The Three Steps to Success in Art and Life – Nicholas Wilton – Ep 162
January 22, 2025
ON TODAY’S EPISODE
Starting small and quiet in the creative field is something many of us experience, but advancing requires a process—and sometimes, the guidance of a coach. Rediscovering the art in my life has been a profound journey, and I’m sharing my story to help you achieve your creative goals, too.
My three-step approach for creative goals encompasses Vision, Process, and Sharing:
- Vision: Be clear about your desires and goals. Understand your limiting beliefs and set up a community or coaching for support.
- Process: Enjoy the creative journey. Maintain consistency and develop a system that works for you, allowing for sustained progress over time.
- Sharing: Overcome the fear of sharing your work and ideas. Sharing is vital for growth and gaining confidence as an artist.
Engaging with my platform through comments and reviews helps spread valuable content. Overcoming limiting beliefs, seeking mentorship, and facilitating personal growth are essential to achieving artistic aspirations.
Listen if you are interested in…
- My evolution as a full-time fine artist (0:00)
- Evaluating galleries in Santa Fe to seek representation (06:52)
- Partnering with a supportive gallery owner (16:13)
- The three key steps to achieving your goals (17:04)
- Setting your vision and the goals you have (18:03)
- Why should you define your process? (20:18)
- Sharing creates opportunities and builds resilience (26:49)
- Create a system for seizing opportunities efficiently (29:06)
Your Creative Vision
Having a clearly defined vision to pursue your creative goals is important. Vision is not just about knowing what you want to achieve but also about understanding the parameters and limitations that might be holding you back. Taking the time to articulate and write down your goals can transform an abstract desire into a tangible pathway. This practice of defining your vision acts as a compass, guiding artists through the uncertainty and inconsistencies that often cause creative journeys to stall.
Community and mentorship help you solidify your vision. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network provides invaluable insights and encouragement, keeping your vision alive and adaptable. A clear, written vision combined with strategic action and support can facilitate massive artistic growth.
Locking in the Process
Maintaining a regular creative routine enhances your skills and helps you build the necessary momentum for long-term success. My journey from commercial illustrator to the liberating pursuit of fine art emphasizes why finding joy in the creative process is so important. A well-defined vision might outline the destination, but the process makes the journey enriching and sustainable.
Developing a system that aligns with personal rhythms and commitments is crucial for steady progress. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you, whether it’s setting aside dedicated creative time each day or establishing a structured workflow. Your process should be flexible enough to adapt to new inspirations and challenges, allowing you to grow authentically as an artist. By enjoying the creative journey and committing to a consistent practice, artists can foster an environment where your confidence and skill flourish.
Sharing Your Art
Sharing your work and progress in the artistic community has a powerful impact. Sharing isn’t about seeking external validation but about participating in a broader conversation and building connections.
You can use platforms like Instagram and other social media to showcase your work. By openly sharing your creative journey, you invite opportunities for growth, collaborations, and unforeseen prospects that can push your career forward.
You need to share authentically and not let external feedback disproportionately sway your sense of self-worth. Create a routine that includes sharing as part of the artistic process without disrupting your focus and creativity. This approach enhances your visibility and reinforces your commitment to your craft, ensuring that sharing becomes a natural extension of your creative process.
Resources & People Mentioned
- How to Upgrade You in 2025 – Ep 159 of the Art2Life Podcast
- How to Easily and Artfully Promote on Instagram
- Marsha Myers
- Cole Morgan
- Cecil Tushon
Connect with Nicholas Wilton and Art2Life
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Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.