How to Be an Artist

1. Embrace Your Amateur Status and Start Creating

"Don't be embarrassed."

Overcome self-doubt. Making art can be terrifying and leave you feeling exposed, but remember that art doesn't have to make sense. Every work of art is a reflection of you, your experiences, and your unique perspective. Don't worry about being "good" – focus on creating.

Find your voice. Tell your own story, and you will be interesting. Don't be constrained by others' definitions of skill or beauty. Draw inspiration from various sources, including your "guilty pleasures" and unconventional interests. Embrace genre but resist constraint – recognize conventions and push back against them to develop your unique style.

Start now. It's never too late to begin making art. Many great artists started late in life. The most important thing is to overcome your fears and excuses and simply begin creating.

2. Develop Your Artistic Practice and Studio Habits

"Work, work, work."

Establish a routine. Start working as soon as possible after waking up, ideally within the first two hours of the day. If you can't work until later, give yourself a short break before diving in. Treat your creative time as sacred and non-negotiable.

Create a dedicated space. Your studio, whether it's a separate room or just a corner of your living space, should be a sanctuary for creativity. Use this space to experiment, make mistakes, and push your boundaries without fear of judgment.

Practice regularly. Keep a sketchbook with you at all times and fill it with observations, ideas, and experiments. Draw your hands, objects around you, or anything that catches your eye. Don't worry about perfection – focus on developing your observational skills and unique style.

3. Think Like an Artist: Embrace Subjectivity and Chance

"Chance is the lucky bounce of the imagination."

Embrace subjectivity. All art is subjective, and its interpretation can change over time. Don't worry about making your art universally understood – focus on creating work that resonates with you and allows for multiple interpretations.

Cultivate curiosity. Look at the world with fresh eyes, paying attention to details others might overlook. Practice "looking hard and looking openly" to develop your unique perspective and find inspiration in unexpected places.

Harness chance and experimentation. Allow for unexpected outcomes in your work. Embrace "accidents" and see where they lead you. Use chance as a tool to break out of creative ruts and discover new directions for your art.

4. Enter the Art World with Courage and Realistic Expectations

"It takes only a few people to make a career."

Build your support network. Focus on finding:

• One supportive dealer who believes in your work
• Five to six committed collectors who buy your work regularly
• Two or three critics who understand your vision
• One or two curators who include you in shows

Be proactive. Put yourself out there, even if it's uncomfortable. Attend openings, apply to opportunities, and connect with other artists. Most connections in the art world happen through other artists.

Define success on your own terms. Accept that you'll likely be poor, at least initially. Focus on creating time for your work rather than chasing money or fame. Success in art is often measured by the ability to continue making art, not by wealth or recognition.

5. Survive and Thrive in the Face of Criticism and Rejection

"Make an enemy of envy."

Develop resilience. Criticism and rejection are part of an artist's life. Keep rejection letters and bad reviews as motivation to prove critics wrong, but also consider if there's a grain of truth in the feedback that could help you improve.

Combat envy. Don't let jealousy of other artists' success consume you. Focus on your own work and growth instead of comparing yourself to others.

Use criticism constructively. When faced with negative feedback, consider the source and whether there's something to learn from it. Don't let it define you, but use it as a tool for growth and improvement.

6. Balance Art with Life: Family, Money, and Time Management

"Having a family is fine."

Integrate art and life. Having children or other family responsibilities doesn't have to derail your art career. Many successful artists have balanced family life with their creative pursuits. It may require more efficient time management and flexibility, but it can also enrich your work.

Manage your time effectively. Find ways to create more time for your art:

• Gradually reduce work hours at your day job
• Set clear boundaries between art-making time and other responsibilities
• Use deadlines (self-imposed or external) to stay focused and productive

Be resourceful with finances. Accept that you may struggle financially, especially early in your career. Look for creative ways to support your art practice, such as part-time work in the art world or teaching.

7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset and Embrace Vulnerability

"You are always learning."

Embrace lifelong learning. Recognize that every day brings new knowledge and experiences that can inform your art. Be open to continuous growth and development in your practice.

Practice radical vulnerability. Allow yourself to explore the darkest corners of your psyche in your work. Be willing to reveal uncomfortable truths and take risks in your art, even if it opens you up to criticism or judgment.

Cultivate self-belief. When faced with self-doubt or criticism, remind yourself of your worth as an artist. Combat negative self-talk by affirming your talent and potential, even if it feels delusional at times.

Stay connected to joy. Remember to find joy in your practice and in life. Dance, play, and engage in activities that keep you connected to your creativity and humanity. These experiences will ultimately enrich your art and keep you motivated through challenges.

Last updated: January 24, 2025