Selfish isn’t a word synonymous with decency, and most people aren’t too enamored with being described that way. When it comes to being successful, fulfilled, and passionate in your creative work, I am continually convinced more and more that despite the negative connotation, being selfish is critical.

Increasingly, it seems the most successful artists I know are hugely “selfish” people. But what do I mean when I say selfish? I’m not really talking about being a self-interested, self-important egomaniac. That’s no fun. What I mean to discuss is the concept of putting YOU front and center in your creative life. Creating for you, making time for you, appreciating you, and being you.

These “selfish,” successful artists I know are always working on their own projects, talking about themselves, promoting artworks, while never feeling a scrap of guilt about the whole process. I’m not a fan of gaudy, boring self-promoters, but I am a fan of artists who believe in their own work enough to keep it bubbling at the surface of their existence while never apologizing for doing so. It’s actually a work ethic and personality trait I admire.

Let’s run through some of the tried and tested “selfish” things that you lovely people can do to make sure you are honoring your creative work.