I remember a few obsessions from my middle school years… Scott Baio (what pre-teen girl wasn’t obsessed with Scott Baio!) and Miss Piggy from the Muppets. I had a section of the basement in my house with a big table where I could be a mess and do any art or craft I wanted. I can still picture it – there was a cabinet to the left of my chair that had a bulletin board on the front. It was covered with pictures of Miss Piggy I’d clipped out of magazines.
Why I was so enamored with Miss Piggy back then, I can’t quite recall.
I just remember watching The Muppet Show and thinking she was a hoot! Maybe I wanted to channel her energy – her zest for life, her persistence and complete loyalty to those she loved.
Today, in 2010, I can tell you why I think Miss Piggy is a great role model for artists.
Miss Piggy has many traits that will serve artists well in building their business. The best way to understand my point, is to consider Kermit as the art business and not as a frog.
Miss Piggy LOVED Kermit. She would do anything for him. Anyone or anything that seemed to be a threat to her froggy, it was “watch out for the pig!” time. Miss Piggy wasn’t afraid to go head to head for the one she loved.
When Miss Piggy was with Kermit, she sure could turn on the charm. She basked him in her love, affection, complete focus and attention.
Miss Piggy believed that Kermit loved her – no matter what. She had unwavering faith in their destiny to be very happy together.
Now, your “Kermit” art business – will hopefully return the love and not try to avoid you like Kermit did to the real Miss Piggy. But on days when inspiration isn’t flowing, it might feel the same.
Ask yourself these very important questions:
- Are you as laser-focused and attentive to your business as Miss Piggy is to Kermit?
- Are you willing to do whatever it takes to keep it safe and make it prosper? Can you channel Miss Piggy’s ‘karate chop / no holds barred’ attitude when things get tough?
- Do you have the passion in your soul for your art business, that Miss Piggy has for Kermit?
If you can say an unequivocal YES to all three questions, you are on your way to a bright, creative future!
If you ever feel down or unsure of what to do, just say to yourself, “What would Miss Piggy do?”
I promise, she won’t fail you! Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
[youtube FIWpqSajYPM]
Fabulous comparison! and yes, I answered YES to all three question, been answering yes since I was a teenager! and I can tell you I’ve had a blast doing what I do, the best part? I get paid and get recognition for doing what I love to do and been doing since ever.
I always say the worse answer you can get for asking is no, mind as well go ahead and ask, try, dare doing it, otherwise you will never know if in the end you would hear a yes instead of no.
Great article! and yes, I was in LOVE with The Muppets as a child as well.
Oh my! 🙂
I was a HUGE Miss Piggy fan when I was young… in fact one of the photos on my mom’s wall was of me with my Miss Piggy for many years – I used to take her to the Thanksgiving Day Parade with me every year so that she could say hello to her beloved Kermit (the big Kermit balloon). Even my first ‘celebrity impersonation’ was Miss Piggy’s “HIIIIIYYYYAAAA!” (Yes, I can still do it just like her!)
Thanks for the lovely reminder! 🙂 I will keep her in mind as I work on growing my business(es).
I remember tour de force that Miss Piggy brought to the scene. I also think she became a strong role model for girls our age: strong yet devoted to the beings and causes in her life.
We should all look to Miss Piggy for a little Pig-Me-Up when we’re having trouble finding that Rainbow Connection. 😉
It is so cool to see how many other women connect with Miss Piggy – Pig Power to the Artists! 😉
While Miss Piggy was not my favorite, her thinking is a very true way to achieve goals. While my business is not graphic arts, when I focus on writing it is amazing what all happens. BTW Tara, I have been having daily Muppet Show on my Facebook Page. 🙂 All in the timing. 🙂
~ MJ
Twitter.com/LoveRockstar
Yes, a Miss Piggy attitude will work for any kind of business. And what timing that you are having a Muppet Marathon! Coolio!
Hello Tara,
This is my first visit to your blog. I am inspired. My business is just in the very beginning R & D stage, but I absolutely LOVE the idea of treating it like it is Kermit. I’m sure I love Kermit even more than Miss Piggy, but I vow here publicly to love him, (my business) enough for both of us, this way, I’m sure to succeed!
Thanks for putting a smile on my face and a new vision in my head!