Monday, March 26, 2018

Leaving a Legacy

Pick One:
One of the hardest things about running a creative business is
+it can be solitary
+ business tasks takes more time than creative effort
+it's hard to stay focused artistically when you are trying to make a living
+it's tricky to know if you are making an impact

Leaving a Legacy 1 of 2 My caring, creative, empathetic daughter.
How about all of the above?
One way of addressing these issues is to connect with people online. Following artists on social media inspires me to get back to my own art and subscribing to various business of art newsletters compels me think proactively.

I was reading art business consultant Maria Brophy's newsletter this morning and was struck by her blog post on leaving an art legacy.  Funnily enough this article did NOT spur me to wonder how I was going to be a success artist myself.  It did make me think about all of the people I have helped get started in business. Whether in my twenty year career as a headhunter or in my ten years as a gallery shop owner I LOVE(d) to help individuals articulate and realize their goals. Being a small part of others success is a huge source of pride for me. Especially when people circle back and tell me how impactful I have been in their lives.

Leaving a Legacy 2 of 2- My intelligent, kind, droll son.
Ironically I have realized I made a career of that because I was too chicken to represent my own  goals beyond a collective. Weird to consider edifying others a crutch. The joy and satisfaction I get out of helping other is true and pure. It is also true that it takes my time away from understanding my own creative aspirations and goals.

Stripping my business back to just me is very revealing. Down right naked in fact.  Can I survive without the support of a group? What happens if I put all of my efforts into an endeavor and I fall flat on my face? Am I even capable of leaving a legacy on my own?