Why is it SO HARD to become a full-time artist?! (Update after Milan Art Institute Mastery Program)

I realized it's MUCH harder to become a full-time artist than I originally thought... Watch the video to hear about my journey so far.
I STILL LOVE the Mastery Program!! It's totally worth it and I still highly recommend it to anyone who wants to BE an artist! I paint WAY more than I used to before I joined the program, and I am CONFIDENT as an artist.
I just haven't made a TON of money from my art... YET.
Comment below if we've never chatted before! Feel free to tell me about your artist's journey so far.
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Instagram: @Carly.Jean.Art

[@janinafisher101]

You are correct that building a list is about building relationships with people over time. To be fair, I have been doing the Mastery Program too, they never say that you will be a full-time artist by the end of a year. What they do say is that they can teach you how to be a PROFESSIONAL artist in one year. Big difference. Just keep at it, eliminate the time wasters and focus on your goals to be a full-time artist. Enjoy the process of creating art. Speak to everyone you meet. Share your story and your dreams. You will get there! CLARITY + FOCUS + ACTION = RESULTS. That's my formula. I call it C*FAR or See Far - it will see you get far into realizing your dreams! All the best in your art journey!

[@aroset]

I know how hard business is. I was a book designer for many years and I had to learn business quick smart. I ended up doing a lot of business study and I wanted to give one suggestion that will help you sell. I hate selling. Like so much. I'm not natural and it makes me feel like I'm pushing things into people that don't want them. But the basis of a good business is the core 'why'. You may have heard this a lot, but this narrows down your target audience so that you don't have to go out pimping yourself, *they come to you*. I'm asking you, every time you sit down to do art, what is it you're trying to tell the world? Every single person is different and from what I've learned, this is what allows you to know where your target market organically lives. If it's equal rights, go sell your work to people who believe in that cause. If it's Sci fi space, go hang out and talk to people in that space. These people are your people and they will automatically fall in love with what you do and create. I'm really sorry your course didn't prep you for the afterlife, but trust me you got this. Business is just like a computer, once you understand the basic components and how they work, you can begin to function and eventually upgrade! Woohoo!

[@roseschwarz5339]

That is a really good advice, thx

[@SvalaArt]

I think one problem is that social media apps and algorithms change constantly and so marketing strategies have to be adjusted. A lot of their info in their videos is simply outdated and it's not as easy anymore nowadays to be seen. Also I find a lot of the MAI graduates create the same kind of art work. And I fell into that trap, too. Now I am working hard to develop a new style that doesn't scream "I did the Mastery Program" 😅 The Program is great, I learned a lot and it was super motivating. But yeah the whole "you're gonna be a full time artist in a year" is a bit misleading^^

[@CarlyJeanArt]

It’s true! Social media is changing constantly, so it’d be almost impossible for them to stay up to date with that kind of marketing. And yes, I agree. A lot of the work created from the Mastery Program looks the same. I’m also on the journey to changing my style enough that it’s not so obvious that I took the program. Plus, the style I learned doesn’t feel genuine to who I am, so I’m exploring that too. And yes, I think it takes more than a year to become a full-time artist. But it’s still worth trying! 💕

[@HiThereHeyThere]

New to this channel. Had seen or gleaned a little from their free videos. Would love to hear and see what were the best things you learned and felt were useful in the program... so we can all find our way via yt w/o the program. If Dimitri's husband could do it all in 3 months... we can too w/o the MP

[@SevenMntns]

Having a website is like a business card, portfolio but you have to drive traffic there and having cool business cards with your site and social media and share them at any at shows you go to. Being in competitions and gallery shows builds your credibility as an artist and then you can apply for freelance work to do custom pieces for companies. Also if you want to do prints, they can be sold wholesale to retailers. Look for opportunities to do custom pieces for book covers, magazines, etc can broaden your market.

[@cmf1267]

Thanks for the update. I didn't believe most people can become a "full-time" artist after a year. Maybe for very young people who still live at home and don't necessarily need things like health insurance. I do enjoy the Mastery Program and I am learning a lot, but for me I have gone into this with the goal of just spending the next year or 2 becoming the best artist I can and art will probably be a side-hustle which will hopefully help me retire a few years earlier and I can spend my retirement being a full-time artist. I checked out your website and I added myself to your email list.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! I’m glad you were able to see that earlier than I was and I think that’s a lovely plan to use your artwork to hopefully retire a bit earlier. Thank you for checking out my website! 😄💕

[@AliciaNicoleJackson]

Completely with you! While the program is AMAZING and beyond valuable, it did leave me needing a lot of help in the area of actually making sales. You’re doing an incredible job! Keep it up!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Right?! I even went back to the videos to see if I had just missed some valuable content, but even then, it felt like it was lacking in tangible steps. But, thank you! I'm going to keep trying, because art really is my passion. 💕 Your art is beautiful too, by the way! I've been loving seeing your posts on Instagram!

[@eleniantoniou8287]

I have wanted to do the Milan Mastery program for a while, mainly because it also focuses on the business side of things too. I am also an Artist and same as you spent months and months learning how to create my website and make it look good, looking at professional artists sites but no sales. I get most my work from commissions by word and mouth. I really want to thank you for this info, because I felt a little lost but it seems many have these issues and don’t feel alone! I am wishing you all the best. You obviously have passion and an interest to grow. Thanks again ❤🙏🏼

[@Siftedheart]

Thanks! I am new, only in week 4. But even now I think that my growth will take time, especially since I am 61 years old 😅

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Wow! Thank you so much!! You’re the first super thanks I’ve ever gotten and it means so much to me!! Best of luck to you in your art journey. You’re 61 years young and have plenty of time to become a great artist! 💕💕💕

[@jutta3378]

Thanks Carly, this is a very interesting update. The reality is that being a full-time artist is hard work! You would need an agent to do all the marketing and promoting to free you up to be able to paint 40 hours a week. Spending that amount of time in the studio just isn't viable for a young artist looking to establish herself, it's a recipe for artistic burnout. Most of the artists I know have to do side hustles to supplement their income, be it through teaching art classes or other part time jobs to keep afloat. Good quality art supplies aren't cheap either. And it's not as simple as saying "if you're not a bestselling artist after completing the Mastery Program it's your own fault". In any business it takes at least two or more years to establish a customer base so you're now testing the waters and figuring out how to get your art out. Don't believe the hype of artists doing a program and as a result selling their art for six figure sums after graduating. That's just a selling pitch - and a very successful but unrealistic one! Keep this in mind as you go about building your business. You're on the right track and your art work is beautiful and sellable! Good luck with your venture.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you so much for your encouragement!! I definitely agree with everything you're saying. These things take time and I'm slowly building up my business and my body of artwork. I definitely bought into the hype of what the Milan's were selling, and I was sorely disappointed when I realized that I wouldn't be a highly successful artist right after graduating from the program. However, after facing that disappoint and sense of failure head on, I'm finally finding a sort of stride in my painting process and creating a base audience here on KZbin. SO, wish me luck!

[@laurawalker546]

Thank you for your honesty. I figured this must be the case. I am much older, I am 68 and I have decided to put myself on the waiting list. I have done selling the old fashioned way through galleries, ART shows, and also selling prints and note cards and trying to get a mailing list and expand myself. I did this years ago and I got very tired from doing it and things happen in my life too. Now I have more time to see if I can take it further again, but I am just doing this program because I figure I can always improve and learn something. I have decided to do it out of curiosity, and the desire to learn the modern way of trying to do business. But truthfully I do not expect any fast results

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I'm glad this video was helpful for you! I hope you find some valuable information in the program. I still think it is SO worth it. You'll learn lots of information about painting, and become more confident as an artist. 💕

[@akay3787]

The thing that stopped me from joining the programme is that I don’t like the art style they teach and everyone that finishes the programme or is doing it is painting in that style 😅 I don’t want it to become my style if it’s something that i don’t like. And yeah, I wish there was just an up-to-date art sales course that was reliable, I would buy that right away

[@itsjudystube]

I agree.

[@HiThereHeyThere]

Hopefully the artcourse online they have now will give the option to expand - letting the artist follow their style if they have one. It is nice they help anyone who doesnt have an art style, and beginners, to just help them do a full art course. Will be interesting to see if any grads break out of MP style and what their art looks like in the coming years

[@Kozette88]

I see that. I’m going with Evolve, however enjoy Ellis teaching so I will participate in their workshops. And was considering NMA but I despise drawing. 🤭

[@HelenHobden]

Thank you for the update - I'm about a third of the way through the Mastery Program, so I found this really interesting. I've been wondering what it's going to feel like when I've finished and what the reality is. They make it sound so easy! Anyway, I wish you all the best with your art career; it definitely sounds like that snowball is getting faster, and I hope you get to quit the restaurant job soon!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I’m so glad the update was helpful! I remember wanting to see someone’s update about when they finished the program while I was in the program, so I figured it’d be nice go create that for others in that position. Thank you!! I have hope that I’ll be able to become a full-time artist in the next year or so! ✨ I hope your art dreams come true once you’re finished with the program as well!

[@katjastar3621]

thanks so much for your honesty. really helpful. I already knew that if it would be so doable like the program ads suggest, everybody would do it ...:) but as always one hopes dreams can become reality "easy" (just do the program even if can't draw (yet) and you will be a full time artist in 2 years max). great to hear the reality how much work and how hard it is to really make it.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

It is true! If it was easy, everyone would it. Either way, I think the program is worth it to become a better artist if that’s something you’re hoping to accomplish! 💕

[@fishisnotfishfish2267]

Good job! Sounds tough hope I can do It someday.

[@VeeArtise]

I’ve always been curious to start the program I think it will help zone into establishing a system with creating art consistent with confidence like you mentioned. Thanks for the transparency!!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! And yes, I agree! The program is great for developing your skill, finding your voice as an artist and making you more consistent overall. I totally recommend it for those reasons!

[@Tara_Kunicki]

Thank you for posting this! I cannot afford the program but I love learning and constantly pushing myself to be outside of my comfort zone. I truly just want to create beautiful art and find my voice and get out all that is inside my heart. Wishing you best of luck and again thank you for being real on here

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! I’m so glad it was helpful! I think it’s beautiful that you still are always learning and wanting to grow! And wanting to create art and share your voice with the world is so important! 💕

[@jrstanley7085]

Thank you for this follow up. I too am one year after the Mastery Program and think it is amazing. The real world experience is it takes time and effort. And keeping on painting regularly is a challenge. Keep on going

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you! Building an art career definitely takes time and patience. 💕

[@russellgibbon8621]

Well done Carly. I am looking at your website now. You are so real and sincere here, telling it like it is. That alone will bring you success. Keep it up! AUTHENTICITY!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you! And YES, authenticity all the way!

[@summerthyme]

Thanks so much for sharing this. I feel like seeing other artists on social media has been a bit discouraging... like why haven't I had success yet when it seems like everyone else has? It helps to know I'm not alone on the very very slow and steady train.. trying to maintain patience. But really happy for you that you're making $1000/ month from your art! That's a great start.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! I'm glad it was helpful! I often feel discouraged too by what I see other artists doing on social media. It's hard to feel like you're the only one not having success. I'm definitely still on the slow and steady train too. I actually haven't had a $1000 month in a while. My stales stagnated for a while at about $100 a month until this month, where I hit $150. And then next month, I'm projecting $550. Sooooo, it's a slow journey for sure! But some money is better than no money, right? Keep at it!! It's totally worth it. 💕

[@summerthyme]

Thanks for the encouragement! Are you making sales primarily from prints, commissions, or originals? I haven't made money from my art in a while. Since I started doing a series of self-portraits.. which makes sense. lol. I did it for personal reasons.@@CarlyJeanArt

[@HiThereHeyThere]

Def a good start

[@dawnsafarik6872]

Thanks for the honesty. I had looked into it before but couldnt afford it. The draw for me was the being able to be a full time artist in a year. I wondered how they could do that with some people who hadn’t done any art at all! I’m 60 now and have been doing art since I was 9. I would consider myself a good artist. There’s no easy way to market and sell. I want to be full time now but still don’t feel like it can be a reality. Maybe I’m too negative!! 🤔😂

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I think it’s still possible to become a full-time artist! It’s just important to find a method of marketing that works best for you. Everyone is different and I’m still finding what works best for me. Don’t give up hope about becoming a full-time artist if it’s your dream ❤️

[@theautisticside]

Thanks for your insights. Most marketing takes the outlier results of a product or service and tries to sell based on that. It's not sexy or inspiring to sell based on the average outcome: How many of the program students produce average work, and how many become exceptional? What's the average time in which students finish the program, and in which student make a living from their art afterwards? Becoming a full-time artist in a year is certainly possible given a confluence of factors, but it's not the average outcome for people. I think the right approach to a program like this is to focus on learning techniques from professional artists and then develop your own style and target market. (That's assuming you're ok with learning realistic drawing and painting in oils first. I don't agree that either is necessary to become a successful artist, by the way.) As to their marketing content, it's likely geared toward being successful in the decorative and commercial markets as the institute's founders have. Because we teach what we know. There are loads of other markets for artists to sell to and make a living in these days.

[@Mistiquex]

What more markets then decorative and commercial are there then for paintings? I'm not aware there are other markets.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I totally agree with everything you said here! For the most part, the average person going through the program probably won't become a full-time artist right after they finish. And I also agree that you can become a successful artist without foundational drawing and painting skills. There are many ways to become a successful artist, and I agree that we all have to find our own path to success.

[@mr.mastermind8766]

Hey Carly I feel so sorry for you I really do because I watched you spend all that money just to become a starving artist

[@itsjudystube]

It is a mistake to judge the website by direct sales alone. It is just one window into your gallery. Think of going into a creative shop in real life. It might have posters and leaflets to help customers engage and build on that. Not many people just go into an art gallery and de use in a purchase immediately. The longer you keep them there the more likely they will buy, same as a high street shop. Build a mailing list and email list by incentivising with a free art card or similar. Add a blog. Make a club people want to join.

[@HiThereHeyThere]

An art card and a club is a good idea.

[@peckerdecker]

Wishing you lots of great opportunities and preparations. Do great. Keep your eyes on the prize. :)

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you! Will do! 💕

[@draperphotography2471]

Thank you for your transparency. The full-time artist pitch is what most draws me into wanting to take the course. That and learning to motivate myself to put paint on to canvas.

[@draperphotography2471]

I just looked at your website. It looks great. Just curious as to why you are requiring people to make contact with you prior to purchasing? I think this may be a turn off for many potential purchasers. I may be wrong. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey, thank you so much for watching the video! The full-time artist pitch is what drew me to the program too, and I was disappointed when that dream didn’t become a reality right away. However, I will say that the program DID motivate me to put paint on canvas. The Milan’s do a great job of teaching you how to create habits in your studio to encourage you to paint often. That’s one of the main things I got out of the course. Painting often and confidence in myself as an artist.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

The reason there aren’t prices on my website for original paintings is because I’m trying a new marketing technique with potential collectors on social media that relies more on connecting with them one on one through messages, rather than through cold sales on my website. (I wasn’t making sales on my website even when I did have prices on every painting 😅)

[@HiThereHeyThere]

​@@CarlyJeanArtat is an interesting reason and i do hope you let us know after a year "how" that idea worked out. It might build rapport and connection with collectors. The serious buyer/collector doesnt care about the price if they want the piece. They know your art will be roughly a certain amt or under a certain amt by what the art looks like and if you note how long you have been an artist. If you write emerging artist in your bio they'll know its under 15k for sure.

[@lilypad8922]

Thank you for your honesty! I haven't taken the Mastery Program yet (still on the fence), but that was one thing I noticed. They do have some successful professional artists who graduate, but I have heard from quite a few others that the program lacks the business side of things to really get you going. The other thing I would like to know is how much these "professional artists" are making? They could be rolling in it or they could be in poverty. I think the program is just a little misleading in that way. I checked out your website and it looks great! I wish you all the success in the world! ❤

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! I would still highly recommend the Mastery Program, because it gives a great foundation for painting and drawing skills, and it helps every artist to find their own voice and style. As for the business part of it, there are tons of coaches and mentors out there who can give more information on how to build the business. Thank you for watching my video and the words of encouragement!! ❤️

[@Mistiquex]

​@@CarlyJeanArtCould you recommended some mentors and coaches for the marketing?

[@sylviaeder4639]

I´m also in the Milan Mastery Program, but I simply did not have time to complete it yet due to preparation for the CHIO international equestrian fair in Aachne, Germany which is way too expensive for hals a stand. Fact is I did not sell one painting there although there are loads of people who could afford original art. Perhaps mine was not expensive enough. So frustrating! Months of preparation and work for nothing. I forwarded the Milan Course because I know I can paint, although of course, I did learn quite some, too. But I neede to hear how to promote and sell my work. Now I´m writing and sending my portfolio to galleries in Germany, so far 30, but no positive response. I think Germany is a really depressing area for art in a way. If I look at what the galleries have, I think most of the paintings are really ugly. No offense ro the artists,,mbut I don´t need distorted faces or simply lines of one color etc... I´m trying ro find out about art fairs, but had to learn that you don´t get in only if you are represented ba a gallery or they are way too expensive per square meter. There is this attitude of Oh, your art is not raelly serious art. Hate it! And I´m not sure if I have a chance to sell my blooms paintings at garden fairs either. It is quite a frustrating journey and I wish I was 20 to 30 years younger. People in shops or cafés etc are not very open here either to put up my work although I have really beautiful artwork. I think it is a lot if you know the right people, know to connect to them etc.... very hard here in the country. But I´m sure, if you stick with it., you´ll be successful. You are in the US and I strongly believe that´s atotally different story than being in Germany. I was in CA, in Marin Counts and Carmel in July and the art I saw there was so much more beautiful and colorful! Wish you lots of success!!!

[@SvalaArt]

Stimme zu! Deutschland ist da echt mies. Ich hab schon einige Bilder verkauft (über insta) in den letzten Jahren und kein einziges davon bach Deutschland. Alles nur USA und Kanada. Die Deutschen geben kein Geld für Kunst aus 😂

[@fabiancurto6484]

I love your honesty and passion and for sure you are a successful artist ! I feel exactly the same and hopefully one day I can be a full time artist. My resources are limited to be honest , one question. How much you paid for the mastery program. Thank you !

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you for watching my video! The prices for the Mastery Program are listed on their website. And hopefully one day you CAN become a full-time artist, too! 😄

[@dais7891]

Thank you very much for the info! I've been looking for an honest video like this one :) I've been thinking about joining the mastery program but it is an expense I cannot do at the moment. I did go to art school for 6 years so I am trying to use what I learned in art school. I love the techniques the mastery program offers but it seems like a lot of the artists in the mastery program have a similar style and that is one thing I do not want because every time I see artwork on instagram without reading the bio or without seeing if they follow MAI I can already tell they went to MIA because it looks a little too close to each others artwork, it feels a little too repetitive seeing similar artwork. Don't get me wrong the artwork and the techniques are beautiful but most of the artwork looks like it could have been done by one artist and I cannot tell most of the artists apart only the ones who have a different style like Tanya Aubut is a good example. I am selling some artwork, sip and paints, recently contacted by a gallery, sell in another gallery and commissions but like yourself not a full time artist yet and I've been thinking about joining the Mastery Program because they stress out that you will sell art and the technique as well as it being way cheaper than an art class for what they offer its a great deal, so you got a great deal! Its just going to take time, I'd just suggest setting your work apart and continue experimenting. If this helps, couple of artists at the gallery I recently joined never have gone to art school but I noticed their art sells, the style is unique and it is cohesive :) and that seems to work for them.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey Daisy, that's great that you've been deciding on whether you want to join the program or not. I don't think you have to join the program to become a full-time artist. Your 6 years of art school will definitely help. I agree that the style that emerges from the program often looks similar. It's because we all learn similar techniques for creating and are inspired by the work of Elli and Demitra. As we grow and evolve as artists, we begin to find our own style separate from their work. I wish you the best of luck on your art journey! It sounds like you've already made lots of headway with galleries and commissions!

[@dais7891]

@@CarlyJeanArt I wish you success as well! I'm subscribed to your channel and following your art journey :) I'm also inspired by the works of the Milan's and the students the techniques you use all do look pretty cool, another reason I've thought about joining but very undecided lol can't wait to see your future works!

[@barbelkraft102]

Just started the program ☺️.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Yay!! Keep me updated about how it goes!

[@Rachaelshaw7]

Your paintings are gorgeous

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you!

[@aliyesulak6017]

Thank u so much for ur insides! U did not say anything about gallerys, so I am curious did u contact any or even attendet a show?

[@samadams4617]

Why not start an on-line art class? Or be part of the "GROUP" classes that are available - to get your name out there. That is how I knew about Katrina Koltes - she was part of a group taster class that I signed up for and have since been following her. You have a style . . . share it on you tube or combine with other artists. You have a lot of followers already!! Just a thought.

[@user-ii9mv6uz8w]

Good video! You could teach the Milan people a skill. How to speak. I didn't hear one single huh, umm, or "you know" in your video. You will be successful. You have personality plus.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you!

[@mr.mastermind8766]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@susandunker8693]

As an older artist, I am getting so frustrated with trying to sell my art. It’s hard.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

It is hard! But, I think it'll be worth it! 💕

[@peterlam3083]

hi Carly, my name is Peter from Darwin, Australia. I am a casual pharmacist working across , clinic , hospital and community pharmacy settings. I have gone through some of your vedios , actually it is quite inspirating and give me some directions what will be next. I have been doing pencil drawings for 5 years , and joined the programme last September, but so far I only finished 3 weeks syllabus, I feel so shameful on it, but I will keep a close eye on your website. I totally agree most of students make similar styles. I have made my mind before joining the programme, I want to make portrait of female nurse and doctors in their uniforms, I only want to make these types of oil paintings or mixed media as I found they look so charming and they look pretty originated from their heart. I hope you all the best in your art journey and your vedios are very useful.

[@DG-ri1lp]

When I did a few paint and sip classes I left my business cards on the table for everybody to see and take home. I don’t know if you could do that but I was working for myself not for a company.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

That's actually a great idea!! Thank you!!

[@Riya-xo7zb]

Thankyou so much for being transparent ❤Can you suggest some mentors for buisness parts , specially the free resources

[@CarlyJeanArt]

No problem! Thank you for watching! ❤️ I have two mentors that have been helpful so far. There’s Jaroid Henry here on KZbin who creates tons of free video content on building an art business. And then a good podcast is The Inspiration Place by Miriam Schulman has some great info about being an artist with a business as well. Hope that helps!

[@artbyalp]

I'm very stalled out in-between oils and mixed media. I feel like my brain is stopping me because I dont really see myseld becoming a full time artist afterwards.... I have a really stable and lucrative day job that I'm good at.. and I dint see myself walking away from that.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

That totally makes sense! And you don’t have to become a full-time artist after you finish the program. I think it’d still be fun to find your voice and style even if you don’t end up walking away from your day job. For me, getting to be an artist and express myself through painting is so fulfilling even without getting paid for it.

[@cmf1267]

I think if you look at it as just doing something you love and becoming the best artist you can be, you may get your mojo back. sounds like you are a little ahead of me in the program. I'm on week 11. I don't even plan on trying to sell anything for a few years. Just focusing on my journey as an artist through the program right now. I'm older and have a job where I make good money and have excellent benefits (which I need). I believe building up an art career will be very hard work!

[@WeblightDreams]

Website Expired

[@dannylionsmom]

I found that message as well. 😩

[@hannahjones9413]

What was it like trying to find your art style? Because I feel like I like a lot of different things that aren’t cohesive

[@lyudmilafeshchukova7312]

Agreed , to get yourself established is sooo not easy. Question - are most students paint in Eli's style after finishing the program ? Although they claim to teach you classic approach to painting as well as contemporary, I am yet to see students to paint in any other style.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I think the paintings are similar to Elli's because we learn the same techniques that she uses. Our work is inspired by her's. I think it takes artists many years to deviate their own style from what they've learned from the program.

[@itsjudystube]

@@CarlyJeanArtTo develop as an artist you need to stop copying from the teacher. Start by moving away from the colour palette. Play with paint and find the palette that speaks to you. If you only follow in the masters footsteps you will always be stuck as a Milan Institute student. Learning technique and following a methodology is only part of maturing as an artist. The only way to find your own voice is to break out of their mould of colours subjects and style. If you love cooking you don’t always make the same things with the same ingredients and invite the same people to dinner. You try different flavours and different recipes. You pick out favourite techniques from many influences. Take a deep dive into finding that voice that us unique to you not copied from the teacher.

[@mr.mastermind8766]

That is so so true Carly everybody is learning her styles not your own if it was your own style they wouldn’t be a school so they’re using y’all as a reference to continue they style a real artist supposed to have his or her own style

[@HiThereHeyThere]

It seems reasonable MP tells its students to have 30 paintings ready b4 you start a business. I think not just bcuz you need a portfolio, but bcuz you need time to do all the admin type work (everything but art). It feels like maybe 50 sounds more reasonable since it seems MP hasnt created a systematic step by step day by day what to do as a business marketer as part of their program (at the end). And that fails the students. You are left alone after they get their $ from the course?. Idk if they have any alumni community and courses beyond the graduation day moment.... but they need to be doing that.

[@kfergus3662]

Also send out thank you cards even if it’s a copy, too much blue and red

[@peterlam3083]

I tried to go to your website,but it said it has expired??

[@fatbottomful]

Just out of pure logic..Milan Institute have 20 years in the business and lots of contact and they worked together...not all of us have this foundation...but all of us have to make a start like they did...just keep pushing forward..

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you for the encouragement! 💕

[@johannebrun3409]

So during the year long mastery program… stupid question but do they actually teach you to paint? I signed up for a couple of their classes (How to Create an Abstract Floral Painting & how to paint flowers with bold brush strokes), but I just find them too fast, and although they do explain some of the brush strokes/composition/steps… I feel like I’m just not getting it. I’ve been painting for about 5 years; so I’m not a complete beginner. But when I try florals… ugh. I feel like a child. I’d love to sign up for the mastery program but I’m unsure if it would be worthwhile

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey, I totally think the Mastery Program is worth it! I have a full review of the program on my channel if you'd like to check it out. The weekly lessons go into WAY more instruction and details than any of their free online workshops. And to be honest, I also feel like an absolute child when I try to paint flowers... Flowers are really hard for some reason! That's why I never really paint them... Anyways, let me know how it goes for you if you do decide to join the program or not!

[@johannebrun3409]

@@CarlyJeanArt you are so kind!!! Thank you!!

[@itsjudystube]

@@CarlyJeanArtDon’t worry about feeling like a child when you paint flowers. Be that child. This is your own style trying to grow. Get one flower. Use all your techniques in turn to produce YOUR vision if that flower. It doesn’t need to look real or like a Milan flower with Milan colours. Study it. Use charcoal. Use finger painting. Use ink and a stick. To paint in your own style you must first find your style. And don’t think of it being a flower. It’s lights and darks. It’s negative and positive shapes. See how the colour of the flower changes at different times of the day. Turn it in all directions. Take it apart to see how it’s constructed. Paint and draw every section. Take another of the same type of flower. Do the same. Try working in the style of Picasso or Monet. Try different mediums. Different artist styles. Experiment with groups of the same flower. Try a picture of those flowers where you use different style or technique for each flower. Learn that flower. Paint extreme close ups of that flower. You can’t paint flowers until you know those flowers like good friends and good enemies. You can’t find your own style until you learn from other styles. Your own style will develop. You can’t force it.

[@pamelameredith1762]

do you put your website and art on social media is free and people see it email is good if you are prepared to put the time in I'm still trying to get my art selling? or you can pay for ads too.

[@CarlyJeanArt]

I do put my art on my website and on social media. I don't believe its worth it to pay for ads at this point in my career, but thank you for the suggestion! :)

[@stevenfillenberg9251]

I just went to check out your website but it says it's expired. What happened?

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Hey, I had to shut my website down for a bit while I do some maintenance! Sorry for the inconvenience!

[@itsjudystube]

@@CarlyJeanArtis there no way you could put up a sign that tells people that? If a high street shop simply closed with no expiation people would move on. People don’t go back. They go elsewhere and get captured there.

[@MimiBondi]

i just tried to visit your website and it says it's 'expired'. I hope you haven't given up yet!!

[@CarlyJeanArt]

Thank you for pointing that out! I actually have my website down for maintenance and updates. Don't worry, I'm never giving up! 😜

[@MimiBondi]

@@CarlyJeanArt You go girl 😃

[@lindaskoglund]

Do you not have an email sign up list when you're out at the shows? People won't never just come to your website and buy. You do have to create a relationship w your audience. Also if that is your best work behind (in this video) you it's not going to appeal to the masses. So more tweaking, more connections, learn more about marketing IF you want to do it, everyone doesn't

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

Don’t be s hard yourself. The program is definitely lacking.

[@paulwoodford1984]

I’m sure there are some simp men who will buy her art at some point.