We were lucky to catch up with Rob Croxford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rob, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Childhood trauma. Just kidding (kinda). My first adult day job was painting scenery for theatre & film. It was like boot camp! The absurdly long hours and sky-high expectations were the perfect primer for becoming a full-time artist. I quickly learned the importance of hard work and self-discipline, even when every fiber of my being was screaming for nachos & a Drag Race marathon. It also helps that I’m a ‘bit’ of a perfectionist (I’m actually the CEO of perfectionism). I truly believe the more you put in, the more you get out. Mostly, I’m self-disciplined because being your own boss means you’ve got no one else to blame. It’s a tough gig, but somebody’s gotta do it!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Rob; fancy-boy, obsessive thrifter, professional smarty-pants and artist! I live in the land of maple syrup and polite apologies (Toronto more specifically). This year, I’m celebrating two decades as a full-time artist! (THAT’S TWENTY YEARS!) In that time, I have presented 12 full collections of artwork & painted almost 1900 paintings. I’ve been in more juried exhibitions than I can count on my fingers & toes (nearly 200 shows). I’ve done dozens of art fairs, and I’m currently represented by galleries in Toronto, Prince Edward County, Collingwood, Victoria BC., Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
What’s my art about? It’s like stuffing pop-culture, nostalgia, humor, text, and a dash of cheeky commentary into a blender. What comes out is pure, unadulterated joy! My current “Sign Language” series integrates iconic movie quotes onto vintage neon signage. Creating this unique artwork gives me purpose, makes critics rave, and makes buyers swoon (mostly)! Coming up? I am hatching a plan for total global art domination with a side of giddy laughter. I invite you to join my journey! Come for the laughs, stay for the art!
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?
I think Noxeema Jackson from the film “To Wong Foo” nailed it: “believe in yourself, imagine good things, and moisturize’. Twenty years deep in my art career, those 3 pearls of wisdom still hold true:
Believe in yourself (yes, it’s a cliché, but it’s true)! Let’s face it, being authentically you is like owning a unicorn. Embrace your quirks, your weirdness, your unique vibe and channel that into your work. Not everyone will get it, but those who do will be your biggest fans. Believe. In. Your fabulous, quirky self.
Imagining good things is like building a mental trampoline – it helps you bounce back from disappointments! Staying persistent & positive in chasing your artistic dreams is key in making a living in the arts. 5 years ago I lost everything in a studio fire. After drowning my sorrows in ice cream for a while, I dusted off my easel, imagined a phoenix rising from the ashes, and restarted my practice. I imagined all the great things that would come, and got back in the game. It was the hardest won lesson ever!
Moisturize. I’m serious! Taking care of yourself is crucial. I tend to overwork myself (thanks, perfectionism!), but then I remember need to recharge my creative battery. You can’t pour from an empty cup, or in my case, an empty paint tube. Slap on some lotion, replenish yourself and let the creativity flow! And again…MOISTURIZE!
Let’s face it, a little self-belief, a dash of positivity, and a good moisturizer can conquer just about anything – even a blank canvas!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I’ve been in the art game for ages, and let me tell you, every year – heck, every month – brings a new hurdle. But then what’s life without a little challenge, right? (Insert eye roll here.) Lately, I’ve been feeling the burnout from the social media circus. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for my online sales, but the pressure to constantly reinvent myself? Exhausting! It’s like a never-ending battle with the algorithm gods. I mean, who has time to constantly churn out ‘content’ on top of their actual creative practice? So, combat the burnout: I’m doubling down on the positivity, the creativity and the humour in my art posts. It’s like adding sprinkles to an already awesome cake! Not only does it take the pressure off showcasing another new painting, but my followers are digging the vibe too. Authenticity for the win, yet again! And also a little laughter goes a long way in the social media jungle!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.robcroxford.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robcroxford/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.croxford.artist
