Break away from the Peloton

Break Away from the Peloton
The peloton (pell'-oh-tahn) is the main, large group of riders (often 100 or more) in any bike race. You might have stragglers far behind them, especially on the mountain stages, but most riders remain safe within the confines of the peloton. When they cross the finish line at the end, they are all given the same time.
Dave Brown, Hay Rake Cathedral. Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 inches. (c) The Artisthttp://www.kellambrown.com
In addition to the peloton and stragglers, you always have the breakaway riders. These are the cowboys--the ones who get out in front of the peloton early in the stage. The real trick is hanging on to that lead for 100 km or more. The breakaway almost never succeeds in hanging onto the lead for the entire race. But it's fun to watch the pursuit of the breakaway. So, why do they do it if they know the chances are slim to hold onto the lead? After all, they have to expend an enormous amount of energy to gain the lead (as I write, a lone rider is 18 minutes up on the peloton!). They're bound to pay for it later.The cowboys break away from the main group of riders in order to get some time in the limelight for themselves and for their teams. The cameras are on them for a couple of hours or so. Announcers repeat their names over and over again. It's an opportunity that doesn't exist when you're in a group of more than 100 riders.
You're surely asking what this has to do with your art career. Or perhaps you've figured it out.The artworld consists of multiple pelotons. You have the groups of artists who compete to get into the best arts festivals. You have the artists who compete to get into galleries and museums. And you have those who compete for attention on the Internet. How can you break away? How can you steal some time in the limelight for yourself?
Distinguish your art. Make it as personal and as different as possible. Spend as much time as you need to in the studio because artists make art. They make lots and lots of art.
Create the right habits and routines to sustain you each day. Discipline and focus are absolutely necessary to break away from the throngs.
Treat everyone with fairness, kindness, and, above all, respect.
Give of yourself to other artists. The most successful artists I know are also the most generous. Word gets around and others will be happy to give you your due.
Keep an eye on the competition. Know what other artists are doing, where you fit in, and how you will break away.
Take risks. Playing it safe will keep you in the middle of the peloton.
Jump at opportunities, but recognize the difference between a good opportunity and a time-waster.