What Does it Mean to Be an Artist?

Artists use their imagination and skill to create beautiful, interesting, or thought-provoking paintings, drawings, sculptures, music, dance, and theater performances. Art is more than just a form of entertainment; it is also an important part of our cultural heritage, a way to share ideas, and a means for people to express themselves.

But what does it mean to be an artist? There are several different definitions, and the term is often used to describe a range of different occupations. The most common definition is someone who practices the creative arts, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, writing, poetry, filmmaking, and music. But artists can also be found in other industries and spheres, including business, technology, and design.

In addition to creating art, artists may also teach or lecture, produce or promote work, work with clients or patrons to commission art, and/or serve as an assistant to another artist. They may also engage in networking activities and participate in arts communities to build relationships that can lead to opportunities, collaborations, or exposure for their work.

One of the biggest misconceptions about being an artist is that you have to be a full-time professional who spends every working day (and sometimes night) in the studio creating. While this would be great if it were true, the reality is that most artists have to work in other professions or jobs in order to pay the bills and support their art. Even full-time professional artists may only create for a portion of each day, and will likely have to spend time answering emails, researching, promoting their work, and/or preparing for or packing up exhibitions and art shows.

Being a successful artist requires a combination of a disciplined training regime with the freedom to experiment and play. It also involves being open to criticism and the willingness to acknowledge your own weaknesses as well as those of others. Most importantly, it is about constantly learning and growing, both as an artist and as a person.

Aside from being a means of self-expression, art can have an enormous impact on society and culture. By challenging norms, questioning assumptions, addressing social issues, reflecting our cultural diversity, and encouraging dialogue, artists help to shape society and make it better for everyone.

The ambiguity of who is considered to be an artist is problematic because it can limit who and what we value in our culture. Whether it is a certification committee that wants to see your portfolio, a funding source that wants to understand your proposal, or a government agency that needs to know about your reported income, having a clear definition of who is and isn’t an artist is essential. Without it, determining what defines art starts to feel like a value judgment. The good news is that there are many ways to become an artist, and if you are truly passionate about what you do, you can succeed. Just remember to keep your head up, be willing to learn and improve, and enjoy the journey!