The Power of Perseverance: Navigating Obstacles as a Creative Soul

Art has always been an essential part of my life, and I truly believe it can enrich the world in countless ways. However, as someone who used to dream of being a full-time illustrator and photographer for National Geographic in my youth, I know all too well the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the arts.

From a lack of resources and financial instability to societal stigmas and self-doubt, I have faced many roadblocks on my own journey. But despite these obstacles, I have also seen the incredible beauty and impact that art can have, and I believe it's crucial to support and encourage those who choose to follow this path. In this post, I want to share some of my experiences and reflections on the challenges that artists face, and discuss why it's so important to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.

As a child, I was surrounded by family members who unknowingly fueled my passion for art. Their creative hobbies and interests, which they shared with me during that time, had a profound impact on me. I absorbed all their influences like a sponge and knew from then on that I wanted to be creative my entire life.

Despite my family's apparent support, I always felt like they didn't think I could make a living as an artist. There was a long-standing useless joke that I needed to "marry a wealthy man who had one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel." Although my grandparents paid for my first round of college specializing in art, I still felt like I wasn't going to make it as an artist.

Many successful artists faced challenges before achieving success, such as renowned painter Vincent Van Gogh who only sold one painting during his lifetime, but his work is now highly valued and celebrated. Similarly, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was rejected by several publishers before finally being accepted.

As a result of not really fitting into my blue collar family, I decided to pursue a more practical career in advertising and graphic design, which I also loved. I worked in one of the greatest cities and even started my own business doing freelance work from home before it became a trendy concept. However, my family still ridiculed me for not working in a traditional job like other moms. I also went back to college to become an art teacher, but once again, I felt like my motives for becoming successful revolved around other people's opinions and needs. 

It took me a while to realize that none of these avenues were going to work for me. I needed to make my own path and pursue my dream of becoming a full-time artist, no matter what anyone else thought. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of art and culture in our lives. During lockdowns and social distancing measures, people turned to music, movies, and art to provide comfort and entertainment.

In a survey conducted by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service for creative professionals, 78% of the respondents agreed that creativity is essential for economic growth. Additionally, a report by the National Endowment for the Arts found that the arts and cultural sector contributed $804.2 billion to the US economy in 2016, which is equivalent to 4.3% of the GDP. These facts demonstrate the immense value that artists bring to our society, both culturally and economically.

Despite the clear importance of artists, they often face significant challenges in pursuing their careers. According to the same survey by The Creative Group, 45% of respondents said they have to work on personal projects outside of work to fulfill their creative urges. Additionally, many artists struggle with financial instability, lack of recognition, and pressure to conform to traditional career paths.

Looking back on my journey as an artist, I am grateful for the support and encouragement that my family provided, even though it often came with unintended discouragement. While their jokes and comments of "pipe dreams" made me feel like I couldn't make a living as an artist, I understand now that they were doing the best they could with the knowledge they had at the time. Despite the undertones, I was fortunate to be surrounded by creative and inspiring women who taught me so much. As I reflect on my experiences, I realize the importance of supporting and encouraging artists in their pursuits, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned along the way.

I've learned the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for not just children but also adults to explore their passions, be it in the arts or any other pursuit. We should encourage them to pursue their interests and dreams, without dismissing or belittling their aspirations. We need to normalize the idea that being an artist is a viable and fulfilling career path, and that pursuing creative passions is just as important as any other profession.

Unfortunately, society often views artistic pursuits as frivolous or unrealistic, leading to a lack of support and resources for those who want to pursue careers in the arts. It's time for us to shift this mindset and support not just our children but also adults in their creative pursuits, helping them realize their full potential and contribute to shaping our culture and society.

Artists have the right to make a living from their skills and talent, just like any other professional. By normalizing the idea of being an artist as a legitimate career path, we can help remove some of the stigma and challenges that artists face and create a more supportive environment for the arts.

Looking back on my own journey as an artist, I realize that I faced many of the same challenges that others in the creative field encounter. I went around and around the mountain so to speak to get to where I am at right now. When I could have gone straight up had I had the impossible perfect life.

But despite these obstacles, I believe that my experiences have helped me become a more versatile and eclectic artist, able to work with different media and styles. So, while it is important to support and encourage artists in their pursuits, we must also recognize that the challenges they face can help them grow and become even more creative.

Remember, it's never too late to pursue your passion and follow your dreams. Don't let past discouragements hold you back. Take inspiration from my story and be bold in your creative pursuits. Let's all work towards a more supportive and encouraging society for artists.