What is “Success” in the arts?
I’ve spent much of my career mentoring other artists through my nonprofit (The Slants Foundation) as well as through a variety of other programs like South by Southwest (SXSW), the DIY Musician Conference, and the Mentor Collective. Most of them are in pursuit of something that is seemingly elusive: success. When I ask what this means to them, it generally falls under one or more of the following:
To be financially stable in their craft
Earn recognition or acclaim by their peers (usually by performing at a large festival or media attention)
Place on a chart (i.e., Billboard) or become some kind of viral sensation
While these might all be notable achievements and meaningful in the moment, does it actually amount to “success?”
I tend to think of the old John Maxwell quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination.” In other words, it’s about continuous growth, influence, and impact on other people. The problem with the destination or goal mindset is that once you have achieved it, the feeling doesn’t last - ask anyone who had a number one hit how they feel when their next album charts at number ten…most find it unbearable. And, for many that crave wealth and status, it is usually never enough.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that we should get rid of goals altogether - I’ve written extensively on SMARTER Goals, especially in the arts. It just means that these should be seen as goal posts in a successful journey rather than the final destination. Or rather, these are signs that you’re doing something right. Like hitting a certain weight, blood sugar level, or marathon finishing time, these can be indicators of health but they do not necessarily mean you are “healthy.”
In a world that seeks validation and that treats career milestones as a checklist for “success” or “innovation,” creatives should be vigilant in understanding that success is truly a journey, one built on successful steps, habits, and practices.
