In my family, both my upbringing and the one I’ve joined through marriage, we have artists in various fields: writers, musicians, visual creators, and performers. Therefore, when my children express an interest in music or writing, I feel equipped to guide them. Here are eleven conversations I’d have with my kids about pursuing art.
- Decouple Art from Finances: One of the most limiting beliefs surrounding artists is the notion that they can’t grasp financial matters. Just like anyone else, artists must understand how money works. This conversation can be framed positively, focusing on how to generate income, manage expenses, and carve out time for creativity. Worrying about bills can stifle artistic expression.
- Be Kind and Generous: A musician acquaintance once shared, “Top-tier artists tend to be warm and generous; it’s the struggling ones who can be difficult.” Aim to embody the generosity of the successful, regardless of your current status. This mindset not only signifies success but is also critical for achieving it.
- Embrace Multiple Passions: It’s completely normal to dive deeply into one passion, like playing guitar for years, only to pivot to a different career later on. These transitions should be driven by your child’s desires, not parental pressure. Everyone should feel in control of their life choices.
- Value Day Jobs: Many accomplished musicians I know also work as doctors or lawyers. They maintain dual careers, demonstrating that the focus and dedication required for both paths are often remarkably similar.
- Understand the Rule of Seven: Quitting a day job to pursue art full-time is often farther away than anticipated. I once heard a successful author say, “Don’t leave your day job until you’ve published seven books.” Even if your child earns from their art, it should remain supplemental until they can comfortably meet their financial goals for several years.
- Redefine Success: In my family, success comes in many forms. Some individuals achieve financial or critical acclaim, while others maintain their day jobs but remain passionate about their art. Many find fulfillment in teaching or even pivoting to new artistic endeavors. True artists continue to create in whatever capacity they can, no matter how limited their time.
- Adapt to Life’s Surprises: The most content artists I know embrace life’s unexpected changes as opportunities. They view decisions through a lens of potential rather than limitation. Instead of thinking, “I have two bad choices,” they ask, “How can I make this the best outcome?”
- Value Community: Being part of an artistic community enriches the experience. I have a passion for music that I never considered pursuing as a profession. The friendships and support I’ve found have been invaluable, making it worthwhile, even if I only play simple songs for the rest of my life.
- Recognize Economic Factors: The economy can significantly influence an artist’s journey. I graduated during a booming economy, while my partner faced a recession. If my children were interested in fine arts, I would feel concerned—not because I doubt their abilities, but because the current economic climate is far less forgiving. Hence, we come back to the first point: separating art from finances.
- Acknowledge Class Disparities: An artist’s journey can be much less precarious if they come from a stable financial background. This is an important social issue that artists should acknowledge and strive to address through their work.
- The Future is Uncertain: In my family, the common thread is that our parents had misconceptions about our futures. No one’s life unfolded exactly as expected. The unpredictable nature of the world often plays a larger role in success or failure than personal circumstances. Remember, while you may know your child well, the future remains a mystery.
In conclusion, nurturing a child’s artistic aspirations requires open dialogue, understanding, and a balanced view of art and life. Encouraging them to embrace their passions while being realistic about the challenges can help them navigate their creative journeys successfully. For additional insights on this topic, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in exploring at-home insemination options, visit Make a Mom for reliable syringe kits. For further resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC provides valuable information.
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