An artist is someone who makes art — anything from painting and drawing to sculpting, storytelling, make-up artistry, acting or whittling. Having a deep desire to create is an important element of the job, but so is hard work, persistence and courage to follow a dream even when you face disappointment or temporary failure. Artists must be able to balance training with experimentation and play; conservative tendencies with rebellious principles; real life with imaginary worlds, and their own emotions with those of their audience.
A large number of participants at the meeting shared their own personal journeys into becoming artists – for some, it was childhood, while for others, it was later in life. They argued that the path to artistry is unique to every individual and that one does not need to go to art school or become a professionally trained artist to be considered an artist. Instead, it was emphasized that it is all about following one’s passion and being authentic.
Several people emphasized the importance of having a supportive community and network. This can include fellow artists, mentors and peers who provide a safe space for artistic discussion and growth as well as an outlet for creative frustrations. They also emphasized the importance of finding time to create and practice on a regular basis, even when you are busy with other responsibilities.
One person mentioned that it’s a long process of learning and development before you are ready to call yourself an artist. She stated that it takes years to get to a point where you can say, “Hey I’m an artist now!” Similarly, it was noted that there is no set period of time during which one must be creating to be considered an artist (although there are certainly many who have been at this for a very long time). It is more about dedicating yourself to your craft over time and continually building upon your skill-set.
Another point that was raised was that it is essential to have a solid business plan and understand the ins-and-outs of running an artistic business. It is not always easy to earn enough money from selling original works so many artists have multiple income streams or partnerships with other organizations that utilize their creative talents.
Finally, the importance of collaboration was emphasized. This can include working with marketing to develop visuals that align with brand messaging, partnering with product design teams to visualize concepts or collaborating with customer service to translate user feedback into visual improvements. All of this is to ensure that artistic contributions are in line with company goals and values and can contribute to a positive customer experience.