Have you ever felt out of sync in your art career? Like you’re always just a step behind, fighting an invisible force that holds you back? I’ve been there. It took me years to realize that our creative journeys are cyclical—they come with rhythms, seasons, and flows. Recognizing and honoring these rhythms is essential to finding fulfillment in your art practice.

When you ignore your natural creative rhythm, you can feel overwhelmed or even disoriented. You might think something’s wrong, but often it’s just a sign that you’re pushing against your rhythm instead of moving with it. The good news? Once you identify your rhythms, you can use them to propel you forward.

What Are the Rhythms of Your Art Career?

Some rhythms in an artist's life are obvious. Take preparing for a show, for instance. There’s a flow: creating new work, delivering it, setting up at the gallery, promoting it, opening night, and then, for many, the "post-show blues." These...

As artists, we often focus on the skills we need to improve, the connections we want to make, or the next big exhibition we hope to secure. But how often do we pause to reflect on the why behind our work? What truly drives us? This is where understanding your values comes in—and it can be a game-changer for your art practice.

In this final post of my Artist Branding Framework series, I want to explore the powerful role values play in shaping your art. Let’s dive into this often-overlooked, yet essential, part of your creative journey.

The Artist Branding Triangle: Your Art, Story, Influences... and Values

In previous posts, I introduced my Artist Branding Framework as a triangle. At the center of the triangle is your art. The top corner represents your story—the narrative that makes you unique. The left corner holds your influences—the artists, movements, and experiences that shape your creative expression.

But today, I want to focus on the third and final...

As artists, we often think of ourselves as lone creators, working in solitude to bring our visions to life. But here’s the truth: none of us create in a vacuum. Every time we step into the studio, we’re influenced by the world around us—by the people we’ve met, the experiences we’ve had, and the art we’ve seen. These influences play a major role in shaping what we create, whether we realize it or not.

So, today I want to ask you a powerful question: Who or what has influenced your art the most?

What Are You Bringing Into the Studio?

This is the second element of my artist branding framework, right after your Story. It’s all about your influences—the people, events, or circumstances that have shaped the art you make today.

Think back to the first time you picked up a brush or pencil. What inspired you to do that? Was it a specific artist whose work spoke to you? Was it the words of a teacher or mentor who saw something in you? Or was it...

When I was in art school, no one ever mentioned branding in relation to my art career. It wasn’t even on the radar. Later, when I took marketing classes and spent 15 years working in advertising, I knew a lot about branding from a corporate perspective. But I didn’t connect it to my life as an artist. They felt like two completely different worlds.

That changed the moment I had to step into the real world as a professional artist—promoting my name, showing my work, and knocking on doors. That’s when I realized branding wasn’t just for businesses. It was something I needed to embrace as an artist. And at the core of branding? It’s simply your reputation.

Branding Is About How People See and Remember You

I know branding can feel like a dirty word. For many artists, it feels like something corporate, something outside the art world. But the truth is, branding is everywhere, even if we don’t like calling it that. Whether we realize it or not,...

I still remember the day I got the keys to my first art studio like it was yesterday. I was just a college student, and near my house, there was this old school building that was renting out classrooms to artists for next to nothing. My friend and I scraped together what little money we had and rented one of those rooms. It was big and empty, with high ceilings, its own water faucet, and massive windows along one wall that flooded the room with light. That place was pure magic.

It was in that studio that I first believed I could really be an artist. It was the first time I felt like I was growing into the person I dreamed of becoming.

The Evolution of Studio Spaces

Fast forward about 30 years, and I’ve worked in all kinds of spaces. From tiny kitchen tables to large industrial warehouses, basement corners to beautifully lit lofts, I’ve seen it all. Some studios felt like a dream come true, while others were far from glamorous. But if there’s one thing I’ve...

Have you ever experienced that moment when opportunity knocks, but the way you ask could either open the door wide or leave it barely ajar? Let me share a personal anecdote from my own gallery, a tale of a direct plea that captured attention but lacked the finesse needed to seal the deal.

The Bold Card and the Missed Connection

Picture this: I walk into my gallery to find a card on my desk, a message proclaiming, "Dear Mr. Gomez, here's my art, let's make lots of money." A straight-shooter, no doubt. It caught my eye, but here's the twist—it didn't land the positive response the artist sought. Why? The art of asking goes beyond being bold; it's about understanding how, when, and why.

In the realm of the artist's plea, the what was there, but the how fell short. Asking isn't just about you; it's about considering the person on the other side. What's in it for them? Timing is everything, and the approach matters. Unfortunately, this artist missed those crucial nuances, leaving...

Hey, fellow creatives! Let's talk about the magic that unfolds when you decide to reshape your mornings. Your art career deserves more than a caffeine-fueled dash into the chaos of the day. I get it because I've been there – immersed in the news and scrolling through social media before my eyes fully adjusted to daylight. But guess what? It was like sprinting before tying my shoelaces – disastrous and exhausting.

The Morning Reset That Transformed My Art Career

Remember those days when NPR news headlines were the first notes of your day's symphony? Or perhaps, like me, you found yourself knee-deep in the world of Facebook and Instagram updates before even grabbing breakfast. It was my routine, but it left me feeling like I was perpetually playing catch-up. I realized I needed to shift the narrative.

I waved goodbye to my morning news rituals and bid adieu to the endless scroll. Instead, I started prioritizing what truly mattered – nurturing my spiritual and mental...

Unveiling the Power of Your First Thoughts

Hey there, fellow creatives! Let's dive into a game-changing concept that's been a game-changer for me in navigating the twists and turns of my artistic journey – The Big Idea Revolution.

Every Season, A Creative Gift: Life is a series of seasons, each offering a unique gift – the chance to explore something new, a dazzling excuse to ward off the looming shadow of boredom. Why not seize this opportunity to revitalize your artistic spirit?

In Bed with Ideas: Picture this: the clock strikes 5 or 6 am, and you're still cozied up in bed. Instead of reaching for your phone, let your mind wander. Before the world bombards you with its challenges, think about the main idea for your day. This simple ritual has been my compass, leading me to discover the big ideas that fuel my creative fire.

From Bed to Canvas: Imagine if your first thoughts of the day were a positive force, steering you away from the chaos that awaits. What if your day...

 If you've been following with my journey, you know about the game-changing Artist Brand Framework I've been talking about. Today, let's dive into a crucial facet that turns your artistry into a powerhouse: discovering your values.

The Artist Brand Framework: Elevating Your Art

Remember those moments of artistic block, where you felt like you're stuck in a creative maze? The Artist Brand Framework is your escape route, and at its core lies the magic of identifying your values as an artist. In the Art NXT Level coaching program, I delve deep into this transformative process.

Unlock Your North Star: Identifying Your Values

Ever asked yourself, "What truly moves me?" or "What compels me to the studio?" That's your soul whispering about your values. These aren't just random preferences; they are the heartbeat of your creativity. Once you grasp these values, you've struck gold – a perpetual source of content for your artistic journey.

The Values-Work Connection: Unveiling the...