Small Mindset Shifts for Big Results in Creative Entrepreneurship with Tammie Bennett — Elizabeth Silver Surface Pattern Design (2024)

Tammie Bennett is a talented creative who I’ve followed for a long time that I had the pleasure of connecting with her in person at the National Stationery Show a few years ago. Tammie created a successful stationery line and then made the decision to shift her focus and her business, becoming a certified life coach.She brings a unique perspective as a successful surface pattern designer who understands how hugely important mindset is in a creative career.

Meet Tammie Bennett, Mindset Coach and Artist

Tammie Bennett is a licensed artist and former owner of a stationery line called Tigerpocket Press. In her new role as a coach, she helps women show up for themselves each day, as she says, one tiny step at a time. Tammie is also the host of The Show Up Society podcast, where she gives tiny challenges and tips to help you improve your creativity, mindset, goal setting, running, productivity and more.

Tiny Daily Habits

Tammie’s concept of ‘Tiny Daily Habits’ started when she wanted to become a surface pattern designer and decided that in order to make this happen, she needed to create art every day — specifically one surface pattern design each day. She figured it was a foolproof way of becoming an artist — and she nailed it.

As Tammie offered "When we take a big goal and bring it down to its tiniest piece, and then work on it consistently, it's amazing the strides that we make." The idea is to show up to the page each day, even if you aren't in the mood or don't love what you create. As an artist, the benefit of this consistent action not only is the artwork you create, but also the trust and confidence you build in yourself.

Mindset Lessons for Creative Business

Failure and rejection are part of the process. As a creative, “failure” is unavoidable. It's important to know from the start that you’ll pitch your artwork and you’ll be told “no, thanks” many times. One of my favorite cliches is “If you don’t ask, the answer is ALWAYS no” and as you’ll find- the more no's you get, the more yes's you'll get. I promise it’s a numbers game — not something to take personally and not a reflection on the quality of your art.

Be willing to put yourself out there. You can't build a website and expect people to come to you (unless you’re some sort of SEO sourceress). You have to take control of your business and put yourself out there again and again. Instead of thinking you are bothering an art director with your pitch, take on the mindset of being helpful. Art directors need to find new artwork and your designs might be exactly what they are looking for- by landing in their inbox, you’re actually making their job easier.

Advice for Perfectionists and Overthinkers

Be aware of perfectionism. Tammie suggests that perfectionism is really another word for fear. We think we're being responsible when we try to create perfect work and spend a lot of time researching, planning, and perfecting. Nope. What we're really doing is keeping ourselves small and not getting our work out into the world. And this is simply a function of our brain keeping us safe. Be aware of perfectionism and make a point to tell your brain you are safe.

Embrace B-minus work. We can be our own harshest critics. You're not always the best judge of what's going to be successful. Make a habit of getting you work out there even when you feel like it's imperfect and let other people decide. You always have the option to polish and edit it later.

Thoughts on Artists Investing in Themselves

Investing in programs and courses can shift our businesses in big ways. Many artists get hung up on the money we have to spend, and rightfully so, especially when we have a limited budget. But it’s also key to consider what you could gain that could be much more valuable than the money you are investing. You just may learn skills that could help you create tens of thousands of dollars more than the investment you make.

Courses and coaches aren't the magic bullet. Buying a course or hiring a coach is the first step. And then it’s up to you to do the work to show up — even more than halfway. You have to take what you learn and implement it and show up fully. You can decide to get every cent out of your investment and to be willing to believe you are capable of getting the results.

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Trust me, this is just a portion of all the valuable insights and tips, so be sure to watch the whole video above. Our mindset is truly a key part of our success as creative entrepreneurs, something I don’t think we talk about enough. If you’re feeling stuck in your business and held back by fear, you may want to check this out next: Mindset Mini-Series: How to Overcome 3 Common Beginner Hurdles in Your Creative Career.