Listen to 3 Lessons Every Artist Needs to Know for a Thriving Creative Career on:
As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect on the journey—on the lessons learned and the growth we’ve experienced. Today, I want to share three essential lessons every artist needs to hear. These truths, shaped by years of creating, performing, and coaching, are for dancers, actors, writers, singers, and visual artists alike.
Whether you’re just starting your creative path or seeking renewed inspiration, these lessons are designed to help you build a fulfilling and sustainable artistic life.
1. Your Path as an Artist Isn’t Waiting to Be Found—It’s Waiting to Be Built
For years, I believed that the perfect creative path was out there, just waiting for me to discover it. I worked hard, took on exciting roles, and said yes to projects I thought would lead me to my breakthrough moment. But here’s what I learned: the artist’s journey isn’t mansion by mansion; it’s brick by brick.
Your path is built in the small, daily decisions. Like the dancer who spends hours refining her technique in the studio. Or the writer who drafts stories that might never get published. Or the actor who memorizes lines and rehearses scenes, uncertain if they’ll ever get cast. These actions, done quietly and consistently, create the foundation for growth.
I realized that no single role, opportunity, or project would suddenly transform my life as an artist. Instead, it’s about showing up every day, laying the bricks, and trusting the process.
Takeaway for Artists: Stop waiting for the perfect opportunity to find you. Start building your path—step by step, action by action.
2. Stop Waiting for Others to Say Yes—Create Your Opportunities
For years, I thought that the most important opportunities were the big breaks—the moments when someone else would validate my worth as an artist. I spent endless days submitting applications, auditioning, and pitching. And while I was building my own projects, my desire for approval often fueled those efforts.
Then one day, I reflected on everything I’d already accomplished: creating original work, collaborating with peers, and building communities. I realized I didn’t need someone else’s permission to continue. That’s when everything changed. Instead of waiting for others to say yes, I started giving myself permission to create.
Think about the singer who books her own shows, the visual artist who opens their own online shop, or the playwright who stages their own work. These artists take ownership of their journey and create opportunities on their own terms.
Takeaway for Artists: Stop chasing external validation. The most transformative opportunities often come when you take the lead and say yes to yourself.
3. Success Isn’t Just Applause—It’s Showing Up Even When No One’s Watching
The artist’s journey can feel isolating at times. There are moments when no one is clapping, no one is watching, and it feels like you’re working in the dark. But it’s in these moments—the “dark work”—where the magic truly happens.
Think about the dancer who begins her day with Pilates and strength training, even when no performance is on the horizon. The singer practicing scales in her bedroom, unsure of when the next gig will come. The actor rehearsing monologues late at night for an audition they might never hear back from. The writer committing to 30 minutes of writing every day, even when inspiration feels distant. The painter sketching during a lunch break, imagining her next series.
For me, it was the mornings spent writing when I wasn’t sure anyone would ever read my work. It was the auditions that felt thankless but prepared me for something bigger. These small, consistent acts of dedication are what turn dreams into reality.
Takeaway for Artists: Success isn’t defined by applause—it’s defined by showing up for your art every single day.
Final Reflections: A Message for All Creatives
These three lessons—building your path, creating your own opportunities, and redefining success—have transformed how I approach my work and how I coach other artists. Whether you’re a dancer, actor, writer, singer, or visual artist, these lessons can guide you toward a more sustainable, fulfilling, creative life.
You don’t need permission to start creating. Your value as an artist doesn’t depend on someone else’s approval. Your path is yours to build, one step at a time.
Takeaway for Artists: Your art matters. Your creative voice matters. Keep building, creating, and showing up.
Listen to the Full Episode: Dive Deeper Into These Lessons
If these lessons resonate with you, I dive deeper into each one in my latest episode of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist Podcast. Tune in for more personal stories, actionable insights, and encouragement for your artistic journey.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why your path isn’t waiting to be found—it’s waiting to be built.
- How to break free from waiting for permission and create your own opportunities.
- The surprising truth about success and how to keep showing up, even when no one’s watching.
With you on the journey, friend.
Book personalized Life Coaching with Lara here.
Purchase The Creative Purpose Journal here.
Build a life of love, purpose, adventure & boundless creativity!