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Are you a “Professional” Artist?
I’m not talking about if you have a corporate sponsorship or whether or not you are earning the big bucks. I’m not even talking about quitting your day job, if you have one, and living on ramen noodles and Starbucks (because even if you’re poor you still need your Cafe Mocha) What I’m talking about is changing your attitude and the way you think about your art. What you’ll discover is that more often than not people will take your art about as seriously as you do.
So what are some of the warning signs of an Amateur Artist?
1) Amateur Artists wait for Inspiration
While a professional artist will make a point sit down and work on their art every day, an amateur only works on their art when the “mood” is right.
You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. ~Jack London
Professional artists/writers/musicians know that you can’t just work on your art when inspiration strikes them or when the moon is in the seventh house of Aquarius, the true creative professional shows up and does something every single day. It may not turn out to be that great and it might eventually find its way to the dumpster or recycling bin, but a professional shows up and works no matter what.
2.) Amateur Artists work until something else comes up
A professional artist does not simply sit down for an hour and write half a chapter or paint a few strokes on the canvas and call it a day because their favorite television show is starting in ten minutes. A professional artist/writer/musician continues to work until their muse has used up every last bit of creative energy in their body and then keeps on working just to make sure that nothing is forgotten or left behind. A professional knows that the first hour or two of work is simply a warm-up exercise until their fickle muse finds them worthy of her attention.
3.) Amateur Artists are constantly changing their focus
A professional artist knows that it takes years if not decades of experimentation and practice to perfect their craft. While an amateur tends to change their style or medium as the mood strikes them, a professional artist knows that a “jack-of-all-trades is a master of none”. Even though professional artists have been known to change their focus as their work and skills evolve, they do this only sparingly and often only within their chose medium. In other words, painters continue to paint, writers continue to write, and musicians continue to play. Of course there have been professional painters and musicians who are also very good writers and vice versa, but they are the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of us would be far better off focusing our time and energy practicing and honing our chosen craft rather than risk diluting our creative power.
4.) Amateur Artists believe that if they build it, you will come
A professional knows that there is more to being an artist then simply creating art. They know that there is only so much macaroni and cheese and spaghetti their family will eat before they will be dragged down to the employment office to get a “real” job. Professional artists never get too attached to their artwork because they know that someday they will have to sell it in order to have the opportunity to create more art.
Professional artists understand that they not only need to know how to create their art, but they also have to know how to market and sell their work as well. They make a point to find out who their potential customers are and where they hang out. They also know that they need to develop a relationship with these potential customers before they ask them to pull out their wallets. Professional artists understand that in the 21st century they will need to create and build their reputation as an artist online as well as in the real world.
5.) Amateur Artists believe that success will happen quickly
While an amateur artist believes that it will only take a year or two to create their reputation and have their career take off, a professional artists knows that this process will often take much longer than they imagine so they understand the importance of getting started immediately.
For a professional artist, art is not a hobby or a pastime, it’s a business which is why they insist on treating it like one. They not only show up everyday and work at their job, but they also know that they will need to work their way up from the bottom just like they would in any other profession. They are in it for the long-haul and are willing to work on all aspects of their business (creating, networking, marketing, consuming) a little bit each day because they understand that true success will arrive in years not weeks.
6.) Amateur Artists believe they don’t need schedules or organization
While the amateur artist embraces the idea of the artist as a hippie free-spirit who doesn’t need to follow society’s rules, the professional artist knows that one has to be organized and disciplined in their life in order to be reckless in their work.
Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work. ~Gustave Flaubert
A professional artist knows that it’s important to honor their creative productivity time and save routine time-sucking tasks like answering e-mail and updating their Twitter and Facebook accounts to a later time. They know the importance of scheduling their activities, organizing their work space, and avoiding distractions can have on their creative productivity.
7.) Amateur Artists never finish their work
An amateur artist is always busy editing, revising, reformatting, redoing, and re-recording their work to ever consider it finished. This not only keeps them from moving on and working on the next piece or art, but it also keeps them from having to release it to the world. They tell themselves that they are simply “perfectionists” and with just a little more time, they could get it right.
“The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. Such imperfections are your guides–valuable, objective, non-judgmental guides to matters you need to reconsider or develop further.” ~David Bayles
Professional artists have learned that their art is a process and nothing they create will be perfect. They have learned to accept this and they continue to put their work out there anyway knowing that some people will criticize and not understand it. They understand that the sooner they finish one piece the sooner they will be able to begin work on the next piece. Each work therefore becomes not a destination but simply a stepping stone on their journey. They don’t make the mistake of overly identifying with a piece of art or making it part of their identity as an artist. They simply let it go, knowing that the experience will have taught them what they needed to know.
8.) Amateur Artists are too busy learning to do anything
Amateur artists are often so busy reading books and attending workshops that they rarely have any time to create art. Professional artists know that there will always be more to learn but that does not stop them from making the mistakes and learning as they go along. They know that the best teacher is almost always experience, and the faster they make these mistakes, the sooner they will learn what they need to know.
Books, classes, and workshops are great as long as they don’t prevent you from actually creating your art. A professional doesn’t worry about knowing every technique in the book and doesn’t get bogged down by the “what-ifs”. They simply learn the basics and then get to work discovering what they need to know as they go along.
9.) Amateur Artists isolate themselves from the artist community
As artists/writers/musicians etc.. we are not only creators but we are also consumers. We must surround ourselves not only with the work of others artists in our field but also the artists themselves.
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ~Stephen King
If we are writers, we need to read other people’s work. If we are musicians, we need to listen to other people’s music. If we are visual artists, we need to look at other people’s art and photography. We don’t do this in order to become envious or to start another round of pity and self-loathing. We do this because we need to get outside of our own heads and see the world from a new perspective.
We also need to connect with other artists and the larger arts community. Far too often amateur artists tend to isolate themselves from other artists because they either feel envious of their success or unworthy of their attention. We have talked extensively on this site about the power of artist peer groups and about the importance of going out there and connecting with your artist tribe. Specific strategies on how to connect and build valuable relationships with other artists is a topic that we have covered in detail throughout our latest Skinny Art School Series “How the @#$%! Do I Get More Traffic to My Website?!” as well.
Being a Professional Artist means. . .
Being a professional artist means, above all, taking your art seriously. If you want to become a professional artist, writer, photographer, musician, or any other type of creative genius; you need to do what the professionals in these fields do. Being a professional is not about having fancy business cards or making lots of money (although that’s pretty cool too!). Being a professional simply means that you have decided to take this creative obsession of yours and make it into your career. Let’s face it, we create our art because we want and need to. We don’t do it for the money, but we also have to realize that without the money, we won’t have the time or energy to create our art.
Strive to learn from those who have gone before you, do what you have to do, and always Live Your Art!
What do you think it means to be a “professional” artist?
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Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
After talking to several of you on Twitter and Facebook about this post, I was curious about which numbers seem to be giving you the biggest problems?
For me personally, I definitely need to work on #6, #8, #2, and #1 probably in that order. Not that I have any of the other numbers mastered by any means but these seem to be my biggest issues currently.
Which numbers do you think you may need to work on the most?
Great post and I absolutely agree. Art is a passion and has no age barriers. As passions go, it is all consuming with time, thought and energy. You can’t be feint hearted but you have to persist! Keep the fire burning within
Hi,
I can surely identify with ALL the numbers as I have dipped in and out of them over the years. I know I have to stay disciplined and enjoy the journey, through the highs and lows.
No. 9 is a good for me as it’s good to be part of this artist community.
Great though provoking post Drew. Thanks Sonia
Twitter: twisttheleaf
says:
My biggest issue is the social aspect of #9.
Not being a particularly social person combined with my day job schedules (3 part time jobs plus the online selling of my work) combined with my rather demanding significant other…. sometimes socializing just doesn’t get as much attention as it probably should.
Terrific post, btw, Drew. I really enjoyed the read and it was very interesting as well as educational.
- Twist
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re right, It is really hard to find a healthy balance with all of this stuff without blowing something else off in the process. Like most people, I find it hard to accept the fact that I’m never going to get everything done that I think should be done when I think it should be done. My goal these days (and you already know my feelings on “goals” in general) seems to be to simply try and move forward a little bit each day and not worry about when or even if these things will get done. Thanks again for the smiles Twist!
The one I have the biggest problem accepting is #7.
I mean Frank Frazetta was notorious for going back and working on his originals (even after they had been “finished”) because he always knew there was something he could fix on it.
This never stopped him from releasing a piece, but it daunted him, and would literally keep him up at night going back and tweaking it.
So I see nothing wrong with edits and revisions, as long as you meet your initial deadline and get the work out there.
Speaking to #3 As a young designer i and a lover of all things art i cant help but disagree. Trying new things is a great way to learn and grow overall Working in one medium is fantastic in that you can really hone in on that particular skill but if that was the end goal there wouldn’t be personal style. Which to me is the artistic expression with all skills earned . Experimentation is self exploration.
I am ‘in the process’ of trying to illustrate a Chidren’s book. I am so passionate about my ideas, and confident (mostly) in what I draw, I am very guilty of #8. Sometimes, I think it’s just an excuse to not face the music. Other times, I think I am not confident enough, and maybe there is something ‘more’ I need to learn before I proceed. I certainly don’t consider myself a ‘professional’ yet, but I know that I have more skill, and knowledge than I think I do, and I prove that to myself every time I complete a drawing, painting, or anything creative. I would have to say that I have been or am guilty of all of the above. I am just glad for websites like this, and your knowledge behind it! I am so glad that someone can relate to what I am feeling, and that it’s no unheard of LOL!! Thanks Drew!
Twitter: raccoondog
says:
I’ve had this article bookmarked for a while and every now and then I reread it so I can keep myself checked. It’s quite helpful.
For me I think I have the most trouble with #2, #3, #6 and #9 – in no particular order. I definitely haven’t mastered any of the numbers either. If anything I feel that I should improve myself in all aspects. I just think the 4 I mentioned needs special attention.
I’ve recently gone freelance so #6 should probably my top priority. I’m also working on #9 by trying to be more active in communities, both online and offline. (Just that I tend to be very awkward and self conscious in large crowds, especially if I’m the only newcomer around.)
Thanks for this article.
Great stuff Drew..thank you…most definitely #6 for me .. i am working on it..thanks for reminding me…
Great information. I am looking for professional artist to come on my show to be interviewed. If you are interested or know somebody please ask them to email me.
Thanks, great information. I will be changing the name of my show for 2013….to professional artist or upcoming artist
I could write pages in regards to this wonderful post, but for now I will leave it at this:
Almost all but primarily #3.
Focus, discipline, tapas…whatever you want to call it, I have serious issues with finding “my path” within the art world. It’s calling to me – I just have to decide when I’m ready to answer.
Thank you for a very thought-provoking post!
Lucky number 7… Well, letting go is an issue sometimes, thank goodness there are tough deadlines often enough so I’m forced to practice
Yet it feels weird when someone loves a piece I think is unfinished, not “perfect” or can’t be good because it was “completed” very quickly (in my terms).
Great post, although I think there might be more than 9 signs…
Great post, I printed it out to keep on hand as a reminder. #1, #2, and #6 are the ones I need to work on the most. I spend way to much time waiting for my muse to show up and lead me to the studio.
Fantastic post! I struggle with #3 mostly. I’m like a magpie and new, shiny things tend to grab my attention. I need to focus my work. I have made great strides in this area over the last year, but I still need to work on it.
#9 used to be a problem, but I am slowly working on coming out of isolation.
Well, all of them at some point, but I felt truly trapped by #1 for the longest time. And, ahem, pesky #6…sometimes a struggle. Darn enjoyable social networking!
Drew, for me #3 is the culprit. Because I function best, creatively, with many irons in the fire. Yes, #3 would definitely be the one I would need to work on. When I have a lot going on I am inspired, but then I lose my original focus. Thanks for such a great article with so many good tips, reminders and so much good information!
Painful at times but true. It’s not just an adventure, it’s a job, J-O-B. Still, the rewards are so far beyond monetary compensation, it’s kind of ridiculous at times. Excellent piece, Drew.
Twitter: artbySDonaldson
says:
Hi Drew! I’m gonna chime in on this one and say #3 for sure. Often my style bounces around because I’m trying to fulfill my own artistic vision, appeal to the general public, and respond to commissions. Maybe one day the three will find common ground. ~ S L Donaldson
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Wow! Thank you all for sharing your numbers with us
Sometimes when I write these kind of posts, I often wonder (in retrospect) what the hell I’m thinking telling everyone about how I can’t seem to get my act together. Usually the biggest problem I have with writing these posts is limiting them to a manageable number, but I figured that if I wrote the 62 reasons-Drew-doesn’t-have-a-publishing-contract-yet post, it would end up being a pointless and sleep-incuding exercise.
Who else has got some numbers to share??
Very interesting post. For me it is definitely number 3 that is the most difficult one, I keep changing focus.
Number 6 used to be difficult and can still be but I am able to switch off completely when i am in the studio – alone. At home it is a different thing…
Well this post has kept the cogs clunking since I read it yesterday. #1 and #6 continue to challenge me. I find working through low energy days can be disasterous and have to find a balance whereby I can still work without backwards. And when it comes to #6 – well I absolutely have work to do! #3 remains a conundrum for me however. I understand that from a marketing point of viewpoint – having a focus is a key to finding your audience.
From a more personal view, however, I find that focusing my creative energy on one skill set can leave me feeling trapped and uninspired. I think that one creative pursuit can help develop and feed another – like flexing your creative muscles. As an individual I feel like I need to keep doing this, even though it might make it harder in the long run to market myself as an artist.
Thanks for a great article that got me re-evaluating my commitment and direction.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You two bring up an interesting point with #3 — It’s hard to find your niche without exploration and experimentation, but the rules (and even Buddha himself) tell us that we need to focus our attention and energy if we are ever hope to achieve mastery of our subject.
So when and where exactly do we draw that line? When is it time to stop exploring and start focusing? And isn’t focusing simply another name for exploring more deeply within a smaller area?
Rebecca makes a good point when she says that sometimes her personal and professional creative needs differ–which one are you supposed to listen to? Is variety really the spice of life or is it simply another distraction?
I certainly don’t have any of the answers to these questions, but if any of you would like to share your thoughts on this, I would love to hear what you think!
great article. i found myself nodding a few times, and considering new ideas while reading. so, thanks!
Really good post, Drew, thanks for being so open.
I think there’s two qualities that underlie all the issues you’ve identified: confidence and commitment. Both can take experience and time to establish, and I imagine they wax and wane for artists as we grow into our art (they certainly do for me). I’d like to believe eventually the amateur cycle will stabilize, though of course new issues arise with growth. #9 is my downfall, I know it will take a lot of effort to work through.
I try to balance personal v. professional creativity by painting for myself when the wild need calls me. Focus is important, but so is exploration. I don’t see why my art can’t be means to a hobby *and* a profession, as long as I can clearly identify my body of professional work.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Lisa!
I think you’re exactly right when you say that it’s often a matter of confidence and commitment. In order to succeed, we need to find the confidence to get started and then we need the commitment to continue following the dark path wherever it leads.
Like you, I do see my level of confidence and commitment to my writing change far too frequently. I’m hoping that you’re right and eventually things will begin to “stabilize” and even out these highs and lows. Time will tell. In other words, if I’m still bitching about this in thirty years, please find me and take away my keyboard!
Drew,
I just discovered your blog. It’s just what I needed to help me keep going. It affirms that “the dark path” is dark, but it’s a path and will lead somewhere light. I have to just keep going, keep moving forward. Thank you for the encouragement and the advice. I’m also glad that I’m not the only one out there.
warm regards,
Kyle
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Kyle
I think sometimes just knowing that you’re not alone and the fact that other artists may be struggling with a lot of these same issues is helpful. So many of us work alone in our studios or with our noses buried in our laptops that we forget that we aren’t the only ones who are struggling to find our place out there.
We all tend to hear about the ones who struck it big in the media, but at the same time, there are thousands of artists like ourselves who might be just as good, but for whatever reason they just haven’t reached their “tipping point” yet.
It’s good to hear from you Kyle and I hope to talk with you again soon.
-Drew
This might very well be the BEST art blog I’ve come across in, well, forever.
It’s like I pushed all my swirling thoughts out into the universe and someone was kind enough to pick them up and put them into words. Thank you for your eloquent teachings.
I get so many emails and msgs each day from artists asking questions about how to make a living as an artist…from now on, your blog will be one of the first places I send them for research! So happy to discover you Drew!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thank you so much Chandra for your kind words
I was kind of wondering where all those swirling thoughts had come from, so thank you for sending them my way! Since you’re obviously my swirly muse, I would really appreciate regularly scheduled updates of inspiration, preferably on weekdays during working hours due to the fact that I can no longer interpret my middle-of-the-night inspired scribblings
Thanks again!
Good stuff, Drew! I’d like to think I stopped being an “Amateur” many years ago, but some of these points STILL seem a little too familiar.
I love to learn almost as much as I love to create, so I still wrestle with #8. I also think #1 is essential (and challenging) – Sit down and DO the work, regardless of whether or not you’re feeling inspired.
Glad I discovered your blog. Look forward to connecting on Twitter and Facebook, as well.
Best, Nikolas Allen
@artbrandplan
Wow. I am going to confess, this is the first of your posts I’ve ever actually read. I have a talent, I am damn good at what I do and it has a huge market potential, but I have been guilty BIG TIME of the working when I feel like it. This was the wake up call I needed to act like the professional I should and can be.
Thanks so much! I will stop ignoring these invaluable posts!
-Jamie Noel
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Hi Nikolas–Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us!
I think we would all like to think that we’ve stopped being an “amateur” at some point in our lives, but at least for me, I always seem to regress back to amateurville on a regular basis. Maybe it’s just nature’s way of keeping me humble
Thanks again Nikolas, I look forward to hearing from you again soon!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You know what they say, Jamie that confession is good for the soul. . .
I love your attitude and self-confidence! I know that their would be a huge market potential if you could somehow bottle that and sell it to the rest of us self-loathing and overly-critical artistic souls. Perhaps you will be our motivational leader here in the Skinny Artist community – kind of like the Jillian Michaels of the Art world.
Keep smiling
(and working)!
These are great reminders! I struggle with each of them, but I’d have to say the worst one is anti-#2: I work on everything ELSE and THEN I make some art. Why does that suddenly sound like I’m in college, avoiding studying?? Ha! But at least I’m catching myself doing it and trying to turn it around.
Thank you for a great site! I’m seeing lots of posts that catch my eye and resonate with my situation. I’ll get some art done just as soon as I’m done reading…
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Liz for stopping by and sharing your numbers and thoughts with us!
I know at least for myself, that I struggle with most of these on a daily basis. I think you’re right, however, that even if we just “catch ourselves doing it”, we can start making a conscious effort to “turn it around”.
So keep reading and working (in that order)
and I hope to hear from you again soon!
I’m going to have to disagree with #3. Picasso, DaVinci, William Morris, Michaelangelo, et al worked in many, many mediums. I know the popular trend is to believe “jack-of-all-trades is a master of none”, but that is a contemporary view which has been propogated for the last 80 years, not the historical view of the artist. In fact, just producing art in the same medium with the same style can limit in ways that are crushing to the soul for the artist and only “allows” these certain kinds of obsessive artists to flourish in the limelight of the art world.
I have been determined my whole working life to turn that limited 20th century “vision” of the successful working artist around for myself and for my (and other artists’) clientele. I purposely promote myself as a multi-dimensional artist more in keeping with the vision of the artist of the days of yore. Although I am not in a trendy gallery in NYC (and don’t care if I ever get noticed there), I have been successful in branding myself as an artist who works in many mediums and is open to all kinds of inspirations and it has worked enough for me to keep going down the path.
For me, inspiration happens all of the time, more than I can keep up with, just not in the same medium and in the same style. A truly “human” life is like that: we are built for many tasks.
I’ve enjoyed reading your site today and glad I stumbled upon it!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Hi Lise!
Just so you know, disagreeing with me on this site is strictly forbidden
I do agree, however, that there is also more than one way to look at this issue of “diversifying” as an artist. Obviously there have been numerous examples (yourself included) of successful artists who have transcended the bounds of one particular medium.
Now having said that, I have also seen far too many artists who constantly shift their focus from one thing to the next and never quite reach the depths of any particular medium. I’m not just talking about visual artists here — but this includes writers, musicians, photographers, and any other type of creative soul as well.
Keep in mind that I’m not talking about a painter who is simply shifting from oils to acrylics here — I’m talking about those people who go from writer to photographer to crafter to potter (and back again).
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for trying out different things out especially when you are young and I’ve certainly done my share. Sooner or later, however, I truly believe that you’re going to have to focus your attention if you ever want to become truly proficient at something. In other words, there’s simply not enough time to become great at everything.
Rebecca made a good point above (and you echo its sentiment here) that a “truly human life” does not like to be limited. Sticking to one skill set can often make a person (especially a creative one) feel “trapped and uninspired” As you mention inspiration happens all the time and does not necessarily limit itself to one particular medium and I completely agree.
In the end, I guess it’s more a matter of finding a healthy balance that allows you to both develop your primary talent fully while still allowing yourself the opportunity to explore creatively.
So of course we’re both right!
I am an artist who is trying to re-enter the “art world” after six years of being absent. All I will say about the six years is that it was a dark time and whatever kind of work I would have been doing would have suffered, including doing art. However, that’s past. The time out did give me time to think about the direction I would go with my art once I did return to doing it – and I always knew I would return. I am happy with the new direction that I’ve taken with my work, even if others aren’t. Before stopping work six years ago, I did not feel satisfied with where I was at with my work. It had grown stale and boring in my opinion, even though the gallery I was in kept wanting me to paint the same things over and over. Art is supposed to be something the artist needs to express. Instead, it became about trying to please others and express what they wanted to see expressed the way they wanted to see it expressed. I have shown in a number of galleries and am now at the point where I want to please myself first and express what I need to express in the way I want to do it. If someone can look at my work and see and feel what I’m communicating to the point they may even want to buy it, okay; but if not, that’s okay too. I don’t care at this point about galleries, or recognition or any of that. Showing my work at small shows is just fine. If a gallery likes my work and wants to show it – fine, too, but I don’t need it. Been there, done that. This time, for now, is simply for me.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Rebecca for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us!
I think that if you took a poll of working artists/writers/photographers/etc.., I think you would discover that so many of us (including myself) have taken countless detours and unplanned sabbaticals along the way.
For whatever reason, life just doesn’t seem to be set up to allow the creative professional a smooth career path. Whether it’s parental disapproval, financial pressure, family responsibilities, or simply career indecision; we all seem to bounce around a bit before we are able to accept who we really are and really understand what kind of sacrifices that requires.
Your comment about your gallery wanting you to paint the same thing over and over is not uncommon. This kind of thing seems to happen all the time and is certainly not limited to visual artists. It’s similar to a publisher (or their reading audience) expecting an author to follow the same formula for every book (Nora Roberts, James Patterson) or a music label expecting their bands to make an album that is eerily similar to their previous release.
In the end, of course, galleries/record labels/publishers are in the business to make money not foster creativity. It’s up to the individual artist to hold their ground with these business partners and give themselves the freedom to grow and evolve as artists. As you said, you’ve “been there, done that.” and “This time, for now, is simply for me.”
I couldn’t have said it any better myself. . .
Excellent write up. All the stuff I knew already but had to hear.
My art is a hobby for me but I want to make it a part-time job (ie, continue to improve and get to professional level, even if it always remains second-fiddle to my full time work). This was the kick in the pants that I needed.
Cheers and thanks again!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Kristi for your kind words!
I think to some degree, we all have the same crazy thoughts and fears running around inside our creative little heads, and sometimes it’s just nice to know that we’re not going through any of this alone.
I wish you all the best on your journey as you continue to grow as an artist and discover your own path. Also, feel free to stop back by here anytime because creative kicks in the pants are always free
Love the name of your site by the way!
haha! I probably fall into most of these categories. But am I a “Professional Artist”? HELL YES!
Just to add…
Unfortunately most artists are not blessed with the unerring confidence of people like Damien Hurst. We are riddled with self doubt and an unsynchronised relationship with the world. That’s how it is. No quick fixes. No 10 steps to the right path. This journey is ours and our work marks the way. Trying to categorise artists amateur or professional is wrong, in fact trying to categorise artists is wrong in any way. That’s the whole point art is what it is and we are what we are. Some of us will find favour and possibly make money others may not. But we must do it, as a hobby, a job or a way of life.
Don’t get me wrong I like the idea of making artist recognise what they are and their value to the world. Just not the way this will feed into the artist’s psyche.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I think you’re right Tony that most of us aren’t blessed with the type of unerring self-confidence of Mr. Hirst, but then again, who knows what exactly goes through Damien’s mind as he searches for his next provocative bit of livestock to display. . .
My point here is that I think we all face these personal demons of fear and self-doubt, but few of us are willing to admit and debate them in an open forum such as this. I also think there comes a point in your career where you’ve invested so much of yourself into your art that to admit any type of self-doubt would perceived as a show of weakness to one’s peers and a “turn-off” to one’s fans. After all, no one likes a whiny celebrity. It reminds of that old Robert Benchley quote:
Of course you’re also right that there is no “quick fix”, or really any fix at all, to solve these problems. Unfortunately for whatever reason, it appears to be hard-wired into our DNA that we tend see ourselves as less capable than others.
For me personally it’s kind of the “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” type of thing, where if we can recognize these as universal problems and not something that’s unique to us individually, then perhaps we can confront them head-on knowing that these fears will never completely leave us.
I’m pretty much guilty of all of these.
Aside from believing that success comes quickly that is. That’s only a bit of wishful thinking. The real world unfortunately doesn’t work in such ways.
I’m the worst when it comes to time management as I tend to switch between tasks whenever I want to. My attention span doesn’t tend to lend itself to sticking to one project and seeing it through to the end. As for isolating myself from an artist community, I try not to. However even online I tend to be a bit shy (which tends to be the opposite from many people as the interwebs grants a level of anonymity that allows people to be a bit more outspoken). My school is pretty much the only art community that I’m a part of. Though I’m a member on deviantart, I have a habit of not commenting a lot. I could work on that a little bit more.
What I really need to work on is finishing what I start. There’s picture, upon picture, upon picture…just so many documents on my computer (as I’m mostly a digital artist) that I’ve started and for one reason or another I stopped and never started on them again. Or I might work on them sparingly. Usually it’s the pictures that I know take a long time to finish that never get finished. The bad thing is I like them all and they’ll look fine when they’re done. I have a terrible habit of just getting frustrated with the process of actually drawing/painting/animating something. I like starting projects and I like them when they’re done. That entire bit in the middle tends to annoy me. It really makes no sense…
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I know exactly what you mean Ashley, time management has always been a bit of a problem. For me, it’s not so much the following through on a particular project, as it is ignoring all the other shiny objects along the way.
In fact this is the reason why I had to remove TweetDeck from my computer. You see every time it dinged in the background, I instantly felt the need to see what was going on just in case there was an urgent matter in the Twitterverse that needed my immediate attention. As if that’s not bad enough, I have also had to turn off my e-mail notification “ding” because I’m apparently like some kind of rabid Pavlovian dog that just can’t help himself from reacting every time the damn bell rings. It’s quite sad actually. . .
Well I agree with almost all of it.
My big criticism is the idea that a professional artist works ‘every single day’. Perhaps it was just sloppy wording on your behalf? “While a professional artist will make a point sit down and work on their art every single day no matter what”
Even professionals are allowed to have weekends, etc. I haven’t met an artist yet who works ‘no matter what’…..illness, hospitalisation, vacations, there are things that crop up that require attention over our careers from time to time.
The belief that ALL professional artists must work ‘every single day’ is a rather outdated viewpoint that precludes those who have any intrusion into a 24/7 art practice (“sorry you’re a parent of a young child?, no you can’t possibly be a professional artist”).
Yes artists do work a lot, and you are absolutely right that waiting for inspiration is not a sign of a professional artist. But surely there is room for flexibility in career practices (as we see across all professions in 2011) Perpetuating the nonsense that anything less than every single day is not enough to be a professional artist discredits rather too many excellent professional artists.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re not the first person to notice this bit of hyperbole on my part. Of course, nobody is required to work 24/7 in order to call themselves a “professional artist”. Other than being an obvious poor word choice on my part, it was intended less as a literal truth and more as an explanation of what it means for an artist to be “living their art”. . .
To me, an artist who is living their art doesn’t necessarily mean that they are chained to their easel or word processor 24/7. It simply means that they are approaching their world from a unique perspective. It means that even when they are not actually painting, writing, or creating their art — they are still out there gathering ideas, playing around with new concepts in their imagination, and closely observing the world around them. They encounter the world as an artist — searching for unexpected beauty, searching for unintended meaning, and searching for a way to translate and incorporate all of these slippery ideas into their creative work.
I think what I intended to say with the “every single day” comment was that when you become a professional artist, even if it’s only in your mind, you stop “clocking out” when you put down your paintbrush, turn off your camera, or shut down your computer. Instead when you are “living your art” it is always with you, it becomes a part of you and it affects the way your approach the world around you. The final step of translating your art onto that blank canvas or piece of paper is only one step in the larger creative process.
This is encouraging to me. I am a feeble meat being who has to do dumb stuff like eat and sleep and occasionally goof off in order to remain sane, so all the talk about “YOU MUST BE WORKING 24/7!” from professionals kind of scared me. I worried a lot (and still worry) about whether I am dedicated or passionate enough. But since I started my education, I never really take off my artist goggles, which makes the world around me at least 300% more interesting at any given time even if I’m just staring at my own feet. The boyfriend is getting used to hearing things like “sit still, you have a great shadow on your nose right now” and “did you know you have really interesting shoulders?” So I guess I should stop fretting, because I am really living my art.
“Living your art” — wow! Can’t agree more. I misunderstood your comments. For a real artist, hardly a moment passes by, in which he doesn’t think about his art.
Twitter: _victor_taylor
says:
Brilliant, thanks. The bit that struck me the most was that art is a process and nothing you create will be perfect… I knew this but it definitely helps to hear someone else say it – I always see flaws in even my best works but of course there has to be. Just this thought will help me be more free and natural in my work.
… I’m even re-re-reading that paragraph I just wrote, to make sure it’s perfect and perfectly gets across what I mean, and perfectly portrays a correct image of me… It will take work but I will be trying to be less concerned with perfection and just get on with it!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re right, perfectionism is a killer. It not only stops your momentum and your ability to move forward to the next work, but it also gives you a perfect excuse to go back and revise/redo/rework endlessly because you want to “perfect” your work.
You can blame it on your high standard of quality, or you can say that it’s simply not done yet — but whatever you choose to call it, in the end it’s only an excuse not to move on and face your next empty canvas or blank page…
No offence, but I think this list describes a BEGINNER artist. Beginner artists, kinda like myself, experiment on different styles, work until something else comes up and when inspiration strikes, never finish work, and are too busy learning. It’s, honestly, a bit rude for more experienced artists to treat beginners/amatuers like they’re something you don’t want to be when they should be helping.
My definition of amatuer is someone who claims they’re an artist when they’re only beginning. 9, 6, 5, 4 are stuff an amatuer artist, I think, probably does for I don’t have those.
Rushing amatuers and beginners isn’t very helpful. Amatuers will not be 9, 6, 5, or 4 eventually and beginners are just learning and just practicing.
i guess i would be considered an amateur artist because im still a student. in general, people dont take students seriously, not in the sense as a professional. i can see why, because most of us are constantly changing and evolving, thus not having a quality of ‘certainty’ and ‘reliability’ both in our work and manner towards working. not to mention i do fall short on a lot of things on that list.
but i dont think this list is being rude or rushing people who are starting out, but rather teach beginners how to operate on a system that you can function as an artist at a steady pace, producing work on a regular interval and also finding commissions/sales in the long haul. i think the earlier you feel comfortable and learn to grasp on functioning as a professional, the earlier you are on the road to being a successful artist.
i used to not finish a lot of my drawings and took a lot of time perfecting everything, spending so much time on one thing made me bored and move onto another without completion. but lately i create and finish work without thinking about it too much, treating what i illustrated as work and not as hobby (enjoying it along the way of course) that i create some of my better works that people respond to very well.
i get ideas and inspirations and i jog them down (un-organized-ly) but when i start creating them, i try not to over think and really just finish what i set out to do without distraction. i can always carry on that last bit of inspiration to my next illustration.
there is one thing that i enjoy about my way of working is that, once i decided i finished one illustration, i dont want to go back and edit or change it even if i see things i don like. i move onto improving my next piece instead.
I don’t agree upon this point either with you or the author. I think those who just go on doing without ever bothering to come back and correct mistakes are amateurish. Indeed, most of the amateurs (hobbyists) that I know are of this sort. And, I find no significant improvement in their paintings even when they boast they did hundreds of paintings.
I agree with all of this with the exception of number 7.
I myself am an terrible artist. I could not draw myself a bath if I had to.
BUT when I do draw I spend hours on a single piece until it looks good, untill I cant make it look any better than it looks.
I find that I remember my mistakes better and remember what I did to fix them if I spend more time working on a single artwork as apposed to pumping out lots of really crappy ones,
I’ve don’t that before and I just move on to the next art piece without really remembering what I did wrong with the old one.
so for number seven I respectfully disagree with the author.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I agree with you Jacob that there is definitely something to be said with spending some time with a piece and continuing to work on it until you feel like you’ve done the absolute best you can with it. I do think, however, that creative artists, and especially writers, sometimes tend to hang on to a piece too long not just because they are trying to make it better (although that is what we will convince ourselves that we are doing) but because we are unwilling to let it go and face the prospect of having to start over and stare at that blank page or white canvas once again.
I think in the back of my mind, I’m always wondering if this will be the time that I’ll discover that my creative well has finally run dry. So I guess for me, it’s sometimes easier to hold on to what’s in front of me and keep reworking it rather than having to courage to go out and find that next idea. I often call myself a perfectionist, but what I’ve realized is that more often than not, it’s simply a way for me to put off having to dive back into those cold dark creative waters.
Well Drew,
-It’s seems you are the King and you got a court buttering you up…… I’m the princess who wants to kick you -metaphorically-
The post is really good but painful and cruel at the same time. In general I agree with you but after reading you post it’s seems that WE -AMATEURS- live in wonderland, we are a bit stupid and we don’t know that the only way to have a job is work, work and work.
Maybe are different types of amateurs and you didin’t talk about this. There’s a kind of amateur who works hard but the system, the organizations doesn’t give him or her an opportunity. And this is my case. In fact I’m working on an illustrated book which reflects the hard beginning of this. And fortunately there is a foundation which could give me a grant to publish it.
Belive me Drew, If i get it I will send you a copy. And now I will continue my work, cause you were my break.
Berenice
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Dear Princess Berenice,
First of all, let me apologize for the cruel and unusual punishment of this particular post (well, all of them really). I do think that anyone who dreams of creating art/literature/music/etc.. for a living has to live in a slightly altered state of delusion otherwise none of us would have the guts to pursue our passion in the first place.
There are of course many different types of amateurs, but the dirty little secret that no one seems to tell anyone, is that we are all amateurs to some degree — Nobody masters all of these steps all of the time. Heck even on a good day, I can usually only manage 3-4 tops (and it’s rarely the same ones twice)
In the end however, it’s not about crossing these steps off your list, it’s more about understanding that despite our shiny confident veneer all of us still have work to do. Unfortunately, it’s a journey that never ends. So hang in there and feel free to stop by the kingdom for a chat anytime
Now get back to work!
P.S. I’d love to see your book when it’s finished
HI Drew!
The princess again. What about your Kingdom?
Well, regarding my project I tell you. I sent it to the foundation and at the end of february I will know the result, that is: if they give me the grant to edit the book. The big question is: should I stop drawing If they don’nt give me the money? Or Should I continue drawing whatever happens?
Sometimes I think It makes nosense to continue, it isn’t worth it… But on the other hand…
I created a character, he’s got a history and sometimes I think he’s crying in the night, cursing me out, wondering why I left him behind…
Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic..
By Drew
See you!!
I meant “bye” of course!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I do hope the grant ends up coming through for both you and your character’s sake. As far as the possibility of abandoning the project if it falls through, that’s a tough one. In the end, you just have to follow your heart regardless if your bank account may tell you otherwise. Maybe the funding for this particular project will work itself out, or maybe it may show up in an unexpected form down the road — but either way, your art is ultimately yours and it certainly wouldn’t be the first time a creative artist completed a work just to see where it leads….
I wish you all the best!
P.S. By the way, that is one of the coolest generated avatars I’ve seen on this site. It’s like the angry alien Christmas tree that I’ve always wanted
Dear Drew,
Thanks for a very useful post. I am an amateur painter. I took a break from a full time job, to pursue painting. I put off painting thinking, someday I will pick up the brush. I made that ‘someday’ happen. I still find excuses / distractions rather than paint. I feel shy or inadequate, to go out and mix with artists.
Thanks for reinforcing what I should be doing,
Sana Bharani
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thank you Sana for your kind words
I think when it comes to something like creativity, you’re right that it’s often far too easy to keep putting it on the back burner as we attend to the more urgent matters that demand our attention every day. How do we prioritize our time and our energy between our responsibilities and that soft (but persistent) creative voice inside us? In the end, we need to find a way to feed our creative soul while still being able to feed our families, which is unfortunately something that so many of us struggle with on a daily basis. Good luck and be sure to let us know how things are going!
I guess I am an “Ama-Pro.” lol Yes, it is a real word. Oh no, you didn’t just look it up did you?
My art? Poetry and now painting. I am not “me” unless I am writing. It’s therapeutic. And now, painting has driven me. I am totally emotionally driven I confess. The images that come to my mind are not settled until it’s painted. Then a rush of relief and thrill follows with the brush and the completion. I may be a bit insane. O_o
Thanks for the post~
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks for stopping by and making me scramble to the Googlenator to look up “Ama-Pro”
I think when it comes down to it, you’re right, we are all “pro-ams” (ama-pro’s big brother) because all of us are stuck somewhere between where we are and where we would like to be. For some of us the journey is relatively short, while others like myself still have a great deal of traveling to do before we’ll even get within shouting distance of creative competence. I guess all we can really do is to just keep creating and see what happens.
Very good list. A professional absolutely has to be organized, on track and ready to work every day. The image of a professional artist is much different than the general public perceives.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thank you for your kind words Becky and you’re absolutely right about the public perception of what we actually do all day. Sometimes I think the general public imagines us creative types sitting around all day sipping our chai tea and waiting for the inspiration fairy to deliver our latest project in its final magnificent form — If only that were the case
I sent this post straight to my husband. After 17 years in a very disciplined business/mktg environment, I’m really one for schedules, to-do list, charting progress, following through. My husband thinks it’s totally killing my creativity (I paint, draw, sew, bake, cook) by confining to schedule (paint and cooking is for daily, sew on sundays, bake on Saturdays). This way I ensure I spread the love around. But my truest occupation is painting and when I first started, I learn to draw on my own and reached a statisfying level by ensuring that I draw everyday. Painting has proven harder and I question my path all the time and constantly thinking I should just quit. It came to a point I stopped painting altogether because I couldn’t bear to be responsible for another ugly painting. I buried myself in theory and research believing I shouldn’t paint till I understand fundamentals better so that I won’t produce another ugly painiting. But in doing so, I realised that I’ve stopped progressing by not painting but worse, I stopped doing what I love to do and everything came to stangnacy and dullness. So now, I’m back to ugly paintings…But you’re article defintely helped me see I’m right in some ways. There needs to some regiment. It clarifies my doubt about too about research/theory learning versus practice. So I guess it;s back to self-loathing for a bit more huh? Thanks to your site, I can come back for some healing chicken soup.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thank you for your kind words Gina, I think we can use some healing chicken soup once in awhile
As I mentioned in Becky’s comment above, I really do think the general public (and newer artists to some extent) tend to underestimate the amount of time and organization it actually takes not only to create something, but also to get your name out there as an artist especially in this age of blogs and dozens of social media sites demanding a piece of your day.
It seems you have discovered what so many others, including myself, that creating “ugly” art is far better than creating no art at all. Not only from a creative perspective, but also from a learning perspective as well. I believe it was Samuel Beckett who has been quoted saying, “Fail, fail again, fail better”, which pretty well sums up my entire creative process.
Thanks again Gina for stopping by and keep that paint flying!
the worst is 1 and 2 that i suffer from but i got a job in 2D art as a concept artist…..maybe, now i’ll have to work on art every single day 8 hours, my art will improve and as its a really small company it dosent need all that high quality art so i was able to get the job. im hoping for the best.
and BTW
thanks!! :]
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re lucky to have landed a job where you can actually use your creative skills. So many of us have, at one time or another, had to work another “day job” that had nothing at all to do with our creative talents or ambitions. So good luck with it and we hope to hear from you again soon!
im having most trouble with #3.. i am not considered a pro yet and find myself still at the amateur level.i am trying to find my main focus medium even though.i love all mediums.. in my artworks and would like to master all of them.but i just wonder about the artists that are considered multi media artists(has artworks in both dry and wet)..are they still considered amateur if they haven’t stuck to one or 2 mediums in their creations?
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re right Amanda #3 is tough especially for a younger artist who may be still trying to find her niche. It also happens to be the one that has caused the biggest uproar in the comment section because it appeared as if I was encouraging artists to somehow limit themselves and not venture out of their chose niche, which was not at all what I intended. There are, of course, successful artists who have worked in one genre their entire careers and there are others who have completely changed course midway through. In fact, I wrote an entire article on the value of starting over and seeing things from a fresh perspective called “A Return to Innocence”
What no one really seems to tell you is that so much of what differentiates a “professional” and an “amateur” artist is in their mind, not what they do. It’s in the way that they see themselves, it’s how they approach their art, it’s about what else they are willing to give up in order to pursue their art — it’s not really about how many hours you spend sitting in front of the easel or at the keyboard. It’s more about your attitude and your resolve to take your creative passion seriously. It’s a kind of mental switch that separates the two and only you know which side is currently switched on. Silly articles like this one are simply intended to get you thinking about your own attitudes and the way that you approach your art. So don’t waste your time worrying about labels or who thinks you should be doing what, just go out there and create something awesome and the rest will take care of itself
Fantastic work again Drew! Loved reading that!
As a professional artist (by definition I refer to that statement as one who earns a living from it and nothing else) I find that there is only one thing that makes the difference between playing at it and going for it and that’s the level of desire you carry. How much do you want this? How much are you prepared to sacrifice? I turned my back on a complete life to do this and every day I battle with my own demons, just like everyone else. Every point you make is as relevant now as it would have been if I had read it five years ago. Awesome post Drew!
Nothing to do with hours spent painting, as you say, or fancy marketing ideas or how many re-tweets you can get. No, as someone who has put absolutely everything into his craft it is the level of desire to succeed that dictates the differences between us.
Do I sound conceited? Hope not but it’s the truth. I still worry about everything looking the same, about the colours I use, about the next sale or the next commission and when it will come. I never take anything for granted and I endlessly push myself to do things I don’t want to do but have to (love the quote about an ‘orderly life’ – so true…)
Every artist should print this post whether pro or amateur; I find it very aspirational, even after years of standing on my own two feet. This business teaches you to be humble and respectful of it’s twist and turns but to always be true to what you do and never give in.
You always provide so much honesty and accuracy in your prose Drew and I am forever thankful that you are there as a key part of my art journey… Thankyou Sir…
Wow there is so much in this article that made me think.
I recognize too many things in this that hold me back as a creative ‘artist’.
I guess this thing can help me out quite a bit.
Thanks for posting!
Twitter: darwinsmishap
says:
This is a very well written piece; for my personal perspective it is a combination of a few things garbled with a very hefty dose of simply not having the amount of time I want to dedicate to my obsession. I do not consider myself “professional” for many reasons, though the main simply being that it is not my profession. I do earn some wages here and there from commissions, but that does not make me a professional. It makes me someone that others have saw fit to honor by purchasing some works that I have put out. I do not consider myself an “amature” either, however. I stared in the traditional medium when I could hold a pencil and find a wall for my canvas, and have migrated toward digital- this has been my obsession for nigh on 3 decades.
I have inspiration every day; the way the light plays in fog that covers the ground. How architecture takes on certain moods in different lighting during different parts of the day and even the year. How things decay- brick, stone, wood. How they feel under my fingertips. People walking and conversing in the street, at the park, on the bus. Posture, gesture, facial expression- the sheer amount of variety of the people themselves and the collection of colors in their attire. I take photos of brick walls, cement walkways and stairs, rusted steel beams of overhead bridges, anything that catches my eye.
These are also my resources. Can I actually draw this and make it work into something else? Can I use the brick textures to accent and distress the leather texture I had been working on? Is there a way I can incorporate how that light bleeds through the stained glass window into the ruins I have painted? How can I do it if so? I have resources everywhere- among them tutorials on not only 3D but 2D subjects as well.
I do not have a personal brain to pick through in ear shot, so I rely on the community of artists that have become my friends to hopefully bounce ideas off of, ask questions on how to achieve a particular lighting set up or tweak that posture into something “more”, or to just toss out a work in progress to have a fresh set of eyes to look over. I do not use tutorials continually, but I have spent a good year and a half in the past sifting through everything I could get my hands on to find the few that I could reference back to on certain things. Transferring from traditional paints to digital wasn’t overly difficult, but the processes were at times difficult to get a grasp on.
I cannot sit down every day to work on my art; I have two jobs. The time I carve out three times a week are precious, and everything is shut out while I have that two or three hours to work. I have been known to take a two week stint, remove most of my sleeping hours and obssessively pound on a piece until it’s almsot complete- it’s never truly ‘finished’ in my view. Nothing has been, even the works that had been displayed or published. That was simply how I was taught- no matter what you accomplish, you never know everything. You are not the owner of your passion, but the rider.
I had hopes of having success in my passion, yes. I will admit to the dreams of glory. They were fleeting. The reality of the entire scope of life kicked in and what I had hoped to have was put aside for over a decade. I do not have those dreams of glory any longer at least- for me, this is simply how and who I am. I create simply because I cannot not create. For me, it has saved me the expectations of success at least.
Am I a professional? No. I hope to take my passion in a professional manner, however. I -am- an artist. It’s that simple.
Wow! What an amazing comment. Dead on.
#4 struck a chord! I remember my first jewelry sales, and my unexpected reaction to good results. I looked at my cleaned-out table and felt like people had stolen my stuff, not bought it. My lovely things were gone forever!
I had not been aware of how much I’d bonded to the jewelry, and how connected I was to it.
Also, not making many sales these days is a confidence-buster! Some family members insist on calling my art a “hobby”. It’s ignorance on their part, but still drives me nuts. I just get up every day and do something, anything: research, design, photography, writing, whatever.
Also, getting over being a very private person who actively dislikes socializing, well, I don’t know if I can do it. I love creating, don’t mind writing, photography, webmastering. But people: not so much.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I think you’re right Barb, it is far too easy to get emotionally attached to your work. As a creative artist or writer, we spend so much time nurturing our work from its infancy and watching it grow over time that it does become a part of us. The longer we spend on its creation, the more difficult it becomes sometimes to let it go.
On the flip-side, however, most of my creative children (manuscripts) are sent off into the world and inevitably return back home to live with me so I’m not sure what’s worse
A fantastic article! Very valuable points on how to make the transition from amateur to professional artist. It all seems to be in your mind set. I liked the the point made in number 7 about knowing that each artwork is part of the journey and doesn’t need to be perfect.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks Amy for stopping by the site and sharing your kind words
It’s true that so much of it is in our minds and the way we approach things. This is something that’s been echoed in some form by every enlightened mind throughout history. Just by changing our perspective, we effectively change the world around us. Unfortunately it’s also one of those lessons that is far easier said than done….
Excellent article, Drew!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thank you so much Holly! It’s always a pleasure to see your smiling avatar
This subject has confused me for a while now. I never really called myself a artist until the last couple of years. I am realistic I have saw some great artist out there. Wow.
I have been told and encouraged and called a artist. I have been at it my entire life. I haven’t had the opportunity to get a formal art education. I have sold some work……….In the art community it has been hard to get someone to really look at my work, since I have no real affiliation………..I may never be rich with my art, But my art makes me rich in heart. I am consumed with it………Ideas roll around in my head like mad. Sometimes I wAKE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND FEEL i HAVE TO CREATE. i KNOW SOME MAY THINK i’VE LOST IT. tHERE HAVE BEEN TIMES OF FRENSY STATES WHEN i COULDN’T STOP. i HAVE NO REAL WHAT YOU CALL STUDIO i WORK OUT OF MY SUNROOM, i HAVE ABOUT TWO HUNDRED PIECES DONE, i DON’T SHARE SOME, i NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN i SOLD A FEW………..i’VE BEEN CALLED THAT WORD. aRTIST, BUT NEVER THOUGHT THAT………..fOR ME IT IS WHAT i WAKE UP DOING AND HAVE TO DO EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE NOT FOR MONEY, FAME OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT (THOUGH MONEY IS GOOD FOR BILLS LOL) mAINLY BECAUSE i CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY ART IT IS WHO i AM AND WHAT I AM IT IS ME. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE THAT DON’T KNOW ME AND WOULDN’T LOOK AT MY WORK TWICE SAY YOU NEED TO PRATICE…………..AND HAVEN’T EVEN SAW WHAT IT IS I DO………..ANYONE THATS BEEN TO MY HOME OR MY LITTLE SUNROOM STUDIO WILL KNOW I AM CONSUMED WITH PRATICE AND ALWAYS DESIRING TO LEARN MORE AND IT IS CONSTANT WITH ME. WITH MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT AND A SCARE LAST YEAR HEALTH WISE……….AND A MILESTONE B DAY i STARTED GETTING MY ART IN THE PUBLIC…………i HAVE HAD A FEW SHOWS AND HOPEFULLY MORE TO COME…………..i CAN’T SEEM TO PUT A PAINTBRUSH DOWN, WHEN THE FIRST BRUSH FOR ME WAS A CRAYON
We’re all amateur artists deep down. Even the professionals.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Amen! Even the most successful creative artists never completely outrun their inner doubts and fears.
I find this kind of articles funny. They secretly represent what the author hates most about himself.
agreed. making a list like this seems like procrastination from actually working on art, no?
don’t be self-righteous. every artist has a different method and a different path. it’s funny because in the beginning, you talk about how it isn’t about money and recognition, but it clearly is. that’s all “professional” means here. you’re talking about the ultimate goal of being marketable and profitable. the use of the word amateur is insulting in this context b/c you’re not being truthful. you tried to say that it wasn’t about “success” when this list definitely is. so if professional vs. amateur is just about who is making money and gaining followers, then ok. but if this is your list for an actual “amateur” artist who is somehow less than a “professional” artist, then you are very wrong. the only thing that separates an amateur with a professional is passion. if the passion isn’t inside of you then just sitting to work every single day isn’t going to make you a good artist. there are a lot of brilliant artists who ONLY work when they are inspired (ie: fiona apple). that doesn’t make her any less professional than some dude who is working and marketing himself every day or week.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
I agree with both you that this list is not only a bit of procrastination from actually doing any type of real creative work, but also a revelation about some of the things that I need to work on in order to get to where I want to be professionally. And yes, a lot of the things on this list do scare the crap out of me, but then again, that’s the entire point of the article. We all have these fears to some extent.
If we are completely honest with ourselves, I would have think that virtually all of us have at least a few of these things we still need to work on. I know at least for me, as soon as I seem to get a handle on one of these things, one of the others comes back to haunt me. It’s almost like a neurotic whac-a-mole kind of thing.
Having said that, I have a hard time believing that any of us have reached (or will ever reach) that point in our creative development where we won’t have to worry about things such as running out of inspiration, feeling inferior to at least a few of our contemporaries, or having to deal with creative procrastination. If in fact you have somehow managed to reach this level of artistic nirvana then I congratulate you and wish you all the best, however, I also know that there are thousands of us out there who continue to struggle with these issues every single day.
Well…
I agree with the above comments.
Foremost Art and Work are two things that doesn’t really have to coexist.
Real Art is not about a set of academic rules to learn. Ultimately in all reality Art in itself isn’t even teacheable. I think that here you might be making confusion between Art and Artisanry.
But beside the point I always had quite of a hard time with the community trying to define what the artist has to be as if some sort of colorful and self torturing rare animal. This is another example of the uniformization of intent I see all around me. Most artists are seemingly proud of being a bunch of obsessive compulsive people killing themselves to get more and more work done where for me art sprouts from serenity and oneness. What about individuality?!?
Ultimately the question is who are you making art for? Is it a tool for ego flattery or money making and, in general, combat in the art arena or is it a tool to study your inner self and find some secret meaning in the reality around you and crystallize a piece of your soul in the real world.
A child’s drawing might hold more meaning than a piece of art reinterpreted over and over and over in the compulsive mimicry that affects the art scene nowadays.
In general art is about passion and originality and desire of seeing the world with a different set of lenses than one’s own eyes.
Your list is valid but it’s more valuable for an Artisan than an Artist. Art is about the soul! Why industrializing and capitalizing something so inherently beautiful and anarchic????
After all Picasso wrote that it took him 4 years to learn to paint like Caravaggio and a lifetime to remember how to draw as a child.
And yes Inspiration is paramount. What about changing #1 in strive to have as much as an inspirational life as possible free from boundaries set for you from the social requirement of others.
I could keep writing forever but I think I made my point!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to organize these thoughts in my head!
S
A rather pretentious article. Art and artists cannot be defined. Maybe if we are talking about cheap hotel throw-away ‘art’, but an artist can be, quite literally, anything without silly ‘guide-lines’.
I would replace the words “amatuer” and “professional” with “premature” and “mature”, respectively.
I’m an amateur and I’m sooooooooooooo guilty of a few of these– the waiting, in particular. I often wait for the drawing mood to strike me and I waste a lot of time reading about drawing when I should just be drawing instead. But l know I can do better than this, because when I get into the swing of drawing, it’s hard to stop. I think the hard part is giving the boulder that first shove, you know? Even when you don’t feel like drawing– even if you’d rather be playing Minecraft or watching bad movies on Netflix or anything BUT drawing today– draw anyway. Chances are, you’ll get into the flow and wonder why you were so reluctant to start in the first place.
3 give me the most problems
7 mostly, and 1,3, and 6 in small amounts.
i have a lil question …earlier i read someone posted that “I quit my job so i can focus on art and practice”
what i dont get is that how is that possible?
i have a pretty sweet job and im happy with it ..salary is good and so is the environment and we work among doctors so its a respectable job …… but i’ll happily quit my job any day to properly start practicing art. But the question is…. if you do that how are you going to pay your bills?? i mean i dont have a wife and kids. i live with my family [parents and brother] but if you live alone ..how would you do …stayt at friend’s? even that would become a little burdning…enlighten me on this matter plz ..
thank you!!
Hey xCarbon!
I did that too, I quit my job 6 months ago and ever since I’ve been trying to focus on making art my life.
It’s been 4 years since I moved out from my parents’ and got a pretty well paid job. I have set aside money every month “just in case”, you know.
This spring I realised I don’t agree with my employers’ views and that I generally got sick and bored of what I studied and of my work field (I’ve been working for 7 years in total).
I know that I don’t want to be a house owner any time soon – renting is fine for me, I don’t want children – no daycare or schools to pay for, and generally I have no big spending in my near future.
The money I have put aside allow me to live at the standard I had as an employed person for about one year and a half. If I lowered my standards a little bit I could probably do it longer.
I might return to my old career or maybe I’ll succeed and make a living from creating and selling art. Who knows? I, for one, am still waiting to find out
I could be wrong, and I am making a generalization, but all the “famous”, “successful” artists I know of waited tables, worked as assistants, were illustrator grunts, and in the case of one of my artistic idols a door-to-door appliance salesman. I believe the spirit of this article is that as a “professional” anything… even door-to-door appliance salesman… you take what you do seriously, but then if you have a passion for what you do you would naturally take what you do seriously.
From my now aging memory of collegiate art history, I doubt seriously any of the artistic greats of the modern era (after artistic patronage died with the industrial revolution) ever considered themselves “artists” much less “professional”, though I have no doubt “obsessed” with what they did. We paint, draw, sculpt, write, dance, play music because we have to, and we do it despite the fact that we work as waiters, office assistants, IT professionals, or door-to-door appliance salesman. Sure we need to support our obsession and ourselves and very few can do that through their art, but does that make any of us who work traditional jobs and obsess about our passion at nights and on weekends less professional?
We all have character imperfections, challenges that God… or whatever universal creator you believe in…. has given us to help us learn our lessons in life. These of course include things like procrastination, distractions, laziness, self-absorbsion, lack of self-worth… etc., etc. etc. all of which are alluded to in this article, just pick a number. But having these character imperfections/challenges don’t make us armature artists.
Being a professional, I believe, is not about schedules (though that helps the character imperfections/challenges), working hard on what you do, or marketing… being a professional is about being passionate about what you do, being passionate about what you do will keep you focused, will keep you producing quality work (whether that is one piece a year or 500 pieces a week), will bring attention to what you do, will help you overcome your character imperfections/challenges no matter what number they are. Being a professional is about respecting yourself, what you need to do as well as respecting others and what they need to do. I believe that is at the heart of what this article is getting at…. are you passionate about what you do or do you lack passion and you’re just doing it for the immediate thrill/recognition?
This quote by Robert Henri, in “The Artist’s Spirit” continues to inspire me as a professional artist as well as an IT professional:
“Art when really understood is the providence of every human being. It is simply a question of doing things, anything well. It is not an outside, extra thing. When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and he opens ways for better understanding. Where others who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows there are still more pages possible.”
I can’t really agree with 5, the actual global connection has showen us recently that there is more and more one week stardom peeks, is it good in my perspective?Nooo, but it is real that it is and as usual does not lasts… about the other’s I tottally agree, it really strikes me a nerve when people speack about muses tho, can’t help but to laugh inside as I think about history of art from the virtuosos to Picasso which worked night and day unstopable, Muse which muse? It’s The artisan sweat tears torn fingers and tired brain.
I paint graffiti on walls. I paint graffiti with a brush on canvas. I draw graffiti in a sketchbook. I paint graffiti on clothes and shoes. I draw on windows. I create vector graffiti. I etch graffiti on metal. I do this because I enjoy getting the ideas out of my head. I don’t care if someone would buy it, it’s not for sale. I don’t care if other artists dig it, I do it for me. I don’t care if people can’t read it, I’m communicating with myself. I create art on the go. I’d cover someones house in graffiti SNart if I had the time. Am I pro? Sure I’m pro. I’m pro doing my own thing. Pro at creating my own label instead of letting someone else straddle me with one. Pro letting my art punch you in the eye until your brain begs to be shut off. Make money from the sludge spattered all over my brain pan? No thanks. Work, kids, life is where my aerosol dreams spray from; those are NFS.
I would add that amateur artists are overly critical of their own work. They fear rejection or failure so much that they simply don’t even create any except in their own heads where they tear it apart and examine it’s failures without ever actually producing it. A professional knows that in order to succeed you must show up and actually make the stuff and accept that the experience of trial and error and possible failure or rejection along the way is how you learn and grow as an artist.
This is the kind of stuff I try to convey to students/recent grads all the time. Glad it’s helping a lot of people here in this format. Stuff like keeping track of expenses and invoices and researching marketing to build & test my own theories have been as rewarding as the creative work often because they help create financial stability and bring in cool new projects and collaborations. Keep up the good work.
I have struggled with number seven my entire life and has crippled the last 10 years of it. Over the past year or so, I have indentfied my inability to be perfect. My freedom to enjoy my art has come back and I am working frantically to keep up withmy liberated self.
A more appropriate title for the article would be “9 Habits of a Highly Effective Artist.” “Professional” is a term used to separate the hobbyist from the business person and draws no correlation to skill, success, talent, or wealth.
While I agree the points are idealistic work habits, history would prove otherwise. The most accomplished artists in the last century are valued for their level of work, rather than their workflow. Unfortunately, the most prolific fine artists have typically been fueled by some affliction whether it be isolationism, disease, mental illness, or substance abuse.
By and large, the #1 most important thing an artist needs to be is GOOD. It doesn’t matter if “good” is accomplished through effortless talent or years of study, an artist simply needs to be good at what they do. The rest will come easily.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
You’re right Nate, the “9 Habits” would probably have been a better title although it’s not nearly as ominous and spooky sounding as the “9 warning signs” bwahahaha!
Professionalism is of course little more than a state of mind or a shift in perspective. I mean honestly if all it took to become a “pro” was to print up some business cards than we might as well all become corporate executives. As you well know, a title or label like this is virtually meaningless. We can call ourselves whatever we want, but usually it’s our work habits and our attitudes that ultimately unmask us.
Thanks again Nate for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. I really appreciate it!
I suppose the signs that apply to me, in particular, are numbers 8 and 9. I gotta work on those!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
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You and me both!
Agree with all but #2-you can spend TOO long on something sometimes. I once drew for 72 hours straight only moving to use the bathroom with no sleep…
…only to a lukewarm reception for the finished animation, lol.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
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Isn’t it funny how those projects where you find yourself completely obsessed and spend all this time working on quite often turn out “okay” but not as great as the ones that just kind of flowed and seemed to require the least amount of effort on your part? It always reminds me of that quote my Andre Gide that says, “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” Sometimes I just need to get out of the way and let it happen…
Sadly I have to admit that i relate to everyone of the 9 signs of a Amateur Artist. I’m in my second year attending the Art Institute and I’ve gotta say I’ve learned a lot but in some way or another I don’t put it to good use. I’m probably mostly afraid and feel unworthy to do so and what people tell me that I’m much to hard my self. Expecting good work from my self now, right this minute but never putting in the work that it takes to do so. In so many ways it makes me sick to my stomach working a 9 to 5 and every moment I spend there, all I can think about is wanting a career in the entertainment art’s. Yet each day I find my self with serious doubt and waste my time not doing anything about it besides attending school and falling behind due to lack of taking what I want serious. Its clear to me that I’m amateur wanting nothing more to be a professional artist. I know now that going to art school with no real clue on what I would really like to do with my art was the best choice I ever made. With that being said, It’s time for me to make the next best choice and work my to be a true professional. I thank you for writing this article. I’ve know now for sometime what keeps me from being a professional and never really doing anything about it. Reading the reality that I am armature artist with excellent words of guidance and wisdom brought back that fighting spirit that I had when I first started art school knowing that I wanted a career in entertainment art. Thanks again Skinny artist and I shall live my art.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
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I’m right there with you DroopyEyes — However, the more I think about this, the more I realize that there has to be some kind of middle ground here. Somewhere between being the 24/7 always on creative a**hole that no one wants to be around, to being the procrastinating can’t-focus-on-anything-for-longer-than-three-minutes scatterbrain creative slacker.
I know that most people I talk with tend to fall somewhere in between these two extremes depending on the day. We all seem to have good days and not-so good days. We have those times when creative ideas are flooding into our brain faster than we can write them down, and those times when we could stare at our keyboard or easel for hours and come away with nothing but tears. For whatever reason it just seems to be the way our brains work. Unfortunately no one’s invented a foolproof focus-inator yet to keep us consistently on track. All we can really do is to keep trying….and trying….and (you know the rest)
What do you do when suffering from an insurmountable affliction of number three?
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
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Welcome to the club! I’ve got a serious case of shiny object syndrome myself. Not sure what exactly the “cure” is but they say the first step is admitting that you may have a problem…
There are amazing, famous professional artists who fit every one of these. This isn’t a list of ways to improve, it’s a collection of false insults designed to keep people reading your site, clinging to you for advice. If you want a warning sign of an amateur artist- It’s that they write up filth like the above instead of creating art. You’re a liar and a fool, and I pity anyone who takes this baloney seriously.
The list makes reltive sense. Frankly I will have days I don’t work on my art not cause I don’t want to but because my hands wont let me disablity sucks at time. If I’m struggle to hold pencil to sketch idea before complete work or to sit up I will say fudge it. Also if have seizure the day for art or much else is pretty much shot. Yes people jumping from one extreme to another in art world is crazy but slight change n medium example from colored pencils to makers is fine. I think anyone is almost always thinking about wt they do but u do think on Christmas we should shut most of our thought centers down and just enjoy time with those close to us and if believe say happy birthday to Jesus thru out the day as we chose that day sense we don’t know when he was born to say happy birthday. Weekends are peoples to do what they want with which is actually Friday and Saturday (Sunday is 1st of week) is yours to do away with if want to shut down thougjts go for it don’t don’t.
I’ve been a serious artist for 30+ years. NOT RICH …but at least I have my soul.
I try very hard -but there are days when I feel so low inside.
I make art that is thoughtful..sometimes intense…BUT.. to make ” a living”
I have to do other things to pay the rent. I have to make,… as I call it “happy art for the masses”
which drives me nuts.
Then I stop-go into the studio and make work I feel worthy of..
I know compromise is part of living but it can really be tough..
I’m being honest…I think there are a lot artists who are full of s–t in this world making oodles of money because they know how to play “the game”
I just can’t do that…So ……Soul over “lack of truth “is my motto Just my thoughts
Sounds like every other profession out there.
Twitter: cftxp
says:
Wow, other than 9, I don’t exhibit most of these traits. For some reason, it’s just come naturally for me to work my muse off every day even if my favorite show’s on TV, knowing that it probably won’t sell, but as long as I can keep experimenting and find my way to stop, I think I’m on my way to becoming a pro one day. The only reason I can’t be adept to the art community is because I have a form of Autism and that makes things like social interaction and rejection SO difficult for me but I am working through my fears of this, which I’m glad about.
Example of 9 of Signs of an Professional Artist
David Jakupca, the “Spiritual Father of the Environmental Art” Movement.
American Cultural Ambassador David Jakupca is officially credited and accepted with being the Spiritual Father of the Environmental Art Movement by many organizations including the United Nations, Earth Island Institute, Time Magazine, State of Ohio and many others.
Full Story with Pics
http://bereabuzz.blogspot.com/2013/02/who-is-spritual-father-of-environmental.html
Oh I definitely see some of these in me. I have the natural born skill to draw,however almost all of these describe me. Although,I dont care about #7. If I’m going to work hard on something it might as well be close to perfect if not perfect.I also keep procrastinating,I’m doing a picture of scarlett johansson: http://www.last.fm/music/Scarlett+Johansson/+images/4360671
for my boyfriend’s dad as a birthday present(which was december 9th of last year.I KNOW! haha) and this for my boyfriend: http://www.last.fm/music/Thin+Lizzy/+images/72908700 (as a christmas present) I came so close to finishing scarlett but I got the idea to change her facial features to be more precise then ended up messing it all the way up so I had to erase he wholde face. Now it just sits in my drawer. Keep saying I’ll work on it but end up doing other things:chores,eating,watching tv,etcetera. I haven’t even started the other picture yet. I need help in the procrastinating area.
#7. But I have set a deadline! April 1st!
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
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You’re right Charles #7 is definitely a tough one. Good Luck!
Twitter: ArtistLike
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Every single one of these has contributed to my stagnancy. But #3 is not just a symptom, but probably the greatest contributing factor to my lack of productivity. I studied creative writing and ultimately got an MFA in fiction writing, but I also paint, and other people have been a lot more responsive to my paintings than to my writing. So when I write, I feel that it’s futile and that if I have any real ambition, I should paint more and try to do something worthwhile. At the same time, I know I am a long way from that and even when I just paint, I don’t have a distinct personal style and can’t seem to stay in a single lane. I also have a mood disorder, which accounts for a lot of the switching gears, I think, but I’m going to consider all the factors you listed and try to use them as guidelines. Even if it’s bad, I’d rather be doing something than nothing. So thank you for this post.
Twitter: SkinnyArtist
says:
Thanks David, and I do think that a lot of people deal with this same issue. It seems like on one hand we are told to focus and keep moving forward no matter what, but on the other hand, we are told to be flexible and always open to new ideas and new opportunities. So who’s right and where exactly do we draw the line between persistence (a good thing) and plain old stupid stubbornness? Unfortunately I don’t think there is really a one-size-fits-all answer here. In the end, you just have to follow your own creative voice and do what’s right for you.
I can tell you that the one thing that’s helped me more than anything else in this article, are all of the thoughtful comments we have received from people like you. Sometimes what helps me the most, is just knowing that I’m not alone and there are other people out there dealing with a lot of these same issues. So don’t beat yourself up about any of these. For whatever reason it just seems to be a part of the overall creative process.
HEY!
I am an amateur artist, i still do almost excellent work.
it doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a professional, you still have talent and are willing to make art.
you shouldn’t be doing this, because what if an amateur artist (like me) comes here?
that is making us feel bad, making us feel like we will never be good enough.
you should support amateur artist, not degrade them!
art doesn’t have to do with how good you are, it has to do with imagination and creativity, and everybody has that.
we are all artist in our own way, even though we are not the best.
god make us to accept one another for our faults, not point them out (like you are doing)
so get a change of heart think about it.
I’m guilty of big ole #1. I need to get out of the idea that just because I don’t feel like working, that the work will suffer. I don’t like thinking of myself as an amateur artist, so I better get with it.
I go well with more things than I don’t and might fit more into the ‘professional’ category than an ‘amateur’ (though painting is not my profession and I haven’t had a chance to any art school yet). However, I find 4) as a limitation of being a professional artist of today, rather than as a great quality. Art should not be seen as a mass produced item but rather as a creative piece of work. So, there is no harm if you find yourselves attached to a piece. You needn’t sell each and every piece of work, but can keep some (not all) of your masterpieces for your own private collection. As you know, the great masters like Da Vinci was so attached to the work, Mona Lisa, that he took years to paint it. And still, it was unfinished too (according to him)! And, that’s today considered as the most valuable painting ever painted. It doesn’t really matter if you are an amateur or a professional. What matters is ‘You should be a master in what you are doing’. That requires lots and lots of practice as well as knowledge. That’s where 8) comes — the limitation of not going to an art school may result in a lack of knowledge about many basic things. Those who have gone to art schools have already got that basic knowledge that they needn’t spend that much time researching on how to create or improve their art work (that’s actually a limitation of not going to art schools). But even if one has attended the best art school, he should not totally ignore that there is a lot more to know and improve and it’s a life-long process of learning.
Interesting how the article fails to offer any suggestions or help for people that may be “amateur” artists. Seems like it just wants to be negative and put others down.
What a load of bullshit. True art doesn’t follow all these stupid definitions and being a “professional” artist doesn’t make you necessarily a true artist. The amateur is not “professional”, aka not commercial, but his art might be more genuine than all the cliches that sell ad nauseam.