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3 Steps to Become a Happy Full-Time Artist by Claudia Sahuquillo
Visual artist and business mentor Clauda Sahuquillo shares the four steps
We all have dreams we’re working towards, but without commitment and consistency it’s all too easy for our big ideas to simply fade away.
Not for Claudia Sahuquillo, however.
Claudia first caught public attention with her #SkinIsTheNewCanvas campaign where she painted patterns and shapes on naked women’s bodies.
Now, an owner of three businesses, a mentor for young creatives, and a thriving full time artist herself, she is living her constantly evolving dream and is determined to show others how they can do the same.
1. Dream big
Set ambitious goals and find the people who embody what you want to achieve, people that Claudia refers to as expanders. Examine what characteristics of theirs you want to take into your own life and describe yourself as already having them.
According to Claudia, the way we define ourselves is decisive in what we achieve. She even takes care when introducing herself to me: “I'm an artist, an entrepreneur... No, I'm an artist, a feminist, and an entrepreneur.” This clarity is an affirmation of the person she wants to be.
The value of this careful wording is backed up by science as neuroscientist Gonzalo Santellan regularly explains during his guest features on Claudia’s Instagram.
He says that the way we talk to ourselves has a direct effect on our brain and extensive study into an area of study called neuroplasticity has shown that we are capable of rewiring our brains through simple actions.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by repeating affirmations to oneself in the present tense and first person. So, even if you feel like you’re not there yet, dream big, and describe yourself as the person you want to be. With a bit of luck, your life will catch up.
And you can get creative. One of Claudia’s favourites: “If it doesn’t lead me towards my happiness, I don’t even entertain it.”
2. Focus
But you can’t just say an affirmation once. For a statement like that to really have an effect in your brain, you will need to repeat it to yourself at least three times a day... and actually believe it.
Affirmations form part of what Claudia describes as an “expansive morning routine”. A group of exercises that you can do all day to gradually train your brain to achieve what you want.
It starts with getting up without pressing snooze and making your bed, and includes writing three pages of free writing, meditation, and exercise, with each activity adjustable according to a person’s needs.
This commitment and self care focuses your actions on what you want to achieve. You don’t have to produce a work of art every day but rather, in the words of Julia Cameron, the author of The Artist’s Way and one of Claudia’s heroines, you do have to “turn up at the page”.
3. Massive Imperfect Action
Once you’ve got your head in the right place, it’s time to get over yourself and just do it!
“There’s no point and waiting until you know enough,” insists Claudia. “You will never know enough and, anyway, no one cares about you.”
These are counterintuitive words of encouragement: if no one cares, what are you waiting for? You will learn far more by taking massive imperfect action than not.
Bonus Tip: Move your a**
And, just like your brain, the way you define yourself can change too. In fact, it should.
Claudia found the style that she’s now become known for through experimentation. “Paper was boring. So I started painting new surfaces, the walls, the floor, rocks, everything. And then I came to the female body and what happened was amazing.”
Claudia’s painted ladies were a huge success. But Claudia has already moved on, her naked painting merely a stepping stone. Now, a woman with three businesses, staff, a host of mentees and a flourishing artistic output, Claudia continues to evolve and seek knowledge, creativity, and happiness.
Before we hang up the call, I compliment her on being able to do so much. Her final words? “So can you”.
Visit Claudia's Instagram profile here.
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