The 10 commandments of independent artists

What if independent artists had their 10 commandments? What would they be? In this article, I would like to share mine. However, instead of a boring spiel, I have chosen to illustrate each one with a quote.

Thou shalt be professional

“Professionalism: It’s NOT the job you DO, It’s HOW you DO the job.” - Anonymous

Thou shalt be approachable and human

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.  Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”  - George Washington Carver

Thou shalt be polite

“Courteousness is consideration for others; politeness is the method used to deliver such considerations.” - Bryant H. McGill

Thou shalt be grateful

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” - Brian Tracy

Thou shalt help others

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” - Jim Stovall

Thou shalt be respectful

“Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Thou shalt be upright

“If you don’t have integrity, you have nothing. You can’t buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing.” - Henry Kravis

Thou shalt not undervalue your worth

“Self-respect – that cornerstone of all virtue.” - John Herschel

Thou shalt focus on quality

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” – Vince Lombardi

Thou shalt educate yourself

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

Bonus commandment: Thou shalt be patient

“Patience and fortitude conquer all things” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are your 10 commandments? Share them in the comment section below…