If you looked up Happy Artist in the imaginary dictionary where stuff like that is defined, it would say something like this:

Happy Artist {n}

Practicing artist of any kind who is fulfilled, joyful, peaceful, curious, resilient, focused, committed and confident in their own unique mode(s) of creative self expression 

Sounds good, right? Maybe a bit idealistic?

One afternoon in 2016, I was trying to get to the heart of my work in the world, so that I could talk about it in an instantly accessible way for those stumbling across it. Clarity is good for all of us, and in some ways especially so if it concerns things you make for other people.

So I was chewing it all over, and thinking, how can make this as succinct and clear as possible? And then a bolt of lightning pierced my brain and I heard this:

#happyartistmovement*

*partially ironic hashtag, but also useful on Instagram. ???? 

Now, you may know that I am introverted to the point of reclusiveness. I am the last person who should be – or would want to be – spearheading a movement. I’d rather be at home in the quiet by myself, thanks.

The thing is, my artist path has led me to all sorts of interesting places, including seemingly unscalable mountains, disappointing dead ends, bustling marketplaces, sloughs of despond, and realms where happy dancing and squealing like a five year old is the norm.

In short, I’ve experienced an enormous range of what artistic process has to offer, and what I’ve learned {and continue to learn} is now being put into service, both for myself, and for you.

I am a happy artist {in the way that I define that for myself}. And with first hand experience of what life as a happy artist can be like, I want to see more of us.

Photo Credit: Ian Kingsnorth

Being a happy artist is not about ‘being happy’ all the time.

It’s about cultivating a life where your artistic expression is so deeply embedded into your day to day that there is no clear line where art ends and everything else begins.

Art is a non-negotiable in the happy artist’s life, whether that means it’s your career or an extra but essential well-filling part of your life.

The happy artist knows that some days everything you make looks like utter shit to you; that sometimes the demons are screaming so loudly you can’t even bring yourself to pick up a pencil.

And they also know that process is a circle, and everything exists within it. It’s all in there, and it’s all equally valid.

So when the bad days come, the happy artist doesn’t throw up their hands and beat themselves with a stick {or not for long anyway!}.

They say, hello again fear/doubt/procrastination/frustration, I remember you.

And they know and understand themselves and their own process well enough to know how to move through it with minimum fuss.

I will never suggest that making art is a continually happy experience – sometimes it’s excruciating! – but when you’re making your art consistently and with integrity, that’s a very good and reliable way to up the happiness quotient in your life.

The happy artist’s toolkit

In my experience, clarity, consistency, encouragement, and a few practical tools are enough to make a happy artist.

I can help you with those. That’s why I am thinking of my work now as a movement for happy artists.

And so you are cordially invited to join the movement, in whatever way works for you. Maybe you’ll take a course with me. Maybe you’ll sign up for Artnotes. Maybe you’ll add my blog to your reading list. Maybe you’ll follow my work on Instagram.

Maybe you’ll just make more art. {That would be awesome.}

I don’t make art every day, I don’t love everything I make, and I don’t have fun every single second of it.

But I’m doing it. I’m self expressed, and it only expands, deepens, and becomes ever clearer.

Because I’m a happy artist, my life is better. It really is that simple.

Art doesn’t fix everything, but it makes a fundamental and significant difference.

I want that for you. I’d love you to join me.

There are various ways to do that, but let’s keep this simple for now. If you’d like to get to know me a bit better before jumping into any of my courses, I invite you to sign up for twice monthly Artnotes below.

If you’re ready to take your art to the next level, whatever that means for you, may I recommend the Happy Artist Studio membership. You’ll find a huge array of my courses in one place, with options for monthly or annual membership. Click here to find out more and join us!