An artist creates art — usually visual works such as paintings, drawings or sculptures — but the term “artist” can also be applied to other creative endeavours like writing, acting or music. This wide range of activities means the question of what exactly constitutes art has been the subject of debates by theorists, philosophers and even lawyers.
Some people are naturally talented at certain artistic endeavours — painting, for example — and some have an innate ability to communicate their thoughts and emotions through their work, whether it’s a sculpture or a piece of prose. It is possible for such individuals to become well-known or successful artists, but it is important to understand that their success does not necessarily mean that they are considered artists by the wider community.
One of the key factors in determining whether an individual is considered to be an artist is the way they view their practice. For some, the goal is to make a living from their artistic creations and to be seen as an integral part of the art world. This can be a difficult undertaking and may require a significant financial commitment or the help of an agent to gain a secure foothold in the industry.
For other artists, the definition of artist is more about a sense of purpose than a desire to make a profit or achieve recognition. Artists who define themselves in this manner often do so to set themselves apart from others who don’t share the same goal or approach. This may be especially true in the case of those who consider themselves artists of a more irrational medium such as horror or suspense fiction, where it is difficult to earn a living solely from artistic output.
Ultimately, what determines an individual’s status as an artist is not just the type of artistic endeavour they engage in, but how they choose to think about it and how they perceive themselves in relation to the rest of the world. For those who consider themselves artists, it is an essential trait to remain open to criticism and a willingness to learn new skills if they are to improve their craft.
The word “artist” has a long history in our culture and is rooted in Ancient Greek philosophy. While many early artists toiled anonymously in service of a powerful patron — whether an Egyptian pharaoh or Roman emperor or medieval bishop — the rise of Renaissance humanism meant that the idea of the creative artist took hold and became an intrinsic part of modern society.
While training and education are key components for an artist, it is increasingly common that people acquire their artistic skills from multiple sources, including short informal courses, local art groups, workshops and residential courses as well as online tutorials and YouTube. There are also a number of organizations that specialise in supporting artists and their work, including Springboard for the Arts in Minnesota, which defines an artist as anyone who thinks creatively about their dynamic place in the world.