Hi Athena,
I wanted to share a success story with you that happened about two years ago. I am thankful that I have always had a positive self concept when it comes to money. I’m especially thankful for this since I have chosen to become an artist which has historically been a very hard career path. I just never chose to believe the labels of “starving artist” or any limiting beliefs I hear about perusing an art career. I just accepted that I may need another job in the beginning while I’m getting started but I know I will eventually be able to fully support myself as an artist. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid so I just never give up on it.
Back in 2022 I was working as a preschool teacher. I enjoyed working with the kids but the management was awful and we were often understaffed and overworked. I knew in my heart that I needed to get out of this job. I barely had the energy to do anything on my days off let alone paint. My energy was drained constantly and I saw it starting to affect my dream of becoming an artist. Looking back, there was multiple times when I knew I had to leave this job but stayed because the money was good and it was a stable job. The urge to leave continued though. Almost like the universe was screaming at me to get out of this situation but I still wasn’t listening.
Finally in April of 2023 I got very sick. I was sick all of March before it progressed to a serious neck infection I had to be hospitalized for. It was the combination of being overworked and not giving my body enough time to recover form strep throat that had gone untreated. I was angry at myself and at the job. I felt like I let myself down for a job that didn’t even care for me.
The hospital was a big wake up call. I knew I had to prioritize myself and I could never let myself down that bad again. As I recovered at home, my cousin came to visit me. I was feeling well enough to get out of the house for bit to distract myself. She took me to these art studios that I had visited back when I was a teenager. The art studios had about 38 studios for artists to create in and about 3 galleries where artists can show their work. I remember thinking back when I was a teenager that it would be nice to have a studio there someday. I had the same thoughts come up while walking around with my cousin. We fantasized with the idea of me having a studio there. We talked about how I’d decorate it and how she could come visit me and have lunch together. We even asked the gallery host if there were any studios available and how much it would cost to rent. He told us none where currently available and rent there was a bit pricey for me. We just thanked him for the information and left. I let go of the idea having a studio there but I was now back to focusing on my art practice.
In July of that year, I submitted three painting to the county fair and ended up winning two awards for one of them. I was so happy and then noticed one of the awards was given to me by a familiar name. It was the studios my cousin and I had visit back in April! Out of curiosity I google them to check if any spaces were available. Then I noticed that applications were open for their artist residency program. The program included having your own studio for a year, having a solo show at the end of the residency, and not having to pay rent while in the program. It was perfect for me and I even felt like it was meant for me. Then I noticed the application was due in three days and was highly competitive. So I got to work writing out my application, creating a website, and getting everything together. I submitted it a day before the due date then let it go again. I just hoped I would get it but knew I would be okay if I didn’t. I remember even going to the studios with my friend to show him where I had applied for and the studio space I would get if I got the residency. Everything was always light and playful. I never let any of the doubts that would come up stay too long in my head. I was just excited for the possibility that I might get the residency program.
In August I went on camping trip so didn’t have service while I was there. When we were driving home and finally got service I get a voicemail from an unknown number. It was the art studios letting me know that they liked my application and would like to meet with me for an interview. I was overjoyed! At this point my gut was telling me it was mine but doubts started to creep in a bit. I didn’t let them fester though and just maintained belief that I will be okay with whatever outcome. On the day of the interview I was a bit nervous but presented myself confidently and friendly. They gave me a tour of the studios, let me know about the program and also let me know that there was many applicants that year so would let me know within a week if they I had gotten it or not. I thanked them for their time and left still telling myself “I know it’s mine but it’ll be okay whatever the outcome.”
I drove to my cousin’s house that afternoon to tell her about the interview. She kept telling me that she felt like it they were going to pick me for the residency. I told her I felt the same but it will be okay either way. Twenty minutes later I got an email from the art studios. They let me know that I got the art residency! My cousin and I were jumping in joy and hugging each other. All of the things we had fantasized together back in April were about to come true.
I moved into the studios September 2023 and quit my job at the preschool. I got a better paying job as a nanny close to the studio. It even had better hours for me to work and have time to create. And of course my cousin visited me often to have lunch together. My art residency there came to an end in September of 2024 as it was just a year. But I made so many friends there and got so many opportunities from that experience that I’m continuing to benefit from. I even was in the paper twice and had a very successful solo show at the end of my residency. What a beautiful start to my art career, I’m so thankful I got to experience that and I just know I have so much more coming for me.
Now I’m just working on manifesting love as that area in my life has a bit more limiting beliefs for me unfortunately haha. That’s how I found your channel. I’m working on it though and know there will be success in that aspect of life too. Thank you for all the videos you make! They’re so helpful and I love your energy.
Take care,