3 Lessons About Being a Professional Artist from a Housewife

You can learn about art and creativity from the most unusual places. Naturally, you can learn from professional artists. But you can learn from a 6 year old building legos. And you can even learn from a housewife who turns cardboard into furniture.

A couple of weeks ago we launched the premiere episode of SoundandSEA.TV. That episode highlighted the aforementioned housewife. When I went to show her the film, I brought along my Zoom audio recorder to grab some thoughts from her about her creative process. I’m always amazed at the common themes that rise to the surface whenever I interview any kind of artist about their craft. You will undoubtedly see a lot of similarities in the stories presented in the films I linked to above.

I took some choice soundbites from my interview with Aline (the housewife) and put them to some additional footage from the original shoot. I am confident that if you’re any kind of an artist, you will find her words moving. Take a couple of minutes to watch the film, then continue reading to see three key lessons we professional artists can take away from her interview.

Three Key Take-Aways for the Professional Artist

1. Meet Your Client’s Need. Even though Aline isn’t necessarily making furniture for clients, the very first words in the film speak to what we as professional artists should always keep in mind. Meet your client’s needs. It’s great you want to make a beautiful film or iconic photograph. It might even win you your next award. But if the end product isn’t achieving any specific objective or need for your clients, the only person really being served is you.
2. Always Be Creating. Chances are you’ve heard about the ABC’s of selling, i.e “Always Be Closing.” Well, a similar precept exists for artists – “Always Be Creating.” This is perhaps the most common theme I’ve come across in all of my years interviewing artists of any kind. From the various podcasts I’ve produced to the number of films I’ve shot, this need to keep on creating is always at the forefront. And doing so will keep your work improving, and therefore your fees increasing.
3. Keep Loving What You’re Doing. Art is personal. Art is physical. It take not only a lot of physical stamina at times, but it can be taxing emotionally and, dare I say, even spiritually as well. You have to love what you’re doing to do it well and not bur out. If you find yourself loathing the client work you’re doing (and be honest, we all get there at times), then do personal work to keep your love of the craft alive, and your skills sharp. If not, hang up your camera, put away your word processor, or pack up your guitar and go do something else.