How I Ride the Ebbs and Flows of Success as an Artist/Crafter

Success as an artist is a wild ride—let me just start with that. It’s not this smooth, steady upward climb like you might imagine. Instead, it’s more like a roller coaster: thrilling at times, stomach-dropping at others, and unpredictable no matter how much you prepare. But over the years, I’ve learned how to navigate the ups and downs, even though it still throws me off balance from time to time.

The “flow” moments, when everything seems to be going right, are what keep me going. These are the times when my work is getting noticed, sales are up, people are excited about what I’m creating, and I’m in that creative sweet spot where ideas just keep coming. It’s like everything clicks, and you feel like, “Yes, this is it. This is what I’m meant to do.”

When I’m in that flow, I try to ride the wave as long as I can. I make as much art as possible, dive into projects, connect with my audience, and enjoy the feeling of being “in the zone.” But—and this is a big but—I’ve learned not to get too comfortable. Because the “ebb” is always just around the corner, waiting to catch you off guard.

The ebb is when things slow down, ideas feel stuck, and sales or interest might take a dip. These moments can be really tough, especially when you’ve just come off a high point. In the beginning, I would freak out whenever things slowed down. I’d question everything: Was I not good enough? Was my work just a fluke? Should I change direction completely? The self-doubt could be overwhelming.

But now, I’ve learned to view the ebbs as just part of the process. I’m not going to pretend it’s easy—it still sucks when things aren’t going great—but I’ve realized that those quiet periods are just as important as the busy ones. They give me a chance to reset, reflect, and experiment without the pressure of constantly producing. Sometimes, I’ll use that time to try new techniques or work on personal projects that I’ve been putting off. It’s also a chance to step back and make sure I’m still enjoying what I’m creating, rather than just making things for the sake of it.

Another thing I’ve learned is that success looks different for everyone, and it’s okay if it doesn’t come in the way you expect. It took me a while to stop comparing myself to other artists or crafters who seemed to be thriving. Social media makes it especially hard not to fall into that trap—seeing other people’s wins while you’re in a slump can be a real confidence killer. But I remind myself that we’re all on different paths, and someone else’s success doesn’t take away from mine.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency is key. Even when things are slow, I keep showing up. I keep creating, keep putting my work out there, and keep believing that the next flow is coming. It’s tempting to throw in the towel when things get hard, but staying the course has always paid off in the long run.

I also lean on my community during those tough times. Whether it’s fellow artists, supportive friends, or even people who follow my work online, having people who understand what I’m going through makes a huge difference. They remind me that the ebbs are normal, and sometimes, just hearing that from someone else is enough to pull me out of the funk.

So, how do I ride the ebbs and flows of success? I embrace both. I soak up the highs and try to learn from the lows. I give myself grace when things aren’t going perfectly, and I keep pushing forward, trusting that the next wave of inspiration, sales, or recognition is just around the corner. Success isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey, and I’m learning to enjoy the ride, bumps and all.