How great to hear from you, Alisha. We haven't seen in each other in years, but I see your inspiring posts and all the impressive work you are doing from afar and I am a great admirer of the positivity you bring to the world. Thanks for reading my newsletter and it's encouraging to know it is helpful, especially from a friend.
It has definitely been too long and I think about you and Sonya often. I LOVE seeing the work you do in the world. Especially glad you're writing this newsletter.
I love reading your posts, so genuine, so human and always relatable. It's good to know I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And the resources are always so thoughtful and amazing! Thank you Kyle.
Thank you! As one who has never sought widespread recognition or "Success," I have developed my own definition of success. I taught art for 35 years. Lots of small successes there. Now, as a retiree, I sit in my studio and do what I enjoy. I challenge myself and constantly learn new things. I call this success... and happiness. Keep writing, Kyle. I love reading (and seeing and learning from) your work.
"Success" is whatever feels like success to each of us. That's it and that's all! Teachers are the best - you had a positive impact on hundreds and hundreds of students. What an amazing thing.
Thanks so much for your vulnerability in sharing your honest experience around your journey. It is truly inspiring. I'm working on turning up the volume on that inner voice. I agree that, in the end, it's the only one that really matters.
Great shared insights as usual Kyle. I usually label these moments in life as "interesting problems to have" since we get so used to the grind and the struggle we barely recognize the moment we finally, lastly "made it" perhaps even beyond our wildest dreams. And then comes the "what's next" pressure, as in: you've got this blockbuster hit, this dream job, this viral success... "what's next?". And that "what's next" can really fall on you like a ton of bricks. It's like you're really never "done", you just keep moving your goalposts. Anyway that's life I guess. 👋🏻
Kyle, this newsletter is the best. The comfort and feeling like you’re not alone in this process. After reading every newsletter, I’m always left with the feeling that anything is possible. And, that we are good enough. We just need to be a little brave (from time to time) to get to where we want to be in life. Thank you for creating this newsletter! 😊
Thank you for sharing these stories along with your feelings that were attached to each experience like velcro. Feeling we're worthy of our achievements is an ongoing conflict from this end too. The question "how can I stay relevant?" is forefront in my mind daily. I'm in the sixth decade of my creative journey and trying to explore new artistic opportunities but self doubt loves to perch on my shoulder whispering in my ear. Knocking that little boulder off daily empowers me to jump into the day ahead. Reading Substack shares like yours are inspiring and knowing that we can all help one another! Thank you :)
Kyle, this is a very personal reflection from someone who is ver successful that I think many artists struggle with. I think sometimes it bleeds over into pricing and "value". As a full time sales rep for most of my career, and part time illustrator, I'm exploring if there is value in sharing my sales knowledge with artists as to why artists are worth more than they give themselves credit for.
There is definitely value in what you are proposing. Artists, dancers, musicians, filmmakers – I know so many of them who have a hard time getting paid what they are worth. A large part of it comes down to clients (and the general public) not understanding the value of what they are buying. For example, a business owner might see a logo as simply a picture, rather than a vital piece of branding that will come to represent so much more and for years to come ...
Artists need to know what they are worth, how to write proposals that clearly explain this to prospective customers, and how to get contracts that are bulletproof. The customers also need an education! In order for things to change websites like Fiverr need to go away. 🙁 It's a big problem and difficult to solve.
Thanks Kyle. That nudges me to get some of this thinking down on paper and map out a potential overview of the topic.
Adding just the simple phrase, "Do you have a budget for this project?" is totally acceptable to ask (and often immediately raises the price you were considering your art was worth!
Thank you for this and for your inspiring work. It's nice to know I'm not alone with my crazy-anxiety!
You most definitely are not alone!!
Kyle, you have always been a light in a dark place. Keep on shining 🙏🏼❤️
Hi, Amanda - this is a really kind thing to write. Thank you - I'll keep writing if people want to read it!
Kyle, these posts you send out are always what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear them. THANK YOU so much for writing and sharing.
How great to hear from you, Alisha. We haven't seen in each other in years, but I see your inspiring posts and all the impressive work you are doing from afar and I am a great admirer of the positivity you bring to the world. Thanks for reading my newsletter and it's encouraging to know it is helpful, especially from a friend.
It has definitely been too long and I think about you and Sonya often. I LOVE seeing the work you do in the world. Especially glad you're writing this newsletter.
If you're ever in Heidelberg, you know where to stop by!
It could happen :)
OMG. THANK YOU FOR THIS! It almost makes me weep.
I don't know what to say - thank you! I'm really touched that this little piece of writing resonated with you.
And I thought it was only me!
I love reading your posts, so genuine, so human and always relatable. It's good to know I'm not alone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! And the resources are always so thoughtful and amazing! Thank you Kyle.
Thanks for reading, Anita, and I'm very happy to know you enjoy my writing.
"Looking forward" to that type of problem... hahah! Still need an achievement to be anxious about. Now, just anxious to get one!
Joking aside, great article. keep 'em coming!
Thank you, Mateus! Sometimes, just being brave enough to make any kind of creative work, no matter who sees it, is an achievement. I believe that.
True...!!!
Thank you! As one who has never sought widespread recognition or "Success," I have developed my own definition of success. I taught art for 35 years. Lots of small successes there. Now, as a retiree, I sit in my studio and do what I enjoy. I challenge myself and constantly learn new things. I call this success... and happiness. Keep writing, Kyle. I love reading (and seeing and learning from) your work.
"Success" is whatever feels like success to each of us. That's it and that's all! Teachers are the best - you had a positive impact on hundreds and hundreds of students. What an amazing thing.
Thanks so much for your vulnerability in sharing your honest experience around your journey. It is truly inspiring. I'm working on turning up the volume on that inner voice. I agree that, in the end, it's the only one that really matters.
Great shared insights as usual Kyle. I usually label these moments in life as "interesting problems to have" since we get so used to the grind and the struggle we barely recognize the moment we finally, lastly "made it" perhaps even beyond our wildest dreams. And then comes the "what's next" pressure, as in: you've got this blockbuster hit, this dream job, this viral success... "what's next?". And that "what's next" can really fall on you like a ton of bricks. It's like you're really never "done", you just keep moving your goalposts. Anyway that's life I guess. 👋🏻
Kyle, you are so modest in telling your failures boldly, which keeps readers like me feeling relevant and connected to you. Please keep doing this.
Great piece -- and thanks a ton for the shout-out and kind words!
Many thanks, and of course - happy to promote your awesomeness!
Kyle, this newsletter is the best. The comfort and feeling like you’re not alone in this process. After reading every newsletter, I’m always left with the feeling that anything is possible. And, that we are good enough. We just need to be a little brave (from time to time) to get to where we want to be in life. Thank you for creating this newsletter! 😊
Gabriela, I greatly appreciate this - your words will keep me going with the writing. Thanks!
Kyle,
Thank you for sharing these stories along with your feelings that were attached to each experience like velcro. Feeling we're worthy of our achievements is an ongoing conflict from this end too. The question "how can I stay relevant?" is forefront in my mind daily. I'm in the sixth decade of my creative journey and trying to explore new artistic opportunities but self doubt loves to perch on my shoulder whispering in my ear. Knocking that little boulder off daily empowers me to jump into the day ahead. Reading Substack shares like yours are inspiring and knowing that we can all help one another! Thank you :)
You put it beautifully, Coco - "knocking that little boulder off ..." -- I love it!
Kyle, this is a very personal reflection from someone who is ver successful that I think many artists struggle with. I think sometimes it bleeds over into pricing and "value". As a full time sales rep for most of my career, and part time illustrator, I'm exploring if there is value in sharing my sales knowledge with artists as to why artists are worth more than they give themselves credit for.
Glad to be 1 of the 4,000!
Scott
Hi, Scott,
There is definitely value in what you are proposing. Artists, dancers, musicians, filmmakers – I know so many of them who have a hard time getting paid what they are worth. A large part of it comes down to clients (and the general public) not understanding the value of what they are buying. For example, a business owner might see a logo as simply a picture, rather than a vital piece of branding that will come to represent so much more and for years to come ...
Artists need to know what they are worth, how to write proposals that clearly explain this to prospective customers, and how to get contracts that are bulletproof. The customers also need an education! In order for things to change websites like Fiverr need to go away. 🙁 It's a big problem and difficult to solve.
Thanks Kyle. That nudges me to get some of this thinking down on paper and map out a potential overview of the topic.
Adding just the simple phrase, "Do you have a budget for this project?" is totally acceptable to ask (and often immediately raises the price you were considering your art was worth!