The art world can be a bit confusing and intimidating at first, but with a little perseverance and tenacity you can mold your career path to the artist of your dreams. There are many different types of artists, ranging from painters and sculptors to photographers and videographers; tattooists, make-up artists and graphic designers; craft artists and more. Each of these types of artists has a unique approach to creating art and have their own methods and techniques for developing their style. But how do you define an artist?
An artisan is a worker that creates items of a utilitarian value (think pottery, woodworking, or metalwork). An artist on the other hand is someone who is dedicated to the creative side and focuses on the artistic element of their work.
In order to be an artist you need to be able to balance discipline with the flexibility to explore new ideas. You need to be a lifelong learner and be able to take constructive criticism and apply it to your work. It takes a lot of trial and error to master your skill set and get to the point where you can create art that is truly your own. It requires a lot of grit to keep pushing forward, even when your work isn’t up to par.
A professional artist also needs to be able to manage their time effectively and efficiently, as they likely have other obligations that come with making a living as an artist. They may have to spend time answering emails, managing clients or researching. If they work on commission it is also important for them to be able to meet deadlines and ensure that their clients are happy with the final product.
Another key element of being an artist is the ability to communicate their artistic vision to others. This is often done through writing, painting or through a combination of these mediums. It is also important for an artist to be able to connect with their audience emotionally and engage them in the work that they are creating.
This can be accomplished by telling a story that is both engaging and relatable. It can also be an effective way to reach out to a wider audience and make artwork more accessible to those who may not normally interact with the arts. The personal touch that is added by the inclusion of an artist’s story helps to humanize the art and makes it feel like something that can be achieved by regular people on a more attainable level. This makes it more accessible to non-artists and those who might not otherwise be interested in the arts. A good example of this can be seen in the work of a local artist that tells a story about his family in his paintings. This has the effect of making his art feel more relatable and accessible to those who might not otherwise be interested in art or whose interest in the arts may have waned over the years.