Artists work in a wide variety of mediums and styles. They create a variety of art forms such as sculpture, painting, photography, and videography, and they often collaborate with other artists to complete their work. They may also exhibit their artwork in public spaces, such as galleries and museums, and online platforms. Artists often manage their own marketing and sales, and many have an entrepreneurial spirit that allows them to work independently.
Artists can be highly creative, and this creativity often leads to them coming up with unique and original ideas. They can also be analytical, as they will often think about the various aspects of their creations and how they could improve or enhance them. However, artists should not overthink, as this can lead to analysis paralysis. Instead, they should try to balance a disciplined training regime with time to play around and experiment with new ideas.
Another important trait of artists is their sense of curiosity. This is not a trait that all people possess, but it’s one that can be developed, particularly in young artists. Having an insatiable desire to learn more about the world around them, and the ability to ask questions that probe beyond the surface, is something that all artists should aspire towards.
Creativity and curiosity are often synonymous with risk taking. Artists are willing to take risks in order to achieve their vision. This can include experimenting with new media, exploring different creative styles and techniques, and putting themselves out there by exhibiting their work in public. It can be a daunting prospect, but it’s one that is often required to become a truly successful artist.
A good artist is open-minded, which means that they are able to see their own creations through other people’s eyes. This is an essential skill because it allows them to understand how their work might be received and to make adjustments accordingly. Artists need to be able to accept that not everyone will love their creations, but they should still endeavour to produce pieces that are honest and reflect the true nature of their ideas.
The art world can be a tough place, with many artists feeling that there’s an unwritten rule that you must spend a certain number of years creating before you’re considered to be a real artist. This rule makes little sense as it doesn’t take into account the fact that some artists will create prolifically whilst others may work more slowly. What’s more, the definition of a real artist is subjective.
When Greater Good asked a selection of artists why they created art, all of them said the same thing: they wanted to do what they felt they were born to do. They went on to explain that they were creating bridges between themselves and the rest of humanity; reuniting and recording fragments of thought, feeling, and memory; and saying things that couldn’t be expressed any other way. Whatever the reason, it is clear that being a creator is not for everyone.