Redefining Success and Creating Opportunities as an Artist in 2025 — A Conversation with Sergio Gomez
In the latest episode of Art & Cocktails, Create! Magazine founder Ekaterina Popova sits down with artist, curator, educator, and coach Sergio Gomez for a powerful and timely conversation on what it means to thrive as an artist in today’s world.
Sergio shares his inspiring journey from Mexico City to the U.S., where he navigated a corporate job in marketing before returning to his true passion—art. His story is a reminder that success doesn’t follow one path, and often, the most meaningful careers are built through resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to create your own opportunities.
A New Definition of Success
Sergio reminds us that success in 2025 looks different than it did even five years ago. Artists today are not confined to one role or format. Many are balancing their studio practice with curating, teaching, writing, or building creative businesses.
“I believe the most successful artists are those who understand what matters most to them personally—not just what the art world expects,” Sergio shares.
He encourages artists to let go of rigid definitions of success and instead pursue alignment, fulfillment, and connection.
Be an Opportunity Creator
One of the most impactful moments in the episode is when Sergio breaks down the three stages of artistic opportunity:
Opportunity Taker – Waiting to be chosen or discovered
Opportunity Seeker – Actively applying and pitching
Opportunity Creator – Building your own platforms, spaces, and systems
While many artists get stuck in stages one or two, Sergio challenges us to shift into the third: “Be the only artist in the room. Position yourself in new spaces. Create opportunities for others, not just yourself.”
This entrepreneurial mindset allows artists to expand their reach, grow sustainably, and tap into unexpected audiences and collectors.
Mindful Studio Practices
Burnout and overwhelm are common themes in 2025. Sergio offers practical tools to stay grounded, such as starting each day with a mindful hour of reflection, prayer, or journaling—before diving into studio work or admin tasks.
“When I invest in myself first, I can show up more powerfully for others,” he says.
This episode also explores the value of rest, rhythm, and learning to say no without guilt—a refreshing reminder for artists juggling multiple commitments.
Tips for Juried Submissions and Open Calls
As the juror for our current Lightness of Being open call, Sergio also shares valuable insights into the curatorial process:
Submit multiple works if allowed—sometimes the second or third piece resonates most.
Tailor your statement to the specific theme, rather than reusing a generic artist bio.
Ensure your images are professionally photographed, cropped, and clear.
Trust the process—rejections are not a reflection of your worth as an artist.
“Art is a conversation,” Sergio reminds us. “When curating, we’re looking at how all the pieces speak to each other, not just at one artist in isolation.”
Final Thoughts
This episode is a must-listen for any artist feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure of how to move forward. Whether you’re building your studio practice, applying to shows, or exploring new business models, Sergio’s grounded wisdom and kind encouragement will help you reconnect with your purpose and power.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
Redefining Success, Being an Opportunity Creator, Thinking like an Entrepreneur, and Tips for Artist Submissions with Sergio Gomez
🖼️ Submit your work to our new open call:
Lightness of Being — A virtual exhibition + artist catalog curated by Sergio Gomez
Deadline: May 30, 2025
createmagazine.co/call-for-art
