3 Secrets Successful Artists Know

1. Fans are more valuable than industry partnerships

Many young artists make the mistake of catering to industry professionals in hopes of getting "seen" or "noticed" by someone who can give them a platform.

Successful artists know that building a relationship with their audience is where they should spend 95% of their time.

An industry partnership isn't going to help you if you aren't good at connecting with an audience. And industry relationships come and go, but it's your ability to consistently serve your fan base that will carry your career.

2. Storytelling is the most valuable talent you can acquire

If you're going to be the best at something, it should be storytelling.

Being impressive might garner temporary interest, but it won't help build a relationship with an audience.

Next time you go to a circus or watch a performer (like a magician), I want you to notice how they have built story and relatable content (humor, nostalgia, etc.) around their impressive act.

I've often heard folks in the music industry say, "it's all built on a good song." Great singing makes for good entertainment. But great songs create a loyal fanbase.

P.S. If you don't write songs, partner with someone who does.

3. A body of work is more important than one piece.

Many young artists obsess over one piece of work in hopes that it will change everything.

Instead of putting too much stock in one piece of work, successful artists use their releases to test the market. They create, release, pay attention to how audiences respond, and then try to double down on what works.

Like most young artists, I spent many years focusing on the wrong things.

If you're an artist, I hope this helps you focus your creative energy on the things that matter most.