The Succeful Artist's Career Guide

I finally finished reading 'The Successful Artist's Career Guide' by Margaret Peot and though it was geared to an American audience I did find many words of wisdom for artists:

* express genuine enthusiasm for your wok
* everything you do must generate from your center
* saying no can be a positive step towards something that is a better fit for you
* know the direction you are heading
* remember good manners
* an artist's statement should be 100 words or less
* start from the beginning, doing your work your way - don't start with compromise until you 'get recognized' (Michael Bendele)
* everyone who has a success story has found a way to make art that is deeply meaningful to them
* even if you have an art-related job, carving out space in your life for your own personal exploration is crucial to your growth as an artist
* if the work is good, it has power; if you are on your path, the way will be cleared for you because you mist return your gift; there are helpers along the way; you must be willing to sacrifice; know what makes you feel right
(Catherine Redmond)
* "...the imagination needs idling - long, inefficient, happy dawdling and puttering. These people who are always briskly doing something and are as busy as waltzing mice, have no slow, big ideas." (Brenda Ueland)

She also shared a story about her grandfather when he was attempting to find work during the Great Depression.  Though a local sawmill had no work available, he showed up every day, swept the floors and helped wherever he could in order to allow the operators to continue working.  At the end of two weeks, his value was realized and he was hired as he was helpful, diligent and friendly.  I love that image of dedication and commitment and reward.