Why Artists Need More Than Just Talent to Succeed

When I think back to my early days as an artist, I remember the excitement, the curiosity… and honestly, the overwhelm. No one really hands you a clear map for how to turn your art into a career. You’re left figuring it out as you go, picking up bits of advice here and there — often the hard way.

But here’s the truth: talent alone doesn’t get you there. And relying on outdated ideas about what an artist's career "should" look like will only keep you stuck.

What actually builds a sustainable, fulfilling creative life? It's a mix of preparation, community, and a willingness to let go of the old rules.

The Art World Needs a Reality Check

There’s this lingering idea that being an artist means struggling endlessly — that making a living from your art somehow taints its purity. That if you’re not showing in fancy galleries, you haven’t “made it.” But that couldn’t be further from reality.

The real problem? No one teaches artists how to actually navigate the professional side of things. In most art schools, you get theory, maybe some technique — but almost nothing about how to survive as a working artist.

Imagine if that changed.

What Artists Should Be Learning:

• Core technical skills: Color theory, design principles, materials — the basics that build confidence and ability.
  
  
• Professional practices: Writing about your work, building a website, applying for grants, understanding how the art world operates.
  
  
• Mentorship and community: Connecting with experienced artists who are willing to share the unfiltered truth.
  
  

Because at the end of the day, being an artist isn’t just about making beautiful things — it’s about knowing how to share them with the world, and how to sustain yourself while doing it.

Forget the Old Models

The traditional path — make your work, hope a gallery picks you up, maybe sell a few pieces — works for some. But for many artists today, that model feels limiting, outdated, and honestly, inaccessible.

Thankfully, there are other ways.

One of the most effective (and overlooked) avenues for artists is working directly with art consultants. These are the folks placing artwork in hotels, offices, public spaces, and private collections — all the spaces where art lives beyond gallery walls.

And unlike the gallery world, where it can feel impossible to get your foot in the door, building relationships with art consultants is often more approachable — as long as you're prepared.

Getting Ready to Work with Consultants:

• Create a consistent body of work — and make enough of it. You can’t show three pieces and hope to land projects.
  
  
• Have variety: Different sizes, different price points — consultants work with all kinds of spaces and clients.
  
  
• Do your research: Not every consultant sells the same type of work. Make sure your style aligns with what they offer.
  
  
• Reach out: Many have submission forms on their websites, or you can connect via email, LinkedIn, or social platforms.
  
  
• Be ready for a “yes”: When an opportunity comes, you want to be prepared — not scrambling to pull your portfolio together.
  
  

This approach puts you in control. You’re not waiting on gallery approval or playing the game of endless exhibitions. You’re building real relationships with people who place art in the world every single day.

Community Isn’t Optional — It’s Essential

One of the biggest misconceptions about being an artist is that it’s a solo journey. But no one builds a sustainable creative career in isolation.

Community is where you find support, information, and — maybe most importantly — the reminder that you’re not doing this alone.

Whether it’s a monthly artist gathering, an online salon, or a group of friends who get together to talk art, these connections matter. They’re where opportunities are shared, collaborations begin, and you get answers to the tricky questions no one talks about publicly — like how to ship art internationally, how to handle difficult clients, or how to spot an art scam.

And if you don’t have that community yet? Build it. Even one connection can change the trajectory of your career.

The Artist’s Life is Work — But It’s Also Joy

There’s a balance we all have to find. Yes, building a career as an artist is work. It takes preparation, persistence, and a willingness to treat your art like a job — because it is one.

But that doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic, the joy, or the reason you started creating in the first place. In fact, when you’re clear on how to navigate the professional side, you free up more energy to focus on what you love — making your art.

If there’s one thing I hope every artist takes away from this, it’s this:

You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to follow outdated models. And you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Your career, your community, your creative life — it’s all yours to build. Ready to join our community of artists? You’re invited to join mine. Is a safe and proactive, positive space to grow and expand within and beyond. Send me an email subject line” Artist Community” and ill send you all the details. [email protected]

🎧 Curious to hear the full story?

Listen to the full episode of Her Ink Empire to hear how Ray has built his art career outside the gallery system, the real talk about art education, and how community is changing the game for artists everywhere.