Tag: how to succeed as an artist

Can Anyone Become a Successful Artist | Liron’s Podcast Episode 95

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Hi there! In this episode I’m discuss the question – can anyone become a successful artist?

My general answer is YES, with a few caveats.

Here’s what we’ll talk about:

  1. Definition
  2. Internal Challenges
  3. Talent and Skill
  4. Financial Success

1. Definition

A big thing to think about, is how do you define success?

I believe success is ultimately happiness. This means that if you have a job you love, and you make art on the side and are happy – you won!

So YES – anyone can become a successful artist if you look at it from this angle.

2. Internal Challenges

Many people I meet and talk to have INTERNAL obstacles only. They don’t believe in themselves, and this prevents them from creating.

Art is ultimately self-expression. I’d like more people to understand that if they WANT to create – they should. The rest doesn’t matter.

3. Talent and Skill

Even talent and skill are in question. You see plenty of artwork that doesn’t necessarily have a lot of skill behind it, that is still successful, and celebrated in museums and galleries.

The word “skill” is arguable in and of itself. Who says, for example, that an abstract painting that took only a few brush strokes to make does’t require skill?

And if so many people say – “I could have done it” – well – why didn’t you?

Food for thought, especially if you feel judgmental of these types of works (which I know can be fun sometimes, haha!).

4. Financial Success

This is a little trickier. I do think different people have different potentials for money-making.

BUT, could almost anyone create SOME financial success around their art? I believe so. You just have to figure out your true gift, and the format.

Are you a good teacher? Manager? Story-teller?

Perhaps you are SO OFF THE CHARTS when it comes to art, that you should focus ONLY on that, and hire people to do the rest (which for most people would mean have friends help out, as not a lot of people can actually really hire someone when just getting started).

In Conclusion…

Yes, that is my answer. If you are having doubts, or are unsure – use this podcast as permission to AT LEAST believe it’s POSSIBLE.

And let me know if you have any questions or there’s anything I can help you with.

Here’s how to contact me:

YouTube – Liron Yanconsky Art

LinkedIn – Liron Yanconsky

Pinterest – Liron Yanconsky

Instagram – @LironYanIL

Twitter – @LironYan

You Only Need One Yes to Succeed – Artist Career Advice | Liron’s Podcast Episode 88

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In this episode we talk about how to get things going and be more proactive, and how you only need ONE yes to succeed.

* I mistakingly say it’s episode 87, ignore (:

Grabbing Success Proactively

One common theme in this episode is GRABBING opportunities as opposed to waiting for things to happen, or to “be discovered”.

I believe that if you want to achieve something, you have to sometimes go for it and reach out. You have to ASK.

How I Sold My Book’s Foreign Language Rights

This is a story I went through several times.

In this instance, I decided I want to publish one of my books in a language different than English.

This is called selling a book’s foreign rights.

The advantage for the book author is that they don’t have to do anything. The publisher who purchases the rights does the translation, design and distribution.

And the author basically gets a percentage, like most book deals.

So how did I do it?

I REACHED OUT to over 200 different publishers, in several languages (mostly Spanish).

I got 196 NOs, 3 maybes and, at last… 1 yes.

And it was by a pretty serious publisher.

And that’s ALL I needed.

You Are the Driver of Your Career

If you want to go to places, you HAVE TO do things proactively. You are the one who wants to GET, so you have to ASK, and make the deal worthwhile. Always.

My book in question was a consistent bestseller on Amazon for the past 5 years, and so I actually offered real value to the publisher.

And someone eventually said yes.

Galleries & Magazines

I had two more recent similar experiences.

Galleries – I recently put some of my paintings in a gallery for the first time. This came after the same thing – a lot of reaching out.

Art Magazine article – I’m having an article published in a magazine in October (shhh, it’s a surprise so don’t tell anyone (; ). Same thing – reaching out.

I hope this episode encourages you to chase what you want and try getting it – for real.

Remember you always have to offer real value to the other side you’re asking from.

And this is it for today!

Reach Out to Me

YouTube – Liron Yanconsky Art

LinkedIn – Liron Yanconsky

Pinterest – Liron Yanconsky

Instagram – @LironYanIL

Twitter – @LironYan

Importance of Experimentation in Art – Break Your Own Patterns | Liron’s Podcast Episode 84

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In this episode I want to talk about just how important experimentation is in art. This connects to everything – improving, developing a unique style, enjoying the process and more!

What I mean by Experimentation

As this is aimed at visual artists, mainly painters – here are some relevant examples of experimentation:

  • Utilizing different techniques
  • Using new tools
  • Trying out different approaches & work processes
  • Painting subjects you are unfamiliar with
  • Using colors you’re not used to

Why Experimentation is Important

Unique and individual Style – Yes! Experimentation will help you incorporate and implement new elements into your style, that will in turn make it more YOU.

Novelty & Burnout Prevention – Experimentation will help you to continue enjoying your medium in the long run. It will keep things interesting and even less expected!

Preventing Complacency – Constant experimentation and challenging yourself to try out different things will help to prevent settling in your patterns and becoming stale in your growth and development.

Caveat – Focus & Improvement

I think experimentation can become a crutch / escapism , if used to the extreme. If you are only trying new things all the time, you don’t really have to become proficient in anything…

That’s why you want to balance it out with a routine, and with working on the basics of art and your medium.

The answer is always – Both!

Artist Corner – Marc Folly

In this one I feature Marc Folly, an incredible French painter who’s style I find very intriguing.

He has a way of connecting areas and leading the viewer in a very clear way towards points of interest.

He’s a master of wet in wet and negative painting techniques.

You can check out his work on his website: Marc Folly

And here’s where you can find me…

Check out my YouTube Channel – Liron Yanconsky

Or ask me questions on Instagram – @LironYanIL or Snapchat – @LironYan3

I hope you enjoyed this one. Take care, and we’ll talk again really soon,

— Liron