If you've decided to pursue art as a career, then you already know you didn't choose the easiest path—but you did choose one that can be incredibly rewarding. The road to success is rarely a straight line, and trust me, I've been there, experimenting with countless strategies, only to find myself struggling with sales and marketing.
But here's the good news:
You are already one step ahead by simply having access to the internet. Today, more than ever, artists are sharing how they've found success. The tools and resources available to you are better than ever, and it's easier to build a career now than it was just a few years ago.
That said, there's a common trap many fall into:
Trying to follow a formula that works for some but doesn't work for everyone.
If you've tried following a few "recipes for success" and still feel like you're hitting a wall, you are not alone. It happens to all of us.
With every creative career, there are those who seem to make it look effortless—and then there are those who struggle to make it happen. It can be frustrating, and you might find yourself asking, "What's the difference between these two types of artists? How do I become the one who makes it look easy?"
I get it. It wasn't easy for me either... Until it was.
And when things finally clicked for me, it felt like everything started falling into place. I reached a point where things were better than I could have ever imagined.
Now, I want to share the Turning Points that transformed my career and helped me break through.
My First Turning Point: Letting Go of “Safe”
For a long time, I held onto a part-time job that didn’t fit me. I kept convincing myself it was a means to an end — my bread and butter income while I built my art career. And that’s a valid strategy, as long as the “safe” thing isn’t quietly keeping you stuck.
That job was keeping me safe. And it was making me sick. Because deep down, I knew I was never meant to do it forever. Every day I showed up there was a day I wasn’t fully showing up for my art.
When I finally quit, things started to shift. Not overnight — it still took time. But I eventually found what replaced it, something that actually fit who I was and what I was building. Something that felt like mine.
Here’s what I learned: sometimes you have to make space for your dreams by releasing your grip on what feels safe. The safe thing can become the very thing standing between you and the life you’re meant to live.
That was my turning point. Not a gallery show. Not a viral post. A decision.
I want to teach you how to break the cycle of:
- Feeling like you’re not good enough
- Lacking confidence when talking about your art
- Struggling with marketing
- Not making enough sales
This is your opportunity to end the frustration, build your confidence, and finally start seeing the results you deserve.
Join me on Patreon at any level to gain the kind of insights you need for where you currently are on this journey. Choose from the Supportive, Artsy, or Passionate Spirit levels and start breaking the cycle today!
— Tonya
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P.S. Not quite ready to dive in? Start at your own pace with one of my books for artists.