Soar! A Monthly Ejournal
By Renée Phillips, The Artrepreneur Coach

August 2007

Passion is The Secret to Success

I once read in a leading art magazine that an artist today has to convince people they live, breathe and die to create their art. They should always look like they’ve just emerged from their studio, dripping in creative sweat, and bathed from head to toe in the remnants of their medium. I am quick to add to that -- a big wide, delirious grin.

I can tell you from personal experience that the article was making an important point about the correlation between the passion and commitment we experience when we are in love with our artistic process and material success.

Having recently gone “public” with my Jewelry of ART I am now again obsessed (reminiscent of my younger years as a professional artist.) In my dreams and waking hours I either envision new creations or I’m creating them. I’ve stirred from dreams so vivid that I was startled to discover that the pieces I dreamt about were not already created.

I hear myself speaking to others with unbridled enthusiasm about my newest creations. I talk about my pieces with confidence and my body language reflects it, quaking with excitement. This is not my ego speaking, this is pure ecstasy being channeled through me from divine inspiration. I believe I am a vessel through which beauty, inspiration, and truth emanate. I exude the feeling that I am willing and eager to share my love for my art with the world and this energy is in each piece I create.

People tell me they enjoy seeing my face all aglow and my eyes light up when I talk about my art. When they touch the pieces they smile. I have also learned that the passion I feel is like a magnet for success and has attracted support, participation, resources, opportunities and sales. Joseph Campbell said it perfectly: “If you are on the right path you will find that invisible hands are helping.”

	Renée Phillips, "Giverny" clay, paint, Swarovski crystals, amethyst, and beads. Photo credit: Rudy Collins

The converse is also true: If one is negative, doubtful, apprehensive, depressed or discouraged about their work or their career they shouldn’t be surprised if people are repelled by them. Prospective collectors don’t want to hear about your pain, poverty, sorrows and sacrifices. Well, perhaps some people enjoy other people's miseries, but they aren't the kind I want to attract.

Passion is tangible, infectious and contagious. You can package it and market it with the medium of your choice. When you sell your art, you aren’t selling a product, you are selling yourself. If you don’t feel passionate now about your work then keep searching until you find what makes your heart beat fast, your body and soul propel from your bed each morning filled with overwhelming desire to express itself. You will find inspiration in everything you see, hear, smell and taste. Be inspired and you will inspire others.

View more of Renée's art.