Why should I embrace the creative process rather than rushing to finish pieces?

When you’re climbing and trying to establish yourself, or when publishers are demanding multiple pieces quickly for calendars or other products, there’s a natural impulse to rush. But taking your time produces better work. Focus on getting every part of the painting right—not just the main focal point, but also the background, balance, and symmetry. All these elements contribute to making art that’s truly good and sellable. Work without external art directors standing over your shoulder, paint what you want, and don’t show anything you don’t fully endorse. The quality control should be yours, making sure you’re completely satisfied before sharing the work.

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Asked by an artist feeling pressured to produce quickly · Answered by Scott Westmoreland · art-marketing-podcast · 2025-07-22