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Defining artistic success is a question I struggle with.  We live in a golden age where you can easily read about, listen, and watch artists and promoters tell you how to become successful.  While the information is valuable, it can also be overwhelming and after a while you may feel like you cannot paint, market, or sell enough and that success is always determined by more. 

If you let the outside world define your artistic success then you chase the ideals of others.

Defining why you make art and what you want to do with it is important to your journey. Recently I wrote a list defining my ideas of success.  It is pretty broad but covers what is meaningful to me.  You could be specific with details and numbers or just have a general statement of how art benefits you.   I believe that each person has to create their own measure of success and be true to it. The definition should not be written in stone but flex with life’s curves. 

My definition of artistic success:

I want to continue learning and be a student of art as long as I can.  The process of painting creates challenges that force me to try new ideas.  The day that I think I know 100 percent what I am doing is the day I quit.

I want to share what I learn through teaching and writing. I enjoy the sharing of ideas and motivating others to find their artistic voice.

I want to enjoy my family and friends and spend time outdoors. Without community and health the spirit suffers.

I want to earn enough to make my family comfortable.

Defining enough is important and better than chasing more.

I want to wake up without the buzz of an alarm clock.

I enjoy this luxury enough to prioritize it.

What is your list?  I would love to hear how you define success.