How to Become a Great Artist: Insights from Kristy Gordon
In the latest episode of Art & Cocktails, I had the pleasure of welcoming back the incredibly talented artist Kristy Gordon to discuss her upcoming book, Become a Great Artist. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for any creative looking to grow their artistic practice, stay authentic, and overcome the inevitable blocks we all face along the way.
Embracing Authenticity in Your Art
One of the most important takeaways from my conversation with Kristy is the power of authenticity. As artists, we often struggle with finding our voice or feel the pressure to conform to certain trends or expectations. Kristy emphasized how essential it is to stay true to ourselves and follow what truly excites us. It’s in this authenticity that we can create our best work and connect more deeply with our audience.
The Power of Consistency: 25 Minutes a Day
During our conversation, Kristy shared a practical and refreshing tip for artists: dedicating just 25 minutes a day to your craft can lead to significant progress. Whether you’re working on a new piece, experimenting with different techniques, or simply sketching ideas, those small, consistent efforts add up over time. It’s not about massive leaps, but steady growth.
Kristy’s insight reminds us that we don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or an entire free day to create. Starting small and being consistent helps you stay connected to your work, even when life gets busy. Those 25 minutes can eventually turn into hours of progress, resulting in a richer, more satisfying creative practice.
Overcoming Creative Blocks
Every artist faces creative blocks at some point, and Kristy’s approach to overcoming them is both encouraging and practical. She reminds us that showing up and putting in the work, even when it feels challenging, is key to breaking through those tough moments. Creative blocks often stem from fear or self-doubt, but consistency and self-compassion can help us push past those barriers.
She encourages artists to trust the process, lean into the discomfort, and keep moving forward, even when the work feels less than perfect. It’s in these moments of perseverance that growth happens.
Preview of Become a Great Artist
Kristy’s new book, Become a Great Artist, set to launch on November 5th, dives deeper into the themes we explored in this episode. The book is designed to help artists at all levels tap into their full potential, providing practical advice, inspiring stories, and thoughtful exercises to help guide you on your creative journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your art practice, Kristy’s book promises to be a must-read for artists of all mediums.
Final Thoughts
I left this conversation feeling inspired, and I hope you do too. Whether you’re struggling with creative blocks, unsure of your artistic path, or simply looking for ways to stay consistent, Kristy Gordon’s wisdom offers guidance and encouragement. Remember, becoming a great artist isn’t about perfection or waiting for inspiration to strike—it’s about showing up, staying true to yourself, and committing to your craft, even for just 25 minutes a day.
Be sure to tune into this episode for more insights, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 5th to get your hands on Become a Great Artist.