The Artist’s Life Plan
Can You Really Plan for Success?
Success as an artist often feels hard to pin down. It’s a loaded word, tied to expectations, dreams, and a lot of uncertainty. So, can you actually plan for success? Or is it just about being in the right place at the right time? Let’s dig in. First up? The myth of the “overnight success”…
When you’re just starting out, it can seem like some artists hit success out of nowhere. You hear stories about people who suddenly have their work everywhere and seem to be living the dream. But the truth is, “overnight success” usually comes after years of persistence, hard work, and yes, some luck. Success rarely happens by accident. Timing and circumstances do matter, but most artists who “make it” have spent years honing their craft, building connections, and learning how the art world works. What you see on the surface is just a tiny part of the story.
Is There a Formula for Artistic Success?
Some people say you can’t plan for success in a creative field. There’s no set path like in other professions—no clear ladder to climb. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a plan. Successful artists often have their own version of a roadmap. It may not be a strict five-year plan, but it usually involves setting goals, staying committed, and being willing to adapt when things don’t go as expected. After 20 years as both an artist and a professor, I’ve seen the many different paths to success that my students took. No two look exactly alike, but they all share some common threads.
Crafting Your Own Roadmap
If you want to build a life as an artist, having a plan helps. It doesn’t have to be a step-by-step guide, but having direction matters. Your art career is a mix of creativity and strategy. There’s the art itself—what you make, how you work, and your creative voice. Then there’s the business side—how you market your work, present yourself, and connect with the art community.
Start by figuring out your goals. Do you want to sell your work? Grow a social media following? Get into galleries? Whatever your goals are, break them down into smaller, doable steps. You can’t control who buys your art, but you can control how you promote it, how often you create, and how you handle new opportunities.
The Unexpected (da da dunnn…)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as both an artist and professor, it’s that life loves to throw curveballs. You might be moving steadily in one direction, and then things suddenly change. Maybe a project falls through, or an opportunity fizzles out. That’s where flexibility comes in. Successful artists are adaptable. They don’t stick rigidly to a single plan, hoping it all works out. Instead, they adjust and take advantage of new opportunities, letting go of what’s not working. This doesn’t mean giving up on your goals. It means understanding that the road to success is rarely a straight line.
Persistence
Persistence is huge. I’ve seen students and fellow artists who weren’t necessarily the most naturally gifted, but they kept at it. They improved their work, learned from failures, and eventually found their place in the art world.
Rejection is part of being an artist. Galleries might say no, commissions might fall through, and self-doubt will creep in. But success doesn’t come to those who quit at the first setback. It comes to those who push forward, refine their craft, and keep showing up.
Luck and Timing
Luck and timing do play a role. Sometimes, you’ll be in the right place at the right time, and things will click. But waiting around for luck isn’t a strategy. Instead, create conditions where luck is more likely to find you. Show up consistently—in your studio, at art openings, or online. Build relationships with collectors, fellow artists, and gallery owners. The more you put yourself out there, the higher the chances that something good will come your way.
Can You Really Plan for Success?
So, can you plan for success as an artist? Yes and no. You can make a plan, set goals, and work toward the career you want. But you also have to stay flexible and ready for the unexpected. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a long-term commitment to your art and career. One often-overlooked part of success is having a support network. This can include other artists, mentors, gallery owners, or supportive friends and family. Surround yourself with people who give honest feedback, help you through challenges, and celebrate your wins. Strong relationships can lead to new opportunities or simply remind you that you’re not in this alone.
Many of us got into art because we love creating, not because we wanted to run a business. But if you want to make a living from your art, the business side matters. Marketing, pricing, and networking don’t have to take away from your creativity. In fact, managing these parts of your career can give you more freedom to focus on making art. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s about making a living from their art. For others, it’s about having the freedom to create without worrying about sales. Define what success means to you. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
In a world where everyone shares their wins online, it can feel like you’re falling behind. But art careers take time. The artists who succeed are often the ones who are patient and persistent. They keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. Patience doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means understanding that building a career takes time. Some steps are about refining your craft or learning how to market your work. Other times, you’ll need to jump on sudden opportunities. Both are part of the journey.
The “Failures” that Aren’t Failures
Not every project will go the way you want, and that’s okay. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came from what felt like failures at the time. A show that didn’t sell, a project that fell apart—these moments force you to grow and adapt.
When things go wrong, ask, “What can I learn from this?” instead of, “Why me?” This shift in mindset can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
How Much of Success is Luck?
Luck plays a part in any career. Sometimes things just line up perfectly. But luck often favors those who are prepared. Keep working, connecting, and putting yourself out there, and you increase the odds that luck will find you. The art world changes constantly—digital art, social media, new platforms. Don’t be afraid of change. Adapt, but stay true to your vision. Use new tools to support your work, not replace it.
So, Can You Really Plan for Success? Yes—but if it’s a flexible plan. At the end of the day, success as an artist isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you shape over time. It’s not about following a strict formula or waiting for luck to strike, but about finding a rhythm that blends your creativity with intentional action. You can set goals, make plans, and adapt as you go (the ole fail and fail better concept). Some days, those plans will lead you to unexpected opportunities; other times, they’ll help you weather setbacks and keep moving forward.
Your version of success is personal. It might be about making a living through your art, having the freedom to create without pressure, or building a supportive community around your work. Whatever it is, remember that the journey matters just as much as the milestones. Stay flexible, stay persistent, and stay true to what fuels your creativity.
You can’t control everything—the timing, the luck, or the way the world responds to your work. But you can show up, keep creating, and put yourself out there. The choices you make and the paths you explore will shape your artistic life, one step at a time. Embrace the process, trust in your growth, and know that your success is an evolving story—one that only you can write.
Ready to get started? Download the PDF of our Art Life Plan worksheet to figure out your art values and action steps. This worksheet can be a tool to reflect, stay focused, and ensure that your artistic path aligns with what truly matters to you.
