Tanner Steed's 10 Lessons on Persistence and Self-Directed Art Training

Tanner Steed, a full-time painter who built his own atelier when formal training was unavailable, shares ten lessons from his career on the FASO Podcast. Key takeaways include: starting without permission, treating art as a skill developed through practice, constructing a personal atelier curriculum, using fear as a growth indicator, persistently reaching out to mentors (like Daniel Sprick), painting from lived experience, practicing multiple painting starts, not chasing ideal collectors too early, beginning with family and friends as first supporters, and diversifying income streams through galleries, direct sales, teaching, and workshops. Steed emphasizes that mastery is the best marketing and that success comes from simply continuing to work. The article was produced with AI assistance from ChatGPT, edited and enhanced by the FASO team.