The following is from the Stop The Starving Artist newsletter - "heART and Business."
Every week you'll get a little bit of "H.E.A.R.T." to help you grow your art business.
Highlight đź’ˇ
(A key creative business insight I'm currently seeing.)
We've talked the last couple of newsletters about what's getting in the way for artists, and I wanted to let this newsletter be something that SHOWED it, and didn't just "tell" you about it... Then, from here, we'll move on to action steps.
I just want to make sure that you understand the ride that you're in for in 2026... because if you're NOT ready, then you will not make it any better than 2025.
The following is a fantastic story about a young man who went all in on YouTube last year... take the time to watch it... you just might see yourself here.
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Execute âś…
(Your action items...)
Action Items:
- Name what you're running from Write down one specific behavior you avoid when things get hard with your art business. Not "I procrastinate" - but "I refresh Instagram instead of posting when I'm afraid my content isn't good enough."
- Take your "scared step" Do one thing this week that makes you feel stupid or exposed - like this creator filming himself with watery eyes. Post the behind-the-scenes. Share the messy studio. Tell the story you've been avoiding. Record it if you want proof you actually did it.
- Track the byproduct, not the result For the next 7 days, don't measure success by sales or likes. Instead, track: "Did I show up even when I didn't feel like it?" Yes/no. That's it. You're building the muscle of consistency, not chasing validation.
- Write your one-year letter Finish this sentence and save it: "One year from now, I will sit here and tell you that I _______." Make it about who you became, not what you achieved. (Example: "became someone who posts even when I'm scared" vs "grew to 10k followers")
Awareness đź‘€
(The current things you need to know about social media, the creator economy, and running an online business.)
Gen Z's art era: How the new generation is reshaping the art market online
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New reporting shows Gen Z artists are quietly rewriting the rules of the art world, not by waiting for gallery approval, but by building audiences first through digital platforms, communities, and online marketplaces. The real shift isn’t NFTs or tech trends, it’s that connection and trust now matter more than prestige. Artists who understand how to reach people directly are creating their own momentum, on their own terms. This article is a glimpse into where the art world is actually heading, and why the old gatekeepers matter less than ever.
Reflect 🤔
(Question to sit with this week.)
"Am I ready to change the way I see things, so that the things I see actually change in 2026?"
Thrive 🔥
(This week in this community.)
We wrapped up 2025 with $432,370 in art sales from our community!
I just want to say a HUGE thank you to those of you out there that are taking ACTION.
This year we're gonna be leaning into messy, uncomfortable, beautiful ACTION... and we're going for $1M!
Talk soon!
Lennon
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