Ever notice how once something’s been brought to your attention, you start seeing it everywhere?

That’s the “red car theory” at work—our focus shifts, and suddenly, the world seems full of what we’re paying attention to.

Lately, I’ve been dialed into opportunities for education and creativity, and while that’s exciting, it also makes me wonder: What else am I missing?

I’ve always loved connecting the dots—between ideas, disciplines, people—and I can’t help but think about the patterns I might not be picking up on yet.

I know there’s so much more waiting for me to notice.

It makes me wonder: What else could I set an intention to see?

Homebuilders know that you need a solid foundation before you can build up.

Rushing construction leads to cracks and instability down the line.

The same goes for artists looking to expand their reach through collaborations, new platforms, or exploring different mediums.

Before jumping into new opportunities, make sure your core is solid.

Understand your values, refine your vision, and ensure your current projects are stable.

Just as a homebuilder carefully plans every foundation layer, artists should strategically approach expansion, ensuring each new move aligns with their artistic goals.

Expansion isn’t just about saying yes to every opportunity; it’s about knowing when you’re ready to grow.

A strong foundation sets you up for lasting success, allowing you to build confidently without compromising your art’s integrity.

Fashion brands know that timing is everything.

They don’t just launch collections randomly—they align releases with seasons, fashion weeks, or cultural moments to maximize impact.

This strategic timing helps them stay relevant and capture the market’s attention.

Artists can learn from this approach.

Before diving into a new project, platform, or medium, take stock of the landscape.

Pay attention to market trends, community buzz, and technological shifts.

Just like fashion brands carefully plan their drops, artists should be strategic about when to launch new collections or explore new avenues.

Success isn’t just about creating; it’s about knowing when and where to introduce your work for maximum impact.

By timing your moves thoughtfully, you can align your art with the right moments and make a bigger splash.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel you haven’t achieved enough.

But instead of spiraling into self-doubt, consider this: everyone’s path is different.

Take a moment to recognize your own progress, however small.

Gratitude can help shift your mindset.

Think about where you are now—many people face challenges that limit their potential while you’ve had opportunities to grow.

Reflecting on this doesn’t diminish your feelings but puts them into perspective.

Regrets about the past are natural but don’t define your future.

What matters is how you move forward.

Define success on your terms, not someone else’s, and focus on progress that aligns with your values.

Doing so can transform self-doubt into motivation and keep your journey grounded in growth and gratitude.

In the art world, feeling valued is everything.

Artists, collectors, gallerists—we all want to be seen and appreciated for what we bring to the table.

The art industry can seem transactional, focused on market values and behind-the-scenes deals, but at its core, it’s a community fueled by passion.

Artists pour their hearts into their work, each piece a personal expression shared with the world. Feeling valued inspires them to keep creating and pushing boundaries.

Collectors, whose support helps sustain the art ecosystem, also deserve recognition for their role in championing new talent.

And gallery owners and curators? They’re the bridge, connecting art to audiences and nurturing the cultural landscape.

Appreciation doesn’t just feel good—it drives the entire art community forward. It reminds us that beyond the sales and the shows, we’re all part of something bigger.

So let’s celebrate each other’s contributions and keep the art world vibrant, connected, and alive.

Startups thrive on feedback, rapid iteration, and learning from their mistakes.

They launch early, gather user input, fix bugs, and constantly improve their products.

This culture of accountability and growth fuels innovation and keeps them ahead of the curve.

As an artist I adopt a similar mindset.

I’m open to feedback, whether it’s from my peers, collectors, or my audience.

I acknowledge missteps, make adjustments, and view my work as a continual process rather than a final product.

And like startups, I evolve through constant learning and improvement.

I believe that artists who embrace this mindset can elevate their work and build lasting trust with their community.

Growth comes from being accountable, listening to feedback, and never settling for “good enough.”

It’s a never ending loop of keep refining, keep engaging, and keep improving.

Traditional spaces no longer bind artists—technology has shattered barriers, opening endless creative possibilities.

But be mindful of echo chambers. Immersing yourself too deeply in a single community or platform can limit your perspective.

While today’s tools feel revolutionary, what endures is the story, emotion, and connection behind your art.

Seek inspiration beyond your usual circles.

Step outside your comfort zone, engage with diverse ideas, and create art that reflects the wider human experience.

The future of art is expansive—keep your vision broad and your mind open.

As artists, we sometimes chase the next social media platform, hoping it’ll be our key to connecting with fans.

But the reality is that these platforms can disappear, change their algorithms, or lock us out without warning.

I’ve been there, losing access to 15K followers overnight, and it was a wake-up call.

Unlike social media, email lists give us direct control over our audience.

It’s a connection that doesn't depend on a platform's success or rules.

You can share updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal stories that go beyond a fleeting social media post through newsletters and blogs.

Plus, people rarely change their email addresses—unlike the endless shifts in social media trends.

Think of your email list as a direct line to your true fans.

It’s stable, personal, and entirely yours.

So, if you’re tired of chasing the latest platform, focus on what matters: building a lasting, meaningful connection with your audience.

Start collecting emails, send out newsletters, and keep that bond strong no matter where the digital tides take us.

Elon Musk at the Montana Jobs Summit, September 16, 2013:

“The only reason I started an Internet company back in 1995 was because there were only a few Internet companies and I couldn't get a job at any of them. 

I tried to get a job at Netscape and sent my resume in and tried hanging out in the lobby. But I was too shy to talk to anyone. 

Then I was like, okay, I guess I'll have to start a company because I can't get a job anywhere.”

This quote resonates deeply with me.

When I don’t see a direct path to something I wan (which happens often), I look for creative ways to get there.

It’s how I carved my way throughout my career, and it’s a mindset I’ve relied on time and again.

For me, it’s not about following the expected route or waiting for permission—it’s about recognizing that when no doors are open, you can build one.

This principle has shaped my career and personal growth, allowing me to align my work with what truly matters to me.

Trust takes years—sometimes a lifetime—to build, but it can be destroyed in a single moment.

It’s one of our most valuable connections, yet also one of the most delicate.

Why?

Because trust is built on consistency, honesty, and care—qualities we strive for but don’t always get right.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect.

I’ve made mistakes that have tested the trust others placed in me.

Whether it’s a poorly timed decision or a moment of miscommunication, I’ve learned that even small missteps can have lasting impacts.

I hold onto the understanding that rebuilding trust, while hard, is possible when approached with sincerity and humility.

That means owning my mistakes, apologizing when necessary, and working every day to align my actions with the values I aspire to.

Trust is fragile, but I believe it’s also a reflection of grace.

We can’t expect perfection from one another, but we can aim for accountability and growth.

That’s what I’m working toward in my life.