An artist is a person who creates art using their conscious skill and creative imagination. This can be in the form of painting, sculpture, music, writing, or other forms. Artists use their craft to express emotions, ideas or perspectives that challenge or reflect societal norms and spark dialogue.
However, some people struggle with defining themselves as artists, particularly when it comes to describing their craft or creative work. They may feel that they don’t have enough experience or skills to call themselves an artist. Other people may be afraid of the stigma associated with the title, worrying that they’ll lose credibility or marketability if they admit to being an artist. This is why it’s important for all creative people to have a clear understanding of the definition of artist and how it applies to them and their craft.
In a recent Accelerant Success Call, one participant shared that they had always been hesitant to call themselves an artist, preferring instead to describe themselves as “learning to be an artist.” They were worried that they would be perceived as pretentious or egotistical for asserting their artistic identity. However, after receiving the unwavering support of a close friend who refused to let them off the hook, they finally started to embrace their identity as an artist.
The call participants were in agreement that it is essential to follow your passion and stay true to yourself. This means being willing to push past the barriers of your comfort zone and take risks in order to grow and improve as an artist. In addition, it is important to surround yourself with other creative individuals who can offer guidance and camaraderie. This is why it is so beneficial to engage in activities like art workshops and conferences, where you can connect with other artists and share your creative journey.
While training and education are valuable for developing your artistic skills, they are not necessary to be considered an artist. You can learn many of the necessary skills through a variety of sources including short, informal courses, online tutorials, and local art groups and workshops. There is also no time limit or threshold that must be reached before you can call yourself an artist; some people will work fast and produce a large body of work, while others may take longer to develop their skills.
Artists spend a significant amount of time creating their artwork, which can take the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, installations, or other works of art. This includes researching and developing concepts, brainstorming, exploring and experimenting with different techniques and materials, and creating a vision for their work. Artists may also spend time promoting and sharing their work through exhibitions, galleries, or other venues.
Some artists choose to seek out a specific niche or audience for their work, while others are open to working with anyone who is interested in their artistic perspective and message. This can be a challenge when it comes to finding and working with clients, as each client will bring their own unique challenges and expectations.