.

YOU WILL FIND GREAT FREEDOM WHEN YOU CREATE SPACE FOR YOURSELF WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS.

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next steps:AIM TO IMPACT MORE LIVES AND WIDELY SHARE THE BEAUTY YOU CREATE

FURTHER REFINE YOUR BRAND SO THAT IT NATURALLY ATTRACTS THE RIGHT PEOPLE

CREATE WORK THAT IMPACTS AND CHANGES LARGER SEGMENTS OF CULTURE

AIM FOR GREATER PUBLICITY — ACTIVELY SEEK OUT PRESS

REFINE AND PERFECT YOUR MARKETING HABITS; KEEP THINGS FRESH IS SO IMPORTANT TO YOUR RELEVANCE IN YOUR NICHE

BEGIN INTENTIONALLY SURROUND YOURSELF AND YOUR COMPANY WITH PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE AND CHALLENGE YOU TOWARDS GREATNESS

STEP INTO YOUR ROLE AS CEO, CASTING A VISION FOR YOUR TEAM AND ALLOW THEM TO SHINE ON YOUR BEHALF

EXPAND (AND REACH) YOUR INCOME GOALS. DID YOU KNOW AN ARTIST CAN MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR (AND NOT JUST THE FAMOUS OLD MEN OR THE ONES WITH PIECES HANGING IN THE LOUVRE)? AIM HIGH, SISTER. YOU TOTALLY CAN.

Expand beyond the traditional borders of your career path. Mix things up. Innovate!

YOUR highest work IS SO VERY

VALUABLE. KEEP IT AT THE

FOREFRONT OF YOUR BUSINESS

further reading:Fascinate — Sally Hogshead

Essentialist — Greg McKeown

Blue Ocean Shift — W. Chan Kim

Launch — Jeff Walker

This is Marketing — Seth Godin

YOUR WORK IS EXCELLENT, YOUR BUSINESS IS THRIVING, NOW IT’S TIME TO EXPAND YOUR VISION AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS WHO ARE GOING TO CONSISTENTLY INSPIRE YOU TO SHOW UP, BOLDLY AND CONFIDENTLY. Need more insight and the community of creatives who will delight and inspire you? Join the Collective!

A membership built on the idea that we are better when we do this together. Education, mentorship, & community.


CREATIVE MAVEN

CREATIVE MAVENS TO ADMIRE:

Molly Hatch Molly Hatch Studio

Rebecca Atwood Rebecca Atwood Designs

Emily Katz Modern Macrame

Heather Day Heather Day Art

Anna Rifle Bond Rifle Paper Co.

Lisa Congdon Lisa Congdon Art & Illustration

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THIS SUCCESS PATH IS A 30,000 FOOT AERIEL VIEW ON SEVERAL YEARS OF PROGRESS.

TAKE IT SLOWLY. GROW GENTLY.

AVOID COMPARISON. AVOID BURNOUT.

BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF AND EXTRAVAGANT WITH YOUR DREAMS.

xox

Progress is quiet +slow.* *

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