How do I know if I should change my artistic direction or keep pursuing my current path?

The key question is whether you’re changing because you’re genuinely drawn to something else, or because you’re frustrated that your current work resembles others or isn’t getting immediate recognition. If it’s the latter, stay the course. Constantly switching approaches—trying different styles, subjects, or mediums every time you feel uncertain—prevents you from developing depth and your own voice. Find the subject matter that genuinely calls to you, the approach that feels authentic, and commit to it. Work on it consistently over years. That commitment and persistence is what allows your unique perspective to emerge. Don’t chase novelty just for the sake of being different.

---

Asked by an artist considering changing their focus · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-04-17