When Asking for Help Becomes the Hardest Act of Creativity

By Ivan Barnett

“When You Notice Cracks in Your Business Model, Don’t Wait to Fix Them.”  Santa Fe, NM.  Ivan Barnett Image.

“True strength is not shown in what we can do alone, but in knowing when to lean into the support around us.” — Anonymous

I’ve seen it many times over my fifty years in the art world: the artist or gallery owner who seems strong, capable, even successful—but who is quietly stuck. Making art, managing exhibitions, finding audiences—there comes a point where all of it feels heavier. And yet, many never ask for help. Why?

The Myths We Carry

• Myth of Self-Sufficiency: We tell ourselves, “Artists are supposed to struggle alone.” We believe that asking for help dilutes our authenticity.
• Fear of Judgment: We worry others will think we’re weak, not capable, unworthy.
• Ambiguity of What We Need: Sometimes we feel stuck, but we don’t know what support would actually move us forward.

I’ve felt these myths myself (yes, even after decades). I remember early days when questions piled up, but I kept silent, thinking I needed to figure it out on my own. It was lonely, and it slowed me down.

“There Is a Price to Pay for Charm.”  Santa Fe, NM.  Image Ivan Barnett.

What I Learned: Help is Not a Weakness, It’s a Creative Resource

There is a difference between being independent and being isolated. Independent artists and gallery founders are strong—but isolation damages ideas, momentum, vision.

Through my work with Serious Play, I’ve seen profound shifts when people allow themselves to ask:

• A gallery owner once asked for help refining their storytelling & collector engagement—they saw audience attendance rise by 40%.
• A mid-career artist who felt invisible in their community found that coaching and mentorship brought clarity, visibility, new opportunities.

Help isn’t just for emergencies. It’s for sharpening your edge, telling your story more clearly, creating art that matters long term.

“Flat Roofs Often Leak If Not Maintained Regularly.” Santa Fe, NM.  Image Ivan Barnett.

Practical Ways to Ask for Help

If you recognize yourself in this, here are steps to opening that door:

1. Name it: Write down what feels stuck. Is it audience? Income? Message? Visibility?
2. Reach out: A mentor, a peer, a consultant. Notice what feels safe—for example, someone whose work you admire.
3. Clarify what you want: Articulate the support you need. Coaching? Feedback? Strategy?
4. Commit to it: Once you ask, follow through; set small deliverables so the support becomes real, not theoretical.

“Pitched Roofs Rarely Leak.” Santa Fe, NM.  Image Ivan Barnett.

Why Serious Play Is Here—for You

At Serious Play, I understand the weight of creative isolation. I’ve lived it. I’ve watched galleries fade, artists shrink from their own potential. But I’ve also witnessed renewal, transformation, and clarity when that first step of asking for help happens.

If you are:

• Wondering why your work isn’t connecting the way you hoped
• Facing financial uncertainty or uncertain growth
• Longing to find your voice or tell your own story more boldly
• Wanting a mentor or guide who knows this terrain

Then I’m here to help.

Ways to Let Help Find You

• Free Discovery Session: Book a 15-minute clarity call to talk through what feels stuck for you.
• One-on-One Coaching: Deep work together over several sessions—refining vision, strategy, impact.
• Salon 1033: Join the circle of creatives sharing pivotal stories, finding connection, and rediscovering play.

If this Museletter strikes a chord with you—reply to this email or visit serious-play.co to see which path might be yours. Let’s stop carrying so much alone.

“We don’t heal, expand, and grow by only turning inward, but by also reaching outward…and & both.” —Ivan Barnett

© 2025