Being an artist is just as important as the art itself. An artist’s charisma, inspiration, and creative flow 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! So instead, let’s acknowledge artists’ advice for their counterparts and see how to make artistic dreams come true.
The 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 an author. Consider 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 many 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 or love your art; being considered only as okay is an insult. As an artist, reactions and responses are paramount to your work and can only be complementary. Whether someone is disgusted or shocked, it doesn’t matter. Extremities and controversy make the art world thrive and give it the liberal freedom it desperately wants to protect. Think carefully about your muse/inspiration and work out a way to portray it to its total 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 will not create spectacular art when you pick up your apparatus of choice unless you are a genius! Don’t lose perspective, nor give up! It takes artists a long time and a considerable workload before being recognized. Look at Picasso’s early work; it’s nothing like the art he is known for!
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 takes it? If you keep putting yourself out there with something new and exciting, you force people to take note! Artist Marilyn Propp advises,
Endurance. Perseverance. Persistence.
Hopefully, if you are creating, you are doing what you love. If you love it, you should be passionate and believe it by default. It is this passion that pushes 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 compromise. It’s a beautiful 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.
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, 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, you laugh your way to the bank if there is a demand for it. So get a hold of attention, and success should be imminent. Everyone will want to exhibit and buy into your craft if you can turn a profit!
For more practical artistic advice, look here!
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