I was following the recent blog on FineArtViews.com (ClintWatson) by Stapleton Kearns called "Ask Stape - Should I quit my day job". Many of the comments were concerns about leaving the security of a job to take the leap. Someone mentioned it might help to know the stories of professional artists, so I thought I would put in my two cents.

Have you ever looked at the artwork in a gallery or show and thought, "I could do that"? You find yourself daydreaming, longing for the day when you would be sprinkled with magic fairy dust and be declared one of the chosen few who are making their living as an artist? You wonder if you're special enough?

I've been there, done that. I worked in a corporate job for 19 years. Now, I'm a professional artist… still standing after 10 years and able to tell the tale.

When I graduated with a Fine Art degree, I couldn't picture actually making a living as an artist. In my last semester of college, I took my first business class and desperately wanted to have my own business. But, I didn't do that either.

In 1981, I listened to the people who loved me and took a more secure, profitable job in a major corporation. Back then, benefits were good and companies were loyal, retaining employees for their whole careers. We defined "quality" as providing products and services that customers would need and enjoy.

But, in the early 1990's, the companies changed. There were many acquisitions and benefits were adjusted down to match the new companies with the smallest packages. "Quality" efforts became all about cost cutting. Since the employee costs were the highest, there went loyalty to the employees.

I'm not sure I ever really fit into that life. But, I am sure that the stress was killing me. It was time to reevaluate.

I started drawing and my friends were very supportive. I thought it would be fun to do weekend shows, so started the small business I always wanted on a part time basis.

That was the positive side of the story. But, there came a time when I needed to decide whether to quit my job and go full time with my art business. My (now ex-) husband said something like, "why don't you stay in your job another 15 years and then you can do your art when you retire". Well, that was the final of many straws in a relationship of 17 years.

No more being a door mat! I had to stand up and let the chips fall where they may. I learned many things. I learned to buy my own truck. I bought my own house. I started taking charge and began asking "why not go for it", rather than "who do you think you are thinking you are so special".

I developed my plan to get out. Once the plan was in place, it was easy to take the steps. Yes, SURPRISINGLY easy!!!

In spring of 2000, I quite my job one day. The next day, I sold my house and jumped into a poorly maintained U-Haul truck, with my little truck on a trailer in the back. I didn't know how to back up with a trailer, so I drove forward all the way from Minnesota to Montana. I didn't know anyone. I moved from the big towny-town (Minneapolis) to a small town in ranching country. Now, I can see what my neighbors are doing… with a spotting scope.

And, all I knew was pencil drawing. I didn't even know color back then!

What was I thinking? Was I crazy???

No! Well… MAYBE! But, I was thinking "this is all or nothing". If there are problems, I BELIEVE I'll be able to figure out what to do.

Within 10 days, I met my current husband. Did he have steady income??? Nope, he's a horse trainer. The money comes and goes with the horses.

Did we hang onto every dime we had so we could make it? Again, nope. We took my retirement money out. We purchased land and built a horse training facility. I felt pretty smart that we got it out before the markets went volatile after 9/11.

I know what you are thinking. The big question:"Did you run out of money?" Isn't that one of the big unknowns that is keeping you from making the leap?

The answer is: Yes. In fact, I learned how much I did not know about money. The first time our working capital was used up, I panicked and focused on "finding money" instead of "selling more stuff". I dug an unbelievable, Grand Canyon sized debt hole. Trying to keep up with the payments took us down any number of times. But, when we stopped borrowing, and tried solving our selling problems, we have been able to work our way out to a more neutral position on the debt.

All this and a recession, too. Ugh!

Are there moments when you wonder if you'll make it? Yes.

But, that is not just an artist's thoughts. I'm in a much better position than many, many people who had jobs in this country and are now looking. We still have our place and have not been in foreclosure to this point.

Will there be a magical journey where someone will escort you through all the scary parts? No. You have to decide you can do it and be a warrior on your own behalf. You must believe that you're smart enough and resilient enough to make it.

One of my favorite sayings: If you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right!

So, the next time you look at the art in the gallery or show and say, "I could do that", just realize that there is no magic fairy dust to make you an artist. It is hard work, but it IS doable. 

My best to you!!