When an artist of any kind, Musician, Singer, Actor, etc. is first starting out, they tend to make a lot of mistakes on their path to fame. An artist’s life is not easy after all. Many times it may feel like they are living in a world full of no’s, constantly searching for the one yes. Only the strong can and will survive. It takes persistence, patience, a whole lot of talent, and luck!
I’m not saying there is a formula for becoming a successful artist, or that I know the secret to fame and fortune. However, there are definitely some things to consider avoiding.
Without further ado, here are the five common mistakes new artists make:
1. “I’m the next…”
When a producer, casting director, etc. ask an artist to describe themselves, or their talent rather, they typically make the mistake of saying they are the next Beyoncé, JT, Oprah, or whoever. Don’t get me wrong; it’s perfectly okay to say what artists inspire you. My point is, that you should never directly compare yourself with another artist as it makes you “unsellable”. Industry professionals want artists that are unique, not identical to something they already have. While many new artists try to sell yesterday’s news, the industry is looking for “the next big thing”.
2. “I don’t need anyone’s help, I can do it all on my own.”
So many artists have this insane fear that, if anyone helps them their career is doomed for failure. They have heard so many horror stories of managers stealing money from artists that they don’t want to have any representation. Well, my friends, I am telling you right now, that you will never become a superstar, without help from industry professionals. Don’t get me wrong, you can make a little money, and build a small fan base on your own. However, the fact is an artist can only take their work so far before aid from a gatekeeper is desperately needed. Many artists only know the artistic side of their career, which gets them into trouble! For instance, how do you get your fans to purchase anything without knowing how to market to them? For that matter, how in the world will you ever grow your fan base, without good marketing tactics?
3. “I’m gonna be an overnight sensation!”
This is what I call: “an artist living in the clouds”. It’s great to have goals, and you should always reach for the biggest apple on the tree. However, the common mistake is to assume that the biggest apple is yours right here and now. Like I said before, being an artist is not easy, it’s a constant struggle. It may appear that someone such as Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber became famous “overnight”, but that was not the case. A lot of hard work went into building that empire, from not only the artist but also by many industry professionals. As they say, you receive a million no’s before finally reaching the one who says yes!
4. “I don’t need any training.”
Too many artists think they are perfect in every way. That no one can make them more talented than they already are. On the contrary, no human is perfect. Every skill and talent that one may possess is and will always obtain room for improvement. It’s just as the old saying goes “practice makes perfect”. Don’t assume you “got the job”, unless you're someone such as Meryl Streep. If an artist wants to grow and expand their career, they must continue to learn. Take advice from others, especially those who have reached a higher level of success than you!
5. “I’m not gonna work for free!”
The reason behind making this mistake is quite obvious. No one enjoys working for free. I get it; a person cannot survive without money. However, once again this goes back to the realization that artist’s lives are not easy. The “starving artist” is alive and well. The fact is, though, that no one begins at the top. In doing free work, artists are getting the exposure they need in front of industry professionals. The industry must meet you before they pay you. Once they trust and believe in your talent, then you will be paid for your time and art.
So there you have it, folks. Take my advice or leave it. The choice is most certainly yours!
