I subscribe to a lot of artist blogs and social media groups that give tips and advice on all kinds of topics. One of the most heartbreaking things to read is when an artist says they are "giving up" or losing confidence in their work because of a failure to sell or get into a juried show or they receive a negative review.

Let's face it, it's hard to sell art. If you are trying to make a generous living with the money you make on your art, you are setting yourself up for a goal that's probably the equivalent of a football player making it to the NFL. 

What is burn out anyway and how do you know if you're suffering from it?

Self-help writer Oliver Burkeman describes it this way: ..." burnout is best understood as having the component of a lack of meaning — that you’re not only working incredibly hard, but it doesn’t seem to get you any closer to the imagined moment when you’re actually going to feel on top of everything and in control — like you can relax at last. 

His latest book, Meditations for Mortals is subtitled: 
Four weeks to embrace your limitations and finally make time for what counts.

I confess that I haven't read the book, but the "embrace your limitations" subtitle grabbed me. How do artists say motivated and engaged, even when success seems elusive?

I think it begins with the fundamental understanding that being an artist is primarily a solitary vocation. It's between you and the canvas, pottery wheel, forge or drawing table. What emerges can be beautiful, ugly or indifferent. If success is defined by commercial appeal, we have to accept the fact that the subjective nature of our craft is separate from the creative process. It's really tough to flip the switch from the safety of your studio to the scary unknown of the art market or gallery. 

So if you're feeling stuck or getting discouraged by lack of sales, here's a few things to try: 

• Ask people who have already purchased your art what appealed to them and what they might like to see from you next.  
• Promote your art in as many ways and in as many places as possible. 
• Open your studio to your friends and neighbors and ask for feedback.
• Be sure you are priced realistically.
• Study other successful artists who share your aesthetic and style. 

Making art is not rocket science. A + B doesn't always equal C. Satisfaction can come in many ways and sometimes, when you least expect it, someone will walk in and say "I'll take it."