Never give up.  It’s advice that is thrown around daily – but is it always right?  We asked some folks we admire about their thoughts around how to know when to give up and when to keep trying.

Srishti Wilhelm | Impressionist Painter, Artisan & Naturalist

This is an interesting question, and my answer does not come in a fashion of giving up on your efforts and your dreams. No. When I think of continuing or letting go of something is when I feel like I have expressed enough of that which I want to pursue; in other words it was calling to me and wanting to be expressed but now having expressed it I witness what has come forth. Whether I marvel or appall at my creation is not what is keeps me going, but it’s the process of creation, it’s the state of feeling alive while being in the process of creation. I am an impressionist-plein air artist; embracing the methods and the philosophy of the French Impressionists of the 19th century, I paint exclusively from life. My art is all about frisson, getting thrilled by nature, of feeling large in the process of creation. I don’t start a painting unless I am moved by what I see. Read more>>

Elliott Trahan | Visual & Dance Artist

There’s always a gut instinct whether to give up or keep going. It’s only in deep reflection that you find a way to figure out what that actually means. I find that I listen to the voice to give up more; sometimes it’s because what I’ve been doing has lead me to a more evolved thought or idea, so I want to pursue that. Between giving up and continuing further, both can be countered. But if something deep inside piques your interest or can’t be sold to an end point, you have to trust it. If I have less on my plate, I’m more willing to keep going. It’s all about balance and figuring out what is worth your time, and what may have used up time for the sole purpose of going somewhere else. Read more>>

Ciara Cisneros | Musician, Artist & Graphic Designer

When perusing a career in a creative field, I feel like this is a common dilemma that artists have. I think artists often find ourselves in this pattern of working so hard to create content that we love and then falling out of love with the process. We become burnt-out from not progressing as we think we should. In these moments where we wonder if we should give up or keep going, I think it is important to go back to our roots; why did we start doing this in the first place. For example, my creations come from my everyday life, experiences and emotions. I figure if my art helps me sort myself out, then maybe they can help others. That’s what motivates me to share myself with the world. Read more>>