Success Leaves Clues—Here’s What Thriving Artists Want You to Know
Ever look at a successful artist and think, “What do they know that I don’t?”
Spoiler alert: It’s not just about talent. It’s not about having the perfect Instagram strategy, an aesthetically pleasing studio, or an inbox full of gallery invitations. And it’s definitely not about waiting for the magical moment when you finally feel “ready.”
The difference between artists who thrive and artists who stay stuck?
👉 It’s how they think about themselves and their work.
I asked a group of established, thriving artists—the kind who have built sustainable, profitable art careers—what mindset shifts made the biggest difference in their success. What they shared? Absolute gold.
(And I’m passing it straight to you. 💌)
Because if you’ve ever wondered why selling your art feels hard—why you keep running into fear, self-doubt, or overthinking—it’s not just about strategy. It’s about what’s happening between your ears.
Ready? Let’s dive in…
Laurie Buck
South Carolina
Meet Laurie Buck, a talented artist based in Greenville, South Carolina, known for her captivating large-scale floral and abstract paintings. Working from a charming 19th-century boarding house turned studio, Laurie draws inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her art reflects a personal journey of overcoming self-limitations and embracing the profound beauty of creation. Through her work, Laurie aims to evoke a sense of tranquility and joy, enhancing the elegance of any interior space.
Laurie is one of those artists you can’t help but admire. Her glorious florals communicate something more precious than her keen eye for color and composition— the soul of a true artist. Beyond her work, I’ve long been amazed by the way that she communicates her art’s value through her words and visuals. Following her artistic journey and being a fan is an absolute pleasure. Her approach to marketing is truly masterful and she makes it look effortless and beautiful.
Here’s Laurie’s Advice:
“Focus on creating good, authentic work first— always be expanding and refining your skills; visit galleries, museums and other studios to nourish your creativity by personally experiencing the work of good artists, past and present. And when it comes time to sell, channel your beautiful creativity into marketing in a way that feels true to your artwork so that you can sell unapologetically. Remember what Andy Warhol said: "Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art."“
Sarah Pike: Potter
British Columbia
Sarah Pike is a full-time potter based in Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. She specializes in creating functional, slab-built pottery that exudes warmth, personality, and beauty. Her unique pieces are crafted in her home studio, nestled on an acre of land on the edge of a charming ski town. Sarah's journey in ceramics includes studies at the Alberta College of Art and Design, the University of Colorado, and the University of Minnesota.
Her work is highly sought-after. There’s been more than one occasion when I visited her shop on a shop restock day only to find it to be entirely sold out. And it’s no surprise. Sarah’s pottery is magnetic in the way it combines traditional slab construction with stamping with handmade stamps. Each piece is wildly unique and reflects Sarah’s curiosity and playful approach. Her focus is not on perfection, but on celebrating the “awkward imperfections” of clay.
And even though I haven’t yet gotten the opportunity to invest in one of her pieces, I have had the pleasure of drinking coffee out of one of her mugs at a friend’s house (my friend collects handmade mugs), which was a sublime experience.
Here’s Sarah’s Advice:
“Before building my current studio, I made my art in community studios, tiny closets, sheds, drafty barns, and dark basements. I knew I was committed to my medium, but I couldn’t commit to a proper studio space of my own. Cost was definitely a factor, and so was impermanence. What if I moved?
Even on the day the excavator showed up to dig the studio foundation, my stomach turned with trepidation. Am I a legitimate artist? Do I deserve this space? Can I afford it?
Taking out a business loan and building a studio was scary, but has paid off in so many ways. At the top of this list? My studio is a daily affirmation that I am worth it, that I can do it, and that I believe in myself. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to open the bag of clay and start making.”
I’ve got more brilliant advice from thriving artists teed up below. But first, have you taken my free quiz yet? I’m holding on to the hope of a world where every artist can thrive and become prolific and profitable. How about you? If you’d like to get a quick assessment of where you are and what moves to make going forward, then pause reading this article for a hot sec, take the quiz, and come back here when you’re done. The results will be sent to your inbox right away.
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Anna Núñez: Abstract Painter
St. Petersburg, Florida
Anna Núñez is an abstract painter who you may also know from her previous role as a designer and educator through her and her husband’s brand, Chez Núñez.
Anna creates gestural, mixed-media paintings that explore the intersection of her faith and the enigmatic nature of the creative process. Anna holds a bachelor's degree in studio art with minors in marketing and advertising from Florida Gulf Coast University. After graduating, she spent six years as a graphic designer, building a boutique branding agency and education business. Her work is primarily driven by her emotional responses to color and her meditations on scripture, resulting in pieces that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
I first met Anna in 2022 at a mastermind retreat run by the sweet Emily Jeffords. I was starstruck. I had been following Anna for years and had always admired her design work, and seeing her in person was a totally embarrassing (but hopefully endearing?) fangirl moment for me.
Since then, Anna has released collection-upon-collection of captivating original abstract paintings that showcase Anna’s unique sensitivity to color. And more recently, her painting, Answered Prayers and Garden Party, were picked up by Anthropologie to be sold as prints!
Here’s Anna’s Advice:
“It was hard to think of only one piece of advice to share but i think my #1 tip to aspiring artists/entrepreneurs would be to value progress over perfection.
I think it’s really easy as creatives to allow a desire to be perfect to slow us down or hault our dreams all together, but I’ve learned that perfectionism is often just fear in disguise. What’s more important is to remember that life is short, and we have to do everything we can to keep moving forward if we want our artwork to have an impact on the world.”
Krista Coons: Ceramic Artist
Arizona
Krista Coons elevates the ordinary through creativity. Her collection, "Meet Me Under The Orange Tree," is just the latest testament to using art as a means to navigate emotions and savor beautiful moments.
Krista is a storyteller who in the telling of her personal experiences through her artwork, reveals universal themes that unite us. I still remember when I first realized Krista was a force to be reconned with. She had been telling the story of her O’Keefe Collection, a collection of hand-built objects for creatives inspired by Georgia O’Keefe.
The creative direction of this collection was stunning and so detailed. It showed not only the depth of her research but the breadth of her vision and talent. It has lingered with me still to this day.
Here’s Krista’s Advice:
The Art of Continually Cultivating
“If I could offer one gentle piece of creative counsel, it would be this: treat your creative practice as you would a garden. Anything worthwhile requires care, patience, and consistent effort, and art is no exception. Creativity often demands a slower, more intentional pace of cultivation.
Ask yourself: What values hold you steady, like roots in fertile soil? Which curiosities are reaching for sunlight, eager to unfurl and thrive? What dreams or ideas must you trim back to make room for the tender shoots of something new? Perhaps what once seemed full of promise has grown heavy, a weed crowding your space—release it, and let the clearing breathe life into what’s to come. Begin where you stand (and preferably with some gorgeous medium in your hands), wander through your studio with open-hearted wonder, and remember: to live artfully, with all its shifting hues and textures, is a gift—even in the quiet, barren seasons.
In every creative practice, there are perennials—ideas, techniques, or passions—that return season after season, no matter how harsh the winter. Take notice of how nature rests and resets itself. Let that same wisdom guide you as you nurture your creative soul.
I’m often inspired by a quote from Joan Miró, who likened his creative practice to a garden:
“If a canvas remains in progress for years in my studio, that doesn’t worry me. On the contrary, when I’m rich in canvases which have a point of departure vital enough to set off a series of rhythms, a new life, new living things, I’m happy.
I consider my studio as a kitchen garden. Here, there are artichokes. There, potatoes. Leaves must be cut so that the fruit can grow. At the right moment, I must prune. I work like a gardener… Things come slowly… Things follow their natural course. They grow, they ripen. I must graft. I must water… Ripening goes on in my mind. So I’m always working at a great many things at the same time.”
This perspective reminds me that art is not a hurried craft but a quiet, deliberate ritual—a practice of care, patience, and trust in the unfolding process. Some seasons will be rich with growth, while others will rest in stillness, each essential to the rhythm of this creative life we’ve chosen. Keep tending to yourself and your muses with patience, knowing that even in its quiet moments, something beautiful is slowly taking root.”
Sarah Rafferty: Cyanotype Artist
Pensylvania
Sarah is the creative force behind Atwater Designs, a cyanotype design studio that produces original botanical cyanotypes, fine art prints, and gorgeous goods. With a background in studio art and an MFA in Printmaking and Book Arts, Sarah has been helping others learn about the power of artistic processes since 2005. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, reflecting her deep appreciation for the natural world and her commitment to sharing its beauty through her art.
Sarah and I connected thanks to artist Jennifer Daily when my family was going through a rough time. She graciously reached out, we met via Zoom, and quickly became friends. Her kindness and generosity are only matched by her intelligence. I have the immense privilege of owning a small piece by her, which brightens my spirit whenever I see it.
I had the pleasure of having Sarah on my podcast, where we discussed embracing the artist’s life. There’s a link below if you want to listen and learn about her approach to life and work.
Here’s Sarah’s Advice:
“Treat your art and business like the full-time job you want it to be. Spend the time on your business, show up to your art and practice, treat it professionally, and then add in a strategy for growth and sales.
Background: This tip is for folks that are really wanting to bring in a full-time salary with their art. One of the things I see with some frequency is a desire to make a hearty income but an unwillingness or ability to give the art and business enough time and consistency to do so. On occasion the opposite occurs, folks give their art and ideas a lot of attention with no direction or strategy to get their work out there to make some money.”
Brittany Atkinson: Artist
Austin, Tx
Brittany Atkinson is a former Mariana Durst Studio Website in a Week client who is renowned for her abstract female portraits and figures. Her bold, unapologetic artworks celebrate the strength, authenticity, and power of women. Brittany's art is a reflection of her admiration for the resilience and beauty of women, qualities she strives to embody in her own life. Through her vibrant and expressive pieces, she inspires others to embrace their authentic selves and live without apology.
Through working with her on her website, I had the immense privilege of helping Brittney powerfully express in words what her striking art conveys. This powerhouse of a woman is making leaps in her creative career, which started not too long ago. In creating and showing up as her most genuine self with a bigger-than-life mission, she has snagged several important brand collaborations and was recently picked up by Anthropologie!
This is not by pure coincidence. It’s the outcome of dedication, resilience, grit, and believing you’re here to make an impact. Yay, Britt!
Here’s Britt’s Advice:
“One mindset tip that has truly propelled my success as an artist is embracing the idea of progress over perfection. When I first started painting, I often felt paralyzed by the fear of not creating something ‘perfect.’ But over time, I’ve learned that the magic lies in showing up consistently, allowing myself to experiment, and trusting the process—even if the results aren’t flawless.
This mindset has not only helped me grow creatively but also made my work more authentic and meaningful to collectors. It’s about creating from the heart, being bold in the face of uncertainty, and understanding that each piece—successful or not—is a step forward.”
Hillary Butler: Abstract Artist
Memphis, Tennesee
Hillary Butler’s bold, abstract artworks are sought after for both corporate and private projects, with pieces available on canvas and paper, as well as through commissions. Hillary's work is characterized by its vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, bringing a sense of energy and movement to any space. Her art reflects a deep connection to her Southern roots and a passion for creating pieces that resonate with viewers on a personal level.
Here’s Hillary’s Advice:
“The simplest mindset shift in my business took me years to recognize, even though it’s embarrassingly simple: I started focusing on what was working and growing that, instead of trying to force what wasn’t.
One key example? Years ago, I decided to build my business around selling higher-end originals rather than relying on volume. At the time, my audience was mostly buying smaller pieces, and I was spending all my time painting them. But I wasn’t even stocking large works in my shop—hard to sell what isn’t there, right? I knew I needed to create more big pieces while also bridging the gap for my collectors.
So, I phased out smaller works from my shop and limited them to twice-yearly releases, my Under $100 Events. The demand took off. The first sale did well, but I noticed people missed out due to a lack of communication. For the next one, I sent preview emails and reminders. It worked—collectors set alarms, pieces sold fast, and demand kept growing. Over time, I added more pieces, moved the sale from Instagram to my website, and gave my mailing list early access. The first website event sold out in 20 minutes! Each launch builds more momentum, and I just keep tweaking and improving.
What made this event successful?
Scarcity: Limited pieces, available only twice a year.
Urgency: My mailing list gets first access for a short window.
Proven Demand: Sellouts increase urgency for future events.
Consistency: The same two months each year, so collectors anticipate it.
Clear Communication: I assume no one remembers anything I’ve said, so I remind them—simply and often!
Organic Growth: Each event builds on the last, keeping demand high.
Two super simple questions to ask yourself are: What is working, and what one little tweak can I make to improve it? Don't be so distracted by wanting overnight success that you miss out on all the wonderful things that ARE going your way!!”
Kristen Drozdowski
Michigan
Kristen Drozdowski is an artist and illustrator from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Her work expresses a peaceful visual language of simple shapes and colors, emerging through spontaneity, trust, and intuition. Kristen's creative practices stem from a love for self-exploration and expression, with her process being most influenced by spirit-centric connections between earth, water, light, body, and mind. She is also the founder of the stationery line Worthwhile Paper, where her designs continue to inspire and uplift.
Here’s Kristen’s Advice:
“My favorite mindset advice is something I have to remind myself of constantly: identity is just a story we tell ourselves. It isn’t who we are—our true self is infinite and full of potential.
For a long time, I felt boxed in by the idea that my creative identity had to align with the work I’d made in the past. That belief became a huge block, making me feel like I had to create in a specific way instead of simply expressing what I felt in the moment. But when I started painting for self-exploration, I had a realization—art isn’t about defining myself. It’s about allowing whatever wants to come through.
My mantra became: “Step out of the box and into yourself.” I’ve been letting go, trusting that my artistic style will naturally shine through. As artists, the most freeing thing we can do is stop trying to control our creativity and just let it flow.”
The Common Thread
The common thread in all of the artists' advice? Trust yourself, take action before you feel ready, and stay in motion.
Across every piece of wisdom, there’s a recurring theme: success in an art business doesn’t come from waiting, overthinking, or perfecting—it comes from showing up, experimenting, and trusting the process.
Here’s my takeaway from this heartfelt mindset advice roundup:
✅ They moved forward despite fear. Whether it was building a studio, raising prices, or shifting creative direction, they felt the doubt—but they didn’t let it stop them.
✅ They valued progress over perfection. Perfectionism is just fear in disguise. These artists learned that creating, sharing, and evolving matters more than getting everything “just right.”
✅ They treated their art like a business. The artists who built sustainable careers didn’t wait for someone to tell them they were “legit.” They put in the time, showed up with consistency, and created strategic opportunities for their work to thrive.
✅ They leaned into their own creative rhythm. Creativity isn’t a straight path—it’s seasonal, fluid, and unpredictable. Instead of forcing a rigid structure, these artists learned to trust the natural ebb and flow of their process.
✅ They made decisions from a place of belief, not fear. Fear says, “You’re not ready.” Fear says, “Who are you to do this?” The artists who move forward anyway? They decide their work is worth it, their dreams are valid, and they can build something meaningful.
At the end of the day, the biggest shift isn’t external—it’s internal.
💡 The artists who succeed aren’t necessarily the most talented, the most connected, or the most “ready.” They’re just the ones who keep going.
Want to know what’s keeping you stuck?
Take the Prolific & Profitable Artist Quiz now →
