We are a little bit more than half way through the current Artists' Prosperity Boot Camps, which started in May. Participants have really challenged themselves, and have gotten through what is generally the hardest part. They are now financially organized, they've set strong but achievable financial goals, and their debt plans are solidly in place.

This is always my favorite time as a teacher because now that much of the foundational work is done, I get to see people really start to soar!

The main focus for the next couple of weeks is what is called revenue modeling. Our students have determined precisely what each of them need to be earning to meet all of their financial obligations. The revenue model is a tool that helps them to figure out EXACTLY what they are going to do to make sure that amount of money is actually coming in.

Some of our artists are seeking part time jobs. Many are starting or expanding side businesses that allow them to control their time and income, so they have the energy and resources they need to pursue their art. What's amazing is you don't get the sense that they are resentful as they engage in this process. Rather, there is an excitement as they take full ownership of the fact that they must strike a balance between doing what they love AND making sure that they have created sufficient financial stability not just to "survive" but to thrive as people and as artists.

If right now - you aren't earning enough money, if you are perhaps slowly (or not so slowly) going into debt, or failing to do things you know you should be doing because you don't have the necessary financial resources - I encourage you not to hide from the realities of your financial situation. Get the help that you need to turn things around today.

Will there be sacrifice involved? Probably. But it does not, in any way, have to mean the sacrifice of your artistic goals. There are many options available to each of us. The right one will make itself apparent as you take those first steps towards financial responsibility.

Until next time - to your prosperity!

Miata

P.S. Get the tools you need to start developing a strong financial plan by joining us for a FREE teleseminar on Thursday, July 5th.

I recently received an email from someone who was interested by our website, but had the following question about our methods and philosophy:

"What if I am an artist and I don't want to change my profession and also I don't want to have another job on the side? I just want to work as an artist and have great benefits from that."

I think we would all agree that for everyone pursuing an artistic career, what we all ideally want to do is get paid a ton of money for doing what we love. If you are a dramatic actor, making $100,000 per episode for being in a high quality night-time drama is about as good as it gets. For a musician, platinum albums generating millions in residual payments is where it's at. For a sculptor, having ones work on display in private collections and museums world-wide would bring home more than enough bacon for any number of New York apartments and trips to South America. But, assuming that it may be some time before we find ourselves in those enviable positions, what are we going to do about money right now?

And that, I think, is the problem with thinking along these lines. Sure, there are those, very few, people who are lucky enough to walk out of college and into full time artistic careers. But, for the rest of us, there will be a period (anywhere from a few months to possibly many years), where we will have to do something else in order to make ends meet, while we wait for the income from our art to allow us to live in comfort.

"Have to". Those are the operative words in that sentence. Not "want to" or "like to" but "have to". There is a great line from the film "Gladiator":

"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to".

Now, do you have to have another job while you pursue your artistic career? Not necessarily; but unless you are either being supported by somebody else, or willing to live on the streets, then it is something that you seriously need to consider.

So, what is my answer to the above question?

Our goal at Abundance Bound is to help each artist work out exactly what you need in order to live and meet all of your financial obligations. Once you are absolutely clear on that number, you can then find work, be it your own business or a regular job, that will provide that amount in the least time possible, leaving you free to pursue your art around it. If as an artist, you are fortunate enough to sell enough pieces or work enough days to not require any additional income, the focus then becomes what to do with the money you are earning, so as to get the greatest benefit out of it.

But, for the rest of us, truly consider the options before you. Take control of your financial lives so that you can pursue your art free from the crushing weight of financial stress. Bite the bullet and handle things now, so that they do not get out of control later. And, throughout the journey, never stop focusing on your artistic success, because by doing that, all things are possible.

FREE Abundance Bound Teleseminar: Understanding the Artists' Prosperity System

Thursday, July 5th from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM Pacific

If you're an artist who is tired of always struggling financially, join us for this FREE class where you will gain an understanding of the steps that will allow you to take control of your money. Learn about Abundance Bound and the ways we will support you on your journey towards financial stability.

This class is taught via tele-seminar so you can be anywhere in the country (and, in fact, the world). All you need is a phone!

The Artists' Prosperity Boot Camp

New Boot Camps Start in September - Reserve Your Spot Now!

This is a 10-week intensive program (taught by teleseminar), where participants learn AND implement each step of the Artists' Prosperity System. Students will get financially organized, improve their money mindset, create debt plans, start developing passive income, and much more!