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This article was written by Melanie Statnick

Success can be based on the reflex habit of saying yes to every opportunities that is presented to us. Some of us say yes out of fear we’re sending a message that we’re not that interested. As we succeed in our ventures we attract bigger opportunities and we then have to consider how valuable out time is as an artist. We don’t like to disappoint people and that can emotion can lead to becoming the “yes man/woman”

To gracefully say No is about managing our feelings and asking yourself some questions before you answer. We want to avoid the Burn Out. Sometimes we have the feeling of doubt which can stem from fear again of “Do I really want to turn this down? Will this opportunity present if self again if I do say no?”  By saying yes we relieve the anxiety of the situation only to find later down the road we regret our decision.

Perhaps it has become stressful to find the time or the inspiration to continue, you guilt yourself into thinking “Well I committed so I have to see this through”. Perhaps it comes with a financial burden and you can’t afford to keep going. That is when yes becomes stress.

Let’s think about this fear of losing an opportunity. How many opportunities will come along in your life time?  Many. How many and I going to safely be able to answer yes or no to? That depends on how you value your time, energy and talent. Let’s face it supplies cost. You can coupon clip till you have paper cuts but either way your spending your hard earned cash to make 20 or more cards, wreaths , paintings e.c.t on either friend’s kids parties, strangers/clients or family. I used to love to “give away” my artwork to places that contacted me about silent auctions for saving dogs, renovating art galleries, pancake breakfast, saving dolphins in oil spills. I have stopped. Because in reality the money being spent is on the cause, and has little to do with value or your artwork.   Something else that may guilt you into saying yes is the double edge sword of Exposure/Marketing.

How many of us went to school for business and or marketing then became an artist?  Not me.  I know how to create art, but I know very little about the business side. Do I want to start a business or do I want to sell my name or better my Art? This is an everyday challenge for most of us and when the opportunity arises to get your “name out there” you still have to ask yourself some questions. Who am I affiliating with? Is this really going to get me more exposure?   Ask for time to think about it. Pressure on lost opportunities can push us into a something we can’t commit to out of fear.

Learning to say No for some of us is foreign and uncomfortable however those feeling can be overcome with practice.  Unless you enjoy volunteering your efforts and overachieving gives you’re a high chances are you’ll find yourself exhausted and your mojo will take a vacation without you.

5 Things to consider the time you’re faced with an opportunity for your artwork or craft experience.

1. Do I have time for this?
2. Do I have enough knowledge on the subject to teach it?
3. Can I afford this Art retreat, Travel expense and or supplies without worrying about the money being spent?
4. What can I learn from this opportunity that will benefit me in future opportunities?
5. Do I mind not being paid again?

Remember that you are worthy of every exciting opportunity that comes your way and don’t let this create a fear of saying Yes! Opportunities can bring about friendships and furthering your skills and those are joys in life. Your time and talent is valuable and let this inspire you to make positive choices for yourself. Finally don’t forget to show gratitude for every door that opens.

Happy Creating!

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Author Bio:

Published Writer/Artist Melanie Statnick was raised in Ontario Canada. For over 12 years Melanie has called eastern North Carolina her home. Melanie continues as a self-taught artist and teacher of visual arts and an article writer for Mixed Media Art co Melanie’s work can be found extensively throughout North Carolina with private collections abroad.

Melanie’s successes include written publication of articles in Interactive Artists Magazine, Publication in Somerset Studio magazine, Altered Arts magazine, and 2013 edition of Wilson Woman Summer issue.  Melanie’s awards are 1st place in viewer’s choice in Washington NC and 2nd place magazine cover choice with Altered Arts magazine. In 2015 you can find her work in Dawn DeVriesSokol book “A World of Artists Journal Pages”.

You can follow Statnick on her website at: www.melaniestatnickart.com

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