Awesome post Barney. Im just about to open a new substack account and create new publications too. Do you think its still necessary for artists to have websites now? I mean search is now being dominated by A.Il, Gemini, Chat gpt etc. Search is not search as it used to be. I wonder if anyone will actually find my website anymore. That being the case why bother. And what does an artistcdo next to remain visible online.
Thanks, Jane. It's good to hear you are getting on board with Substack. I'm not sure giving up a website is the right move for most artists. You need a professional site for your portfolio. But it's good to keep that thought in mind and pay attention to what's going on, as you are already doing.
I so agree with what you said Barney. What once felt necessary now feels optional. I am asking myself more often "Does this serve the life I want now?" I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Nan, I'm glad to hear that the idea resonated with you. You're definitely not alone in this feeling. Nowadays, it's a great time to think about what genuinely helps you and which habits might be limiting you, especially after doing things the same way for so long.
Thank you, Kathy. I’m glad it met you at the right moment. Reinvention can feel challenging — even a little scary — but letting go always seems to make room for what’s next. There’s something exciting in that.
Great article, Barney! It took a lot of courage to let go of so many years of Wordpress. That kind of change is hard, especially with all the work you put into over the years. I’m glad you’re enjoying the change!
I’ve also been thinking about letting some things go, changing directions and simplifying a lot.
Thanks, Lisa — I appreciate that. Letting go was definitely a shift, but a good one. I was ready for some changes. Simplifying feels even better than I expected. Sounds like you’re in a similar place, and I think those kinds of changes usually open up good things.
I understand you, Braney. It takes a great deal of courage to let go of something you've worked so hard for.
You've spent so many years passionately supporting artists and helping build opportunities for them that I imagine letting go shouldn't be difficult for someone with your experience and perspective.
There was a time when I walked away from everything I knew about painting on canvas. I could have stayed on the safe path, relying on my experience and skills, but instead I chose to take a risk. I put down my brushes, left my paints behind, and stepped into the unknown world of geometric digital art.
Despite all the difficulties, I haven't regretted that decision for a single second. To me, that is the true meaning of life: having the courage to follow the path that calls you, even when it leads away from everything you've already achieved.
An achievement can become a prison if you don't let it go in time and move on to the next journey.
I wish you good health, inner balance, and a fulfilling life. Thank you for everything you do for artists.
Thanks, Alex. It's nice to hear that you've moved on from something that was once a significant part of your life. I appreciate your well wishes and send the same to you.
The future is hard to see. The online world is changing so fast its unpredictable. And hard for artists to navigate for visibility. I guess all we can do is wait and see. But Substack is awesome. So much wonderful writing. At such a high standard. Watching every YouTube video about Substack created in the last year. Its a very interesting platform. And an even more interesting business model. How its structured for monetization and is becoming a growth and search engine of its own. Looking forward to learning more. Hoping all is fine for you artists in the USA. Best wishes from New Zealand.
Awesome post Barney. Im just about to open a new substack account and create new publications too. Do you think its still necessary for artists to have websites now? I mean search is now being dominated by A.Il, Gemini, Chat gpt etc. Search is not search as it used to be. I wonder if anyone will actually find my website anymore. That being the case why bother. And what does an artistcdo next to remain visible online.
Thanks, Jane. It's good to hear you are getting on board with Substack. I'm not sure giving up a website is the right move for most artists. You need a professional site for your portfolio. But it's good to keep that thought in mind and pay attention to what's going on, as you are already doing.
I so agree with what you said Barney. What once felt necessary now feels optional. I am asking myself more often "Does this serve the life I want now?" I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Nan, I'm glad to hear that the idea resonated with you. You're definitely not alone in this feeling. Nowadays, it's a great time to think about what genuinely helps you and which habits might be limiting you, especially after doing things the same way for so long.
Such a timely post for me!
Thank you, as I try (struggle) to let go and reinvent what I want to continue with!
Thank you, Kathy. I’m glad it met you at the right moment. Reinvention can feel challenging — even a little scary — but letting go always seems to make room for what’s next. There’s something exciting in that.
Great article, Barney! It took a lot of courage to let go of so many years of Wordpress. That kind of change is hard, especially with all the work you put into over the years. I’m glad you’re enjoying the change!
I’ve also been thinking about letting some things go, changing directions and simplifying a lot.
Thanks, Lisa — I appreciate that. Letting go was definitely a shift, but a good one. I was ready for some changes. Simplifying feels even better than I expected. Sounds like you’re in a similar place, and I think those kinds of changes usually open up good things.
I understand you, Braney. It takes a great deal of courage to let go of something you've worked so hard for.
You've spent so many years passionately supporting artists and helping build opportunities for them that I imagine letting go shouldn't be difficult for someone with your experience and perspective.
There was a time when I walked away from everything I knew about painting on canvas. I could have stayed on the safe path, relying on my experience and skills, but instead I chose to take a risk. I put down my brushes, left my paints behind, and stepped into the unknown world of geometric digital art.
Despite all the difficulties, I haven't regretted that decision for a single second. To me, that is the true meaning of life: having the courage to follow the path that calls you, even when it leads away from everything you've already achieved.
An achievement can become a prison if you don't let it go in time and move on to the next journey.
I wish you good health, inner balance, and a fulfilling life. Thank you for everything you do for artists.
Alex
Thanks, Alex. It's nice to hear that you've moved on from something that was once a significant part of your life. I appreciate your well wishes and send the same to you.
The future is hard to see. The online world is changing so fast its unpredictable. And hard for artists to navigate for visibility. I guess all we can do is wait and see. But Substack is awesome. So much wonderful writing. At such a high standard. Watching every YouTube video about Substack created in the last year. Its a very interesting platform. And an even more interesting business model. How its structured for monetization and is becoming a growth and search engine of its own. Looking forward to learning more. Hoping all is fine for you artists in the USA. Best wishes from New Zealand.