Dream to Reality- Steps to Becoming a Professional Artist

This week has been a big one for me.  I just found out that my application to participate in a gallery showing here in Raleigh has been accepted.  I was told my art was “strong”, and that I should progress far in this category.  On top of this, I shipped out my first commissioned work of art on Monday.  She received it yesterday- all in one piece, no damage, and she loves it.  The texture of my pieces doesn’t translate that well through photos, and I was so glad that the texture added to her delight, instead of being a deterrent.  I have so much to be grateful for!  I’ve always dreamed of having people love my creations, of being able to support myself with a little boutique or studio where I can create all day.  Now it seems like I’m actually on my way to making that dream a reality.  Of course, the anxiety of taking my art to Fedex, turning it over to them and trusting them to get it where it needed to go intact was more nerve-racking than I would have thought possible.  I was actually dizzy as I walked out of the store.  Perhaps that feeling will be diluted by time and repetition?  Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I find out.

Becoming a Professional Artist

I learned how to wire my art this week, too.  It’s not hard, but in my mind, it was all the was standing between my work being something I did on a Saturday morning and a piece of artwork I show in a professional gallery.  It’s funny how little things like that can make you feel so much more secure, especially when a lot of little and big things come together all at once and suddenly it’s like, “Whoa, I’m really doing this.  I’m becoming a professional artist.”  That’s still a long way down the road, but this week I’ve felt like I’ve been pushed forward a dozen yards after only going a few inches every day.  That’s how it happens, I suppose, for everyone.  You begin small, taking baby steps and learning as you go.  After a while, you gain confidence and move a little faster, add more knowledge to your pool, and it all keeps building.  I’m so glad I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  I’m so grateful for the encouraging people around me who make it seem like anything is possible.  I’m glad that ordinary people can accomplish great things, and inspire others along the way.