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Lifestyle
business
creativity
I'm Kristi. I'm the artist behind At the Dot Design.
Read more about me
If you’re an artist who’s ever felt like you’re not talented enough to succeed, this video is for you. I’m sharing what I’ve learned over the years about what really sets successful artists apart—and it’s probably not what you think.
👉 Click here to watch on YouTube or press play below:
There’s a belief floating around the creative world that the most talented artists are the ones who “make it.” But after years of working in the arts and growing a creative business alongside my full-time job, I’ve learned that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success.
I’ve seen artists who are wildly talented—and no one knows their work. And I’ve seen others with simpler styles, less polish, or less training grow thriving businesses and loyal followings.
So what gives?
It turns out the secret isn’t talent. It’s something else entirely.
The artists who succeed are the ones who show up again and again. They create work even when they’re not feeling inspired. They stay curious. They try new things, learn new skills, and share their journey along the way.
It’s not about waiting for the perfect idea or mastering every single technique. It’s about building a practice, a rhythm, and a relationship with your creativity. The more you show up, the more your skills improve, your voice gets clearer, and your audience begins to trust you.
I’m not saying you have to burn yourself out or turn your art into a nonstop content machine. I’m saying that small, steady steps add up over time. You don’t need to create every day, but you do need to keep coming back to the work—even imperfectly.
You also don’t need a massive audience to succeed. Sometimes all it takes is a few people connecting deeply with your work to create real opportunities—whether that’s a sale, a licensing deal, or an invitation to collaborate.
You don’t need to wait until it’s perfect. You don’t need a bigger portfolio, a better website, or the “right” time. What you need is to take the next brave step—whatever that looks like for you.
Your talent will grow with time. But your commitment to showing up? That’s what will carry you through the long haul.
I go deeper into this topic in the video, sharing my own journey and some truths I wish I’d known sooner. If it resonates with you, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel for more honest, behind-the-scenes videos about growing a creative business as an artist.
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Hi, I'm Kristi I'm an illustrator, surface designer, and educator.... Read my full story