When people think about artists, they often imagine a painter working in their studio or a musician performing in front of an audience. They may also envision someone sculpting an intricate piece of stone or weaving a tale that captures the imagination. While these are all valid images, they only scratch the surface of what makes up an artist’s world. In reality, artists are a diverse group of individuals with different interests and strengths. Nevertheless, they all share a common set of parameters that define their journey.
Whether it’s creating a hauntingly beautiful painting, an enchanting melody, or a mesmerizing performance, each artist must work to produce quality art consistently over the course of their careers. To do so, they must be proficient in a number of basic business and production tasks. In addition to researching materials and establishing the pricing for their work, they must also be proficient in branding themselves, finding places to exhibit, designing marketing material like business cards, and so on. While these skills are not typically inherent to the craft of art, most artists acquire them out of necessity and as a result of their daily activities.
While artists are often characterized as having their heads in the clouds, they are hyper aware of everything around them – innuendos, shapes, patterns, colors, textures, smells and emotions. They see things that others might not, and they use their heightened senses to create work that is unique.
Although they don’t always make a profit, most artists do find success in their careers. To do so, they must develop the persistence and grit to practice their art every day, even when it is not producing the desired results. They must also be able to take constructive criticism and implement it into their work in order to improve over time.
When they are able to succeed, artists have the ability to transform culture and inspire people. This is why they are often able to pull at the heartstrings of the elite and powerful, making it possible for them to affect real changes in the world.
While art cannot solve poverty or promote social justice on its own, it serves as a leveled field of communication and expression that breaks cultural, social and economic barriers. It can also be used as a tool to educate and inform, while still being accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, education or political affiliation.
Throughout history, many of the most significant artistic works have been criticized, censored or even banned for their provocative or challenging content. But despite these difficulties, the artists behind them knew that the value of their work was greater than any hurdle. The art they created was not just aesthetically beautiful, but it stimulated thought and discussion that could change the world for the better. This is why the world’s most renowned artists have endured hardship and continue to fight for their freedom of expression.