Beyond the Starving Artist and the Mindset of Thriving Creatives
- Brainz Magazine
- May 23
- 5 min read
Written by Catherine Gomersall, Artist Coach
Artist, scholar, and educator Dr Catherine Gomersall specializes in collapsing the divide between media participation and observation. Leveraging new media technology and creative communication strategies to create meaningful connections between ideas, institutions, and audiences, she is regarded as an innovator in digital communications strategy.
For so long, the image of the "starving artist" has been a familiar one; one that conjures thoughts of struggle, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression at the cost of one’s emotional and financial well-being. It's an idea deeply ingrained in our culture. But something exciting is changing: a new story is emerging, one that celebrates the thriving creative. These aren’t artists who are merely getting by. They are flourishing, finding joy in their work, and achieving success on their own terms.
The mindset of thriving creatives is much more than raw talent. It’s a blend of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that allow individuals to navigate the ups and downs of the creative world with resilience and purpose. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes a thriving creative, how their mindset fuels their success, and share actionable strategies to help you develop the same thriving mindset. Along the way, we’ll also address the challenges artists face, like self-doubt and balancing commercial success with staying true to their art. Our goal is to inspire you to change your perspective, embrace your creative journey, and redefine what it means to thrive as an artist today.
Understanding the mindset
To truly understand what it means to be a thriving creative, we need to explore what makes these individuals stand apart from the “starving artist” stereotype. This section breaks down the key qualities of thriving creatives, highlighting the powerful role mindset plays in their success.
Defining the thriving creative
A thriving creative approaches their work with passion, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. Rather than seeing themselves as struggling for recognition or financial stability, they view their artistry as a career and a means of personal fulfillment. This doesn’t just mean financial success. It’s more about finding deep satisfaction in the process and committing to continuous growth. Thriving creatives know that their journey is an evolving one, and they embrace that.
Key characteristics of thriving creatives
Here’s what sets thriving creatives apart:
Resilience: They face setbacks head-on, bouncing back stronger each time. Challenges
are another opportunity to grow.
Adaptability: They’re flexible, always willing to change, learn, and grow in response to new information or the evolving creative landscape.
Curiosity: Their creativity thrives on exploration. Whether it’s new techniques, ideas, or mediums, they’re always hungry to try something new.
Self-belief: Even when the road gets tough, they trust in their ability to succeed, knowing that persistence pays off.
Collaboration: They understand that great art often comes from working with others and seek out communities and partnerships that amplify their work.
The importance of mindset in creativity
Mindset is at the core of creativity, shaping how an artist views themselves and their work. Carol Dweck’s concept of the growth mindset is key here. Creatives with a growth mindset believe that abilities and skills can be developed with effort and dedication. This mindset encourages resilience, a passion for learning, and a willingness to take risks. It’s the mindset that fuels a thriving creative.
On the flip side, a fixed mindset can hold artists back, making them fear failure or shy away from new ideas. But with a growth mindset, setbacks become lessons, not obstacles, and that’s when real growth happens.
Strategies for cultivating a thriving mindset
Adopting a thriving mindset doesn’t happen overnight, but with a little effort, you can start shifting your mindset toward growth and success. Here are three powerful strategies to help you along the way:
1. Embrace a growth mindset
At the heart of every thriving creative is the belief that they can grow and improve through dedication and hard work. To start cultivating this mindset, try changing the way you talk to yourself. Instead of saying, “I’ll never be good enough,” say, “I can improve with practice.” Remember that setbacks are opportunities to learn. Seek feedback, be open to criticism, and surround yourself with others who share this growth-oriented perspective.
2. Set achievable goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is one of the best ways to stay focused and motivated. But don’t stop at vague goals like “I want to be successful.” Be specific: “I’ll finish a new piece of art every month” or “I’ll submit my work to three galleries this year.” Break these bigger goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each small win to build momentum. And don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as your interests and circumstances evolve.
3. Build a supportive community
Creativity can be a lonely pursuit, and it’s easy to get lost in your own doubts. That’s why building a supportive community is crucial. Surround yourself with other artists, mentors, and people who inspire and encourage you. Whether you’re joining local art groups, attending workshops, or connecting online, these communities provide feedback, motivation, and a sense of belonging. Plus, you’ll learn so much from sharing experiences and challenges with others.
Overcoming challenges as a creative
Every creative faces challenges, but thriving creatives have learned to navigate them with grace and strength. Let’s look at some common hurdles and how to overcome them.
Dealing with rejection and failure
Rejection is part of the process for every artist. Whether it’s a gallery not accepting your work or feedback that stings, it can feel disheartening. But thriving creatives see rejection as part of the journey. It’s not a reflection of your worth. Instead, treat it as an opportunity to grow. Seek feedback, refine your work, and keep pushing forward. Remember: every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
Managing self-doubt and imposter syndrome
Almost every creative has moments of self-doubt or feels like an imposter. It’s natural to question your abilities sometimes. Thriving creatives know that these feelings are part of the process, and they don’t let them stop their creative flow. Practice self-compassion, keep a journal of your achievements, and remind yourself of your progress. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and validate your talents.
Balancing commercial success with artistic integrity
Many creatives struggle with balancing their artistic vision with the pressures of the market. It’s easy to feel torn between staying true to your art and meeting commercial demands. Thriving creatives find a way to honour both. They stay clear on their values and vision, but also remain open to new ways of generating income. Whether it’s through teaching, collaborations, or digital platforms, thriving creatives embrace multiple income streams that allow them to stay true to their artistry.
Conclusion: The future of the thriving creative
The future is incredibly bright for creatives. With the growth of digital platforms and new technologies, there are more opportunities than ever for creatives to share their work with the world. The “starving artist” narrative is fading, and the thriving creative is emerging. These artists are reshaping the future of creativity, embracing their unique talents, and using their mindset to navigate the challenges of today’s world. They’re not just surviving. They’re thriving.
As we move forward, let’s continue to champion this new archetype. Let’s embrace a mindset of growth, resilience, and collaboration. By doing so, we can all unlock our fullest creative potential and contribute to a vibrant and innovative artistic landscape.
Read more from Catherine Gomersall
Catherine Gomersall, Artist Coach
Dr Catherine Gomersall is a leading artist and trainer at the intersection of technology, visual culture, and human connection. Her art practice and scholarly work are rooted in her experience of personal trauma recovery through a commitment to creativity and mindfulness. Her multifaceted career spans teaching in art colleges and universities, presenting exhibitions globally, publishing scholarly and creative works, and founding her consultancy specializing in digital strategy and creative collaboration.
