As we learned when diagramming sentences in 4th grade, verbs are where the action is. No verb, no action.

The first iteration of my newsletter for artists back in 2002 included a specific art business action at the end of each issue.

My book, I’d Rather Be in the Studio, is broken down into 16 “actions” rather than chapters.

I’m all about action, but am no longer interested in it in the form of obsessive hyper-productivity. I’ll leave that to the bro motivators out there. Action at all costs isn’t healthy.

But action—even the tiniest step—moves the needle.

Look back on how your confidence as an artist has grown over as a result not only of reading about something or hearing about it, but of doing it. Making more art. Having more shows. Submitting to more opportunities.

With this in mind, I got to thinking about a few verbs to live by that you might not normally associate with your art career.

Listen to hear why I selected these 7 verbs and see if they resonate with you: Devote, Begin, Understand, Connect, Avoid, Investigate, Finish.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Ep 165: How to Feel Like a Successful Artist

Ep. 160: Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley

Ep. 150: How to Project Confidence Even When You’re Not Feeling It

📖 To read a full transcript, find resources mentioned, see featured artists, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/essential-verbs-for-artists/

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