Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anika Simeth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Anika, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For me, the first step was recognizing that self-care is essential to stay a happy working artist. When you’re being too hard on yourself and try to force progress, it’s likely to become very miserable very soon. Even the career of your dreams can get dreadful then. So I started to allow myself more rest and suddenly I found that I get more done in a shorter amount of time if I’ve had a good nights sleep and took some time for other joyful activities. Things that alway fill my creative cup are spending time out in nature, preferably near a lake (where you’ll catch me taking hundreds of pictures, as I use those for future inspiration). I also like to run, cook or play video games with my fiancé.
Self-care as an artist working from home for me also means planning quality time with friends and like minded people. This way I make sure I get outside of my studio – and outside of my head!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a self-taught oilpainter living in Munich, Germany. My artistic intention is to bring a sense of calmness and tranquility to the viewer. My goal is not only to make beautiful paintings, but also to create a sanctuary for the soul. In a world filled with hustle, I noticed that I personally find most peace when spending time outside in nature. Especially the mesmerizing movement of water has this impact on me. That’s why I seek inspiration for my paintings in the nearby lakes of my Bavarian home, preferably at sunrise, when the light is dancing on the soft waves.
I try to capture the almost silk-like surface of water by using oilpaints, which allow my to create soft blends of color as well as expressive light effects.
You can see my artwork online (on my website, where you can also make an original or print your own; or follow my journey on Instagram) as well as in person. I have two group shows planned for 2024:
Kulturetage München Riem, June 3rd- 21st and
Orangerie München, October 1st- 7th
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
As an artist, the skill of drawing and painting is, of course, the most obvious one. It takes many years to develop technique and style, so I’d advice someone who is just starting out to keep practicing, no matter how slow the progress might seem. Also, make use of resources like online courses and books, have a sketchbook and expose yourself to art often. Also, trying out different subject matter and stylistic approaches can help you to find your own voice in the long run.
Another impactful quality is perseverance. Building any kind of career, but especially in the arts, is a long process and doesn’t happen overnight. So my tip is to stop going after the quick fix (like a viral Instagram post) and start building a solid foundation. Look for real connection and think about how you can serve your audience and clients. And also don’t neglect the not-so-fun part of your business: finances, taxes and bookkeeping 😉
The last but not least skill is to build resilience. When deciding to pursue art as an career at the age of 30, not everyone in my life was convinced or unterstanding towards my decision. Looking back, there even was some degree of jealousy from some.
The thing is, not everyone will like what I do. Not everyone thinks art is a valuable career and not everyone likes my art style. But if I’d hear to every negative comment I get, not only would I still be looking for my artistic voice, randomly painting what I think people might like, even more likely I would have already quit altogether.
So my advice is to build some thick skin and also surround yourself with positive and inspiring people who want to see you succeed. Know your “Why”, it will guide you through all resistance.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is something I still struggle with from time to time. As a one-woman business, there are many things to handle on a daily basis. When I feel like everyting is getting to much, I talk to my partner – letting it all out can already have a postive impact. I try to remember why I’m doing this and go back to the fundamentals. Writing it down also helps. Having one big brain dump with everything that is currently on my mind, then asking myself if I really have to do it all NOW, or if I can postpone or even delete some tasks completely.
I think it’s important to realize that we’re here for the long run, so there’s no sense in burning out after 1-2 years into the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://asimeth.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asimeth_art/
Image Credits
Anika Simeth, Markus Lindler
