Welcome to the “Tricks of the Trade” page.  Please come here, often, to get a message of inspiration, practical advice, or valuable insights to help you as you continue your individual journey to craft, career and professional development success.

“Tricks of the Trade: Spotlight on YOU!”
by Sue Johnson

            Being a performing artist is hard work on and off the stage.  Lots of performing artists  don’t know how difficult the profession can be.  As you ‘pursue your passion,’ and ‘follow your dreams, you should pay constant attention to your personal and career development.  Create and focus on your goals to help you keep going when ‘the going gets rough.’ There will be times when you are tired and discouraged.  You will be frustrated.  You will feel like giving up.  These feelings are common and come with the territory.  “Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.” (Anonymous).

 There will be moments when you are exhilarated, elated, excited.  These moments can end abruptly, leaving you feeling rejected and depressed.  But, there usually are more moments of joy to come.  Help yourself get through these roller coaster swings in circumstances. 
                       
.  “Create your own ‘Signature Style’ Career Game Plan”

If you are ready to take charge and become a leader of your own personal and career life, then create a Career Game Plan that works for you. Are you ready to do what It takes to be a performing artist who gets auditions & work?  A Career Game Plan can show you how to use specific physical (actions), mental (attitudes), emotional (feelings) and spiritual (higher power connections) techniques to prepare yourself to be a performing artist on-stage, on-camera, voiceover or in print.

.  “Tricks of the Trade:  Survival Skills for Aspiring and Experienced Performing Artists”

“To be or not to be . . .” is the question often asked by performing artists..  However, you should ask yourself, ‘How do I survive . . .?’  while waiting for my ‘breakthrough role.’ How do I keep my dreams alive?  Discover how to make your ‘survival skills’, that is, your attitude, actions, auditions, networking, and maybe owning your own business work for you.

That’s all for now.  Come back, soon, for more “Tricks of the Trade” messages.