Enjoy the Process & The Holidays
It is possible…
Painting pet portraits for people can be intimidating, sometimes downright terrifying! Deadline pressure, feeling inadequate, both as an artist and business owner, managing time, managing orders, staying inspired…oh the list goes on for all the things that can steal our creative joy!
It’s supposed to be a fun process, right?! How can I relax and enjoy the holidays when I have so many commissions to complete?
Well, I’m here to tell you it is possible to do both!
Below are some tips and mindsets to help you champion through commissions AND savor the sparkle of Christmas!
Be Honest, Be Gentle: Your level of skill cannot go backwards if you continue painting. Even if you only have time to draw regularly, this will still affect your painting skills in a positive way. Be honest with where you’re currently at in your skill level and set goals to improve WITHOUT judgement. Our brains need time to adapt and grow with every new creative challenge we take on. Just pass on by that mean inner critique and stay productive with that focused, objective attitude.
Problem Solving: Some people think creative people aren’t good problem solvers. I’d say that’s hogwash!!! Every time we sit down to paint we face at least 100 decisions, 20 of which are new problems to solve in composition, form, color, contrast, value, and so much more. The more we expect the process to be easy, the more frustrated we’ll become. We have to surrender all expectations and assume that problems will come, but we can solve them one at a time. Not because we’re horrible artists, but because it’s an UNAVOIDABLE part of the process. It’s REQUIRED to create amazing art.
The Ugly Phase: Painting commissions will challenge your faith! You must have faith to embrace that long lasting UGLY phase. It’s not until those final highlights and last details that will really bring the portrait to life. We must embrace that ugly before we can see the beautiful!
Be Transparent Upfront: Right off the bat be as honest as possible with customers. Be transparent about your rates, your process, and your business protocols. Never assume they already know paintings need a few days to dry once their complete, or that you require a deposit upfront, or that you don’t provide frames. Avoid any conflict by having a really well defined contract! That contract will make your life and the clients life much easier!
Pace Yourself: Don’t compare yourself, pace yourself. Don’t look around you, seeing how fast or well others work, focus on a steady pace YOU can maintain. If you want to stay in business you must be realistic with what YOU can provide while still enjoying yourself. Art should be fun. When it starts getting overwhelming and unbearably stressful, you need to make a change!
If you’d like to learn more about running a low stress, fun, and profitable commission process, click below to learn about my upcoming course, available this December 15th at 10am.
