Immense gratitude. Fear. Stress. Giddiness. Joy. Pressure. Overwhelming doubt. Procrastination. Happiness.
These are all feelings I’ve experienced within the last four months of taking the leap into being a full-time artist.
One of the biggest realizations I’ve come to is that these feelings can coexist — and it’s entirely possible to feel them all at once… even within the span of a single day.
The Leap
When I left my corporate job, I was overflowing with determination and over-zealous expectations for what life would look like as a full-time artist. I thought, “I’m going to have SO much time to make art, grow my social media, and finally start that YouTube channel I’ve dreamed about for years — all from the comfort of my new home!”
And while some of that is true, I quickly learned that pursuing your passion full-time is not the picture-perfect dream it might appear to be from the outside. It’s deeply fulfilling, yes — but it’s also humbling, stretching, and full of lessons I didn’t know I needed.
Lesson #1 — You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
It’s easy to expect so much of ourselves, especially as perfectionists and overachievers. But after several bouts of burnout and exhaustion, I realized I couldn’t do everything I wanted — at least not all at once.
My main priority needed to be clear: make new art, show up fully at the art festivals I’d signed up for, and meet amazing people along the way.
I quickly learned that festivals are a lot of work — and trying to add a YouTube launch, children’s book project, commissions, consistent social posting, and a social life on top of that was a recipe for mental overload.
Sometimes, doing less is what allows you to give your best.
Lesson #2 — Not every festival or art show will be a slam-dunk (and that’s okay).
So far, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to participate in seven markets, shows, and festivals, with two more coming up — which adds up to 17 days and around 180 hours of work, including setups and tear-downs.
And wow, have I learned a lot.
The biggest takeaway? Exercise gratitude and seek value in the non-monetary things.
Even at the festivals where hours pass without a single sale, I’ve found joy in meeting new people, sharing stories, and hearing kind words about my art. Those moments remind me that this journey is about more than numbers or profits — it’s about connection and purpose.
Of course, I need to make money to sustain my business, but that’s where faith comes in. God has placed me on this path, and I trust that He will provide every step of the way.
Lesson #3 — One project at a time.
As a creative, my brain is always buzzing with ideas. I’ll be painting one piece and suddenly think of a new product or painting I want/need to do. But I’ve learned that when I stretch myself too thin, everything suffers — including my joy.
Focusing on one project at a time allows me to give it my best energy and enjoy the process. The rest will fall into place in its time.
Lesson #4 — Make art that you love.
It’s easy to get caught up in what sells, what performs well online, or what people expect from you. But the truth is — the pieces that connect the most are the ones that come from joy and authenticity.
When I stop creating to impress and start creating to express, everything changes. My art feels more like me, and that’s when I fall in love with it all over again.
Lesson #5 — Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty.
I’ve only been doing this full-time for a few months. There are going to be slow seasons, mistakes, and moments where things don’t go as planned — and that’s okay.
I’m human, not superwoman.
Comparison steals the joy of where I am right now. God called me to this journey — not anyone else’s — and He’s writing my story in His timing.
Wrapping It All Up
If there’s one thing this season has taught me, it’s to lean into grace.
Grace for the messy middle.
Grace for the projects that don’t turn out how I imagined.
Grace for the days that feel hard.
Because even when things feel uncertain, God is working behind the scenes.
Being a full-time artist isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up faithfully, trusting the process, and celebrating the small victories along the way.
Here’s to making art with purpose, joy, and a whole lot of grace.