Chasing vs Attracting

February 6, 2025


In the world of art, there’s a tendency to think that success can be obtained through relentless pursuit—constantly reaching out to galleries, pressuring collectors, or paying for likes and followers on social media. But this mindset, the idea of "chasing success," often leads to burnout and frustration, and it’s a path that doesn’t align with the true essence of being an artist. The real key to success isn’t in chasing; it’s in attracting.

Pitfalls of Chasing Success

When an artist spends their time chasing success, they are often caught in a cycle of desperation. The constant need for validation—whether through gallery representation, collector purchases, or social media metrics—can feel exhausting. It may lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and an unhealthy attachment to external factors that are beyond the artist’s control.

Take gallery representation, for example. It’s easy to fall into the trap of cold emailing, attending endless networking events, or pressuring curators to take notice of your work. Similarly, trying to convince collectors to buy or forcing social media engagement by paying for followers and likes can feel like you're selling your soul to meet arbitrary benchmarks of success. This chase can become an unhealthy obsession that distracts you from the very thing that matters most—creating meaningful, authentic art.

Attracting Success Through Focus and Vision

Rather than chasing after success, true success is about attracting it. How does this happen? It all begins with focusing on the work itself. Successful artists do not run after fame or financial rewards—they build their careers organically, focusing on refining their craft and staying true to their vision.

Stay Committed to Your Vision

Success comes when you are deeply aligned with your purpose as an artist. The work you produce must be an expression of your unique voice, your ideas, and your passion. When you focus on what matters to you and refine your approach to your craft, you attract the right kind of attention.

Being authentic to your vision allows you to produce work that resonates with others—not because you’re trying to appeal to what’s “in” or what you think people want, but because your work speaks from the heart. Success, in this sense, isn’t about forcing your art to fit into someone else’s expectations. It's about staying true to what you believe in and trusting that the right audience will come.

Master Your Craft

Attraction stems from mastery. Successful artists are constantly honing their craft, pushing boundaries, and improving their technical skills. This takes time, focus, and dedication. Instead of seeking shortcuts or relying on external validation, invest that energy into becoming the best version of yourself as an artist.

Whether it’s trying new techniques, exploring new mediums, or challenging yourself with new concepts, the work you produce becomes a reflection of your growth. This process of refinement ensures that when success does come, it’s built on a solid foundation of skill and authenticity.

Put Your Work Out There

Once you’ve cultivated a body of work that reflects your vision and expertise, the next step is simply to share it with the world. Put your art out there in a way that feels true to your approach, whether it’s through exhibitions, online galleries, or social media. The key is to share it from a place of confidence, not desperation. Trust that if your work is authentic and compelling, the right opportunities will find you.

When you stop chasing validation and instead focus on letting your work speak for itself, you will naturally attract the people who appreciate your vision. Some may be collectors, others curators or gallery owners, but all will be drawn to your unique voice.

Let Opportunities Come to You

Attracting success means being open to opportunities without forcing them. Instead of chasing after every lead, focus on creating work that speaks to your ideal audience. Trust that when your work is truly exceptional, it will resonate with the right people—those who will take the time to understand, appreciate, and support it.

For example, you may find that galleries begin to reach out to you, rather than the other way around. Collectors may become interested in your work after seeing it in an exhibition or through a recommendation from someone who truly appreciates your artistic style. By staying grounded in your craft and staying patient, you allow these opportunities to unfold naturally.

Power of Attraction

In the art world, the journey is just as important as the destination. By focusing on your craft and staying true to your artistic vision, you will naturally attract the success you desire. You don’t need to chase after it, nor do you need to depend on external metrics like follower counts or likes. Success comes when you put your heart into your work, trust in your process, and let opportunities come to you, not force them.

Remember, in the end, art is about creating, not chasing. Keep your head down, work hard, and let your passion and dedication draw success to you like a magnet.