Should Artists Be People Pleasers?

Many of us grow up attempting to be people pleasers. As artists we know that is necessary however, how far does one take that?

Seth Godin says that it is more important that you are the best in your category and that the category should be specific.
People that share your vision will be gravitate to it.
The artist’s job is to lead it.
Pleasing everyone is impossible, if not undesirable.

As an artist, the questions you ask yourself should be:

What makes you unique?
What are you passionate about?
What are you trying to say – not necessarily just what you think, but what do you feel?
Why is it important that you communicate it?
Why does it matter?

In looking at these questions I have been attempting to distill exactly why I paint. I am often accused of being all in my head – a thinker.

Thinking is important to me – but thoughts are empty and without context unless connected to something larger, something that reaches much deeper.
Success is not in its description but in the attempt, the exploration – The journey is what others relate to.

We admire uncompromising people – people that pursue a vision or a purpose with unwavering commitment. We call these people heroes and role models. In their very nature they attract some and offend others, but their belief in themselves, their vision, does not allow them to be concerned with that. They are true artists!
Art is about sharing the human experience and imagination.
Are you a people pleaser?

“Window Seat” by Michelle Basic Hendry

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Guest artist/author: Michelle Basic Hendry Michelle Basic Hendry SCA is an award winning artist and landscape painter. She has been elected by her peers to become a member of the Society of Canadian Artists and the Landscape Artists International. She currently resides in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. Michelle works primarily in acrylic due to its flexibility as a medium. http://www.artscapes.ca
Thank you Michelle! Lori