The Art of Being an Artist

Art Apparatus

Being an artist is just as important as the art itself. The mystique, inspiration and creative flow of an artist have as much appeal to an audience as the final product.The process is just as fascinating as the piece. The term artist is as broad and wavering as creativity and it would be foolish to define one, it’s practically impossible to! Instead, let’s acknowledge the advice artists have for their counterparts and see how to make artistic dreams come true.

Definition is the Death of Art

Definitions only serve to limit. An artist isn’t someone who slashes oil paint on a canvas, with a crooked easel and beret! So many job titles could easily be switched out for simply Artist. A photographer, for instance, or actor, an illustrator or author. Think about an architect who works creatively to construct innovative edifices, why isn’t that art? If you use Artist as an umbrella term, you open yourself up to far more possibilities, you can be a painter and a director you don’t have to pick! Remember the words received by Carlos J. Duncan,

There’s no right answer in art, only options.

Okay is Never Okay

You either want someone to hate your art or love it, being considered only as okay is an insult. As an artist, reactions and responses are paramount to your work and can only ever be complimentary. Whether someone is disgusted or awestruck, it doesn’t matter. Extremities and controversy are what make the artworld thrive and gives it its liberal freedom that it’s so desperate to protect. Think carefully about your muse/inspiration and work out a way to portray it to its full capacity, making sure you pack a punch!

Creativity takes courage (Henri Matisse).

Evolution is Key

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said,

Every artist was first an amatuer,

so don’t lose perspective. Being great comes from learning and evolving. Creating a style and formula that is distinctive to you takes lots of work and development. You are not going to create spectacular art the moment you pick up your apparatus of choice, that is unless you are a genius! Don’t lose perspective, nor give up! It takes artists a hell of a long time and a gargantuan workload before they get recognized. Just look a Picasso’s early work, it’s nothing like the art he is known for!

Pablo Picasso, Man in a Beret, 1895 |

Be Vulnerable

The most creative thing you can do is to take a risk. Playing it safe doesn’t allow for incredible art! So what if people don’t like it? So what if no gallery will take it? If you keep putting yourself out there with something new and exciting, you are forcing people to take note! Artist Marilyn Propp advises,

Endurance. Perseverance. Persistence.

If you are creating, then hopefully you are doing what you love. If you love it then by default you should be passionate and believe in it. It is this passion that pushes for you to take risks! So don’t be fearful of vulnerability and never be scared of failure. If you love what you’re doing you’re already winning!

Don’t Compromise

Of course, there is a time and a place for compromisation. It’s a wonderful skill to have. But when it comes to your art, you shouldn’t have to compromise. As the old saying goes, you can’t please everyone. So follow author Henry Miller’s advice,

Paint as you like and die happy.

The crux is that if you are true to yourself and your art, love what you’re doing and take pride in it you can safely be assured contentment!

Understand Your Industry

If you want commercial success, then get au fait with the business side of art says, Renee LaVerne Rose. Art dealer Zach Feuer further explains,

You don’t need business cards. You do need a website.

Get to grips with marketing, use social media and set up a platform for yourself. Like with all businesses, if there is a demand for it you are laughing your way to the bank. So get a hold of attention and success should be imminent. If you can turn a profit, everyone will want to exhibit and buy into your craft!

For more practical artistic advice, look here!