Hey there, fellow artists and dreamers! I'm Ros Gervay, your friendly neighbourhood business coach for new and rising artists. Today, let's dive into something that holds many talented individuals back from pursuing their passion: the excuses we make to ourselves. Whether you're self-taught, juggling parenthood, or stuck in a demanding job, it's time to break free from the chains of doubt and instead take inspired action toward your creative ambitions. Let's explore three common excuses and how to overcome them, because anything is possible when you dare to dream.

Excuse #1: "I'm not a 'real' artist because I didn't attend art school."

It's time to debunk this myth once and for all. The truth is, there's no one path to becoming an artist. Many successful creators, like Amy Venn, are entirely self-taught. With dedication and passion, Amy has exhibited her work, landed commissions, and opened doors she never thought possible. Remember, your creativity is not defined by a diploma—it's fueled by your desire to express yourself. Embrace your unique journey and take pride in your self-taught skills.

Excuse #2: "I'm too busy with my responsibilities as a parent."

To all the supermums and superdads out there, I see you. Balancing parenthood with pursuing your dreams is no easy feat, but it's not impossible. Take inspiration from artists like Elisa Flynt, who prioritizes her art as a source of joy amidst the busy-ness of daily life. By carving out dedicated time for creativity and leveraging online platforms, Elisa has built a heart-centred art business while still being present for her family. Remember, your passion deserves a place in your busy schedule—make room for it.

Excuse #3: "I don't have enough time because of my full-time job."

Ah, the classic time crunch. It's easy to let the demands of a 9-to-5 job overshadow your artistic aspirations, but don't let that stop you. Just ask Karen Buenger, who manages her art business alongside her career and family responsibilities. By maximizing her time and leveraging opportunities to showcase her work, Karen has cultivated a growing audience for her art workshops and collections. Your day job may pay the bills (for now), but your art feeds your soul—find the balance that works for you.

What We've Learned: At the end of the day, any excuse will do if you let it. But why settle for excuses when you can unleash your full potential as an artist? Whether you're self-taught, a parent, or working full-time, it's time to reclaim your dreams and pursue them with unwavering determination.

What You Can Do: So, what's stopping you from taking the leap? Take a moment to reflect on your long-term aspirations and the kind of life you want to lead. Are you willing to let fear and doubt hold you back, or are you ready to embrace the unknown and pursue your passion wholeheartedly? The choice is yours, my friend.

An Invitation: If you're ready to design a year filled with creativity, growth, and endless possibilities, I invite you to join me at the Design Your Year event on Saturday, February 10th 2024 at 10 am AEDT. Let's come together to unlock your artistic potential and set the stage for a truly transformative journey. Reserve your spot today here.

Remember, the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself. Dare to dream, dare to create, and dare to live life on your own terms. See you at the event!

With love and gratitude,

Ros x