As an artist or creative entrepreneur, the disappointment of not feeling supported by your closest loved ones can be deeply discouraging. You pour your heart and soul into your work, only to be met with indifference or skepticism from the very people you expected to be your biggest cheerleaders. This struggle is all too common, and it’s important to understand that the lack of support from family and friends is often not a reflection of the value or quality of your creative pursuits.
The Disconnect Between Your Vision and Their Perspective
When you first start out on your creative journey, it’s natural for those around you to have concerns or doubts. After all, the path of an artist or creative entrepreneur can seem unstable and risky, especially to those who have been conditioned to prioritize traditional career paths. Your family and friends may simply not understand the immense value and potential of your creative work, or they may worry about the financial stability of your chosen profession.
Growing up, I experienced this firsthand. My family wanted me to pursue a career in the medical field, while my friends at the time thought I was “crazy” for wanting to be an artist. Looking back, I now understand their concerns, but at the time, it was deeply discouraging and made me question my own abilities and the worth of my creative pursuits.
Shifting Your Mindset: From Seeking External Validation to Embracing Your True Audience
The key to overcoming this challenge is to shift your mindset from seeking validation and support from your family and friends to focusing on your true audience – the people who truly resonate with your work and message at a deeper level. This realization was a game-changer for me, as I had been placing far too much importance on the opinions and support (or lack thereof) of those closest to me.
I realized that true self-validation must come from within, and that my creative work is not meant to be understood or appreciated by everyone, including those in my immediate circle. As artists and creative entrepreneurs, we have a unique calling and purpose that may not align with the perspectives and priorities of our family and friends.
Identifying Your True Audience: An Eye-Opening Exercise
To help you gain clarity on who your true audience is, I’d like to share an exercise that was transformative for me. Grab a pen and paper (or open a note on your phone) and let’s dive in.
Your False Audience
- Who is your false audience? Think about the people who don’t seem to connect with your art or business.
- What traits do they have, and who do they want you to be?
- How do you feel when you think about your false audience, and what kind of content do you think you need to create for them?
Your True Audience
- Who is your true audience? Think about the people who deeply resonate with your art and business.
- Why are they attracted to you and your work? What values and desires do they already hold that align with what you offer?
- How do you feel when you think about your true audience, and what kind of content feels most authentic and joyful for you to share with them?
This exercise is so powerful because it helps you understand the crucial difference between creating for your “false” audience versus your “true” audience. When you focus on your true audience – the people who truly “get” you and your work – it becomes much easier to create content and art that feels authentic and fulfilling, rather than constantly chasing validation from the wrong sources.
Embracing Vulnerability and Attracting Your Tribe
The key to finding your true audience is to embrace vulnerability and share your authentic journey. Don’t hold back out of fear of rejection from your current circle – those who resonate with your raw, unfiltered self are the ones you’re meant to connect with. By openly expressing your truth, you’ll attract the people who are meant to be part of your creative tribe.
Having a strong support system of like-minded individuals can make all the difference in the success of your creative business. Join communities, both online and offline, where you can connect with other artists and small business owners who understand the unique challenges and joys of this path. Through these connections, you can exchange guidance, support, and inspiration, helping to fuel your creative fire and keep you motivated on your journey.
Shifting Your Focus: From Disappointment to Empowerment
Remember, the lack of support from family and friends is not a reflection of the value or potential of your creative work. It’s simply a matter of misalignment – your vision and purpose may not resonate with those closest to you, and that’s okay. By shifting your focus to your true audience, you’ll find the validation, encouragement, and connection you’ve been seeking all along.
So, don’t let the disappointment of unsupportive loved ones hold you back. Embrace your authentic self, share your story, and trust that your tribe will find you. The journey may not always be easy, but with a clear understanding of your true audience and the courage to show up as your genuine self, you’ll be well on your way to creating a fulfilling and successful creative career.
