#5 Letter from the Atelier
One year ago, I made a decision:
to give myself one year to try and make a living as a full-time artist.
It was a bit crazy: I had only just started painting with oils, I didn’t have a well-defined style yet, and I didn’t have an audience either. But I felt that I had to try.
So, what did I really learn in a year?
✦ Having a plan is great. But you also need to consider where you’re starting from.
When I made this decision, I was truly just beginning.
I had only just started painting with oils. I hadn’t yet found my style or my universe. And even though I had plenty of ideas in mind, my priority quickly became clear: progress.
I dedicated a large part of the year to learning how to paint, to experimenting, taking courses, and making mistakes. I first wanted to know what I wanted to say as an artist ,and how I wanted to say it.
I realized that building an art business without a clear visual language was like putting the cart before the horse.
So I took the time.
And I don’t regret it.
✦ Mindset is 80% of the work.
This is where the real challenge lay.
If I didn’t launch my YouTube channel earlier, it wasn’t for lack of trying. It was because I was afraid: afraid of speaking English, afraid of being judged, afraid it wouldn’t be good enough.
And this kind of fear crept in everywhere: in how I showed up, in how I sold, in how I took up space.
I spent much of the year working on myself, overcoming those fears. Learning to manage my doubts, my perfectionism, my need to control everything.
It wasn’t part of the plan… but it was necessary.
And the best part is, I managed to build a real routine, to publish, to show up, to connect with other artists. To dare.
✦ Just because you have time doesn't mean you know how to use it
Having savings gave me comfort… but I realized that comfort could easily become an excuse.
“I have time,” “I’ll do it when it’s ready,” “I need to learn more before I show anything.”
But time flies. And no one is going to come and tell you when it’s the right time to begin.
I had to build real structure, to organize myself like a professional, even if I wasn’t officially one yet. That’s what made all the difference over time.
✦ say yes to opportunities (even the small ones)
I thought I would sell only online.
In the end, I said yes to two small local events, almost without believing in them.
But those in-person encounters led to two commissions, a gallery opportunity, and new possibilities.
I realized that staying open, even to what I hadn’t planned, was part of building a living, breathing art business.
✦ So,where am i now ?
If you’re on a similar path, whether you’re just starting out or already deep into it,I want to tell you:
It’s normal for it to take time. It’s normal to doubt.
But every small step counts. Every moment where you choose to keep going. Even slowly.
And even if you haven’t (yet) hit your goals… you’re not behind.
You’re just learning how to fly.
🎥 I also published a video where I share all the details of this journey:
with numbers, behind-the-scenes, and what I’d do differently if I had to start again. You can watch it here
If this letter resonates with you, or if you want to share your own experience, I’d love to hear from you.
See you next Saturday ✨
Laurine