An artist is someone who has a creative and unique mind that they express through their work. Artistic expression can take many forms and can be as simple as painting or drawing on a piece of paper to sculpting a statue or writing a poem. Many artists are self-taught, but some receive formal training in a school or at an art studio. In addition to creating their own art, many artists also serve as an instructor or mentor to others in the field.
There is no one definition of what it means to be an artist. Many different organizations use their own definitions when referring to artists. In some cases, the definition is very specific and has to do with a particular goal. For example, if an organization provides support for artists and wants to know how many people they are serving, then they may define the term very narrowly as those who create art in some way. This allows them to compare how different types of artists are doing in their endeavors.
Other times, the definition of artist is broader and more subjective. A Colorado web designer, for example, successfully claimed that she was an artist when she was sued by a gay couple for refusing to design wedding websites for their same-sex relationship. While nailing down the definition of artist can be a semantics issue, it has real-world consequences when it comes to how you are classified in legal documents and how you are taxed.
For example, some organizations that provide live/work spaces for artists (like Artspace in Minnesota) have a very specific definition of what it takes to be an artist, which includes developing a body of work and participating in a variety of exhibitions and events. In other cases, ad hoc committees look at applicants’ portfolios and work to determine whether they qualify as an artist for their spaces.
It’s important to remember that despite these different definitions, the word “artist” still carries a certain amount of cultural cache and authority. It’s also a title that can be earned, not given. Oscar Wilde famously penned, “Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist not of the sitter.”
Ultimately, no matter what you decide to label yourself, it’s up to you how you use your talents and creativity in the world. If you’re interested in learning more about how to be an artist, check out our blog article on getting started!
What Is an Art Entrepreneur?
Artist entrepreneurs are a type of businessperson that focuses on creating art and using it to grow their business. They usually focus on multiple income streams to help cover expenses, and they work to increase their skills and build a professional reputation.
A successful artist is not afraid to take risks and try new things. They’re also constantly seeking feedback and critiques on their work to continue to improve and evolve as a creator. In addition, they stay up-to-date with industry trends and attend workshops, conferences, or artist talks to learn from their peers.