Rawan5 Artist Rules
Hello April! We are at the start of a new season. A season of growth, refresh, and awakening. Spring is the season of new beginnings.
Are you on a new adventure? Maybe you’re changing things up in your personal life or starting a new work project? New beginnings can be exciting and also a little nerve-wracking!
I’m in that season of new beginnings. In 2022, I finally committed myself FULLY to the life of an artpreneur! Yepp, that’s artist + entrepreneur. I am one part artist and one part art nonprofit co-founder. I get to work with incredible patrons who want unique and meaningful art in their homes, events, and work spaces.
Managing life as an Artpreneur
As an artist, I naturally take on the roles of brand marketer, graphic designer, photographer, strategy analyst, and all the things that come with growing a business! It can be very overwhelming.
I follow these 5 rules to manage life as a small business owner in the art world.
ONE : Remember why.
The first thing I do to keep my art career alive is to remind myself why I want to paint in the first place. You know that for me, painting is a therapeutic process. Art brought purpose back into my life. I think of how sharing my story through art has changed my life. It motivates me to help others find their creative way through the hard parts of life. That’s what I get to do through The Art Spread! Through that community and through my connection with you, I’m reminded each day why I love living in the art world.
TWO : Be Authentic.
Sometimes, it can be scary and confusing to manage all the ways I could or “should” get my work out into the world. I’m sure many of you on social media can relate to the ever-changing algorithms we have to constantly re-learn. Personally, I can’t keep up with the social media game. I’m terrible at following the new trends, creating reels with intricate transitions, and putting up a fake persona. What you’ll see on my page is the real, authentic me. The good, the bad, and the truth. I’m here to share my artistry and that’s exactly what you’ll see; me, my artwork, studio life, and what inspires me. No fancy schmancy videography or effects. Sorry, not sorry! hehe.
THREE : Create structure.
I follow a strict schedule using my printable calendar (get your free calendar below). Each day has tasks for particular projects that bring order and structure to my month. For example, Fridays are for uploading work to my Etsy and Fine Art America profiles. Monday and Wednesday nights are filled with business meetings with The Art Spread. Other days include project deadlines, shipping dates, networking meetings, painting sessions, etc. Keeping in line with my monthly tasks has really helped me stay organized in my career. Oh and if you’re like me, you know how satisfying it is to cross off that ‘to-do’ on the calendar!
FOUR Allow rest.
I struggle with this one a lot. My motto used to be “Rest makes me depressed”. I’ve had to learn that rest is not my enemy. It’s my body telling me to chill out so that tomorrow may hurt less. Now, I try my best to not work on Sundays. On a good Sunday morning I read a book, go to church, and spend the rest of the day with family. It’s the one day a week where I am not hustling to grow Project TheraPaint and The Art Spread.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not on 100% all day everyday. I do succumb to pain and weakness quite often throughout the week.
I can have a very productive Monday but then Tuesday is a slow day. There’s a balance I still try to find with my body’s needs. Over the past 5 years, I’ve learned to accept rest and forgive myself when I can’t go full speed.
FIVE Have fun!
Enjoying this creative and unpredictable life is key! When I find myself being an admin zombie, sending emails all day or sitting in webinars, I give myself space to paint. I create moments where I can let loose and paint just for me. It’s a meditative process and gives me a chance to reflect on my goals and reconnect with my desires. Plus, I get to come out of the process with something tangible and incredible that inspires me to keep creating!
Letting myself dream BIG
God tells us in Psalm 37:4,
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
When we faithfully believe and live diligently, He gives us permission to dream beyond our limits. Remember, through Him, all things are possible. So, here I am dreaming away!
Wanna help make my dreams come true? Share my art with your friends. Let them know that when they invest in my work, they are allowing me to invest in my dreams.
I’m so glad I get to share about my crazy fun journey with you. Be sure to grab your calendar below to keep up with monthly tasks. Let’s be inspired together!
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With love,
Love this article and how relatable it is to everything we do, no matter what that may be! I think remembering why, resting, and having fun are such “obvious” things, but something I always have to remember to not only tell myself, but practice.
Kortney, I’m so glad that this article resonated with you. Its true, these tips are actionable and can a reminder for any part of life/work. I love that this can be an encouraging moment for you to practice these things. It’s part of why my calendars are inspired by art pieces…adds a spark to the daily tasks!