How to become an Artist? (12 Tips)

Becoming an artist is not always easy. You must develop skills and gain experience to be a successful artist.

So, how to become an artist? To become an artist, you must do many things, such as taking art classes, reading books on the subject, joining an art community, publishing your work on social media, etc. If you have some creative talent and dream about it, there is no reason why you can not be a successful artist.

The most common challenge amateur artists face is a lack of skills. Without adequate training, developing the skills needed to succeed can be challenging.

It can be hard to find opportunities to gain the experience to become a professional artist, and it can also be challenging to make a living as an artist.

But all are temporary challenges you can overcome if you want to prove yourself.

You will need to develop mastery and knowledge, and success will follow.

Evaluate Your Current Skill Level in Art

The first step is to evaluate your basic skill level in art. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have any artistic skills?
• Do you have personal experience working in any art mediums?
• Do you have an interest in being creative?
• Do you have the willingness to sit and draw for long?
• Do you have the Grit to be consistent in your practice?

If your answer is yes to more than three questions, you might be ready to start your journey to becoming an artist. Else, it would be best to reconsider your decision to move on to something else.

Consider What Type of Artist You Want to be?

The next step is to consider what type of Artist you want to be. There are several art mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. Consider the kind of Artist you wish to be and what type of art you are passionate about.

For example, consider taking painting classes or lessons if you want to be a painter. If you’re going to be a digital artist, consider learning design elements and how to use Photoshop or other software programs.

You also need to consider the time available to dedicate to your artistic development.

For example, if you want to be a painter but only have an hour a day to devote to your art, you might consider taking an online course or painting from photos instead of painting from life.

Also, consider what kind of Artist you want to be, full-time, part-time, or hobbyist.

There are several benefits to being a professional artist, such as making a living from your art, having your work featured in exhibitions, being sold in galleries, and making money.

However, there are many benefits to taking up art as a hobby, such as reducing stress, improving your mental health, and having a creative outlet.

Both professional artists and hobbyists can be successful in the art world.

Find an Art Mentor

A mentor can guide, support, and advise you to pursue your art career. A mentor will answer every question you have on how to become an artist.

They can be a professional artist, an art teacher, or a more experienced friend. Finding someone you can trust with the experience to help you reach your goals is essential.

Some of the benefits of having an art mentor include the following:

Learning New Techniques

A good mentor can teach you new techniques to use in your work. They can also guide you on using different tools and materials and applying them to your work. There will always be a better and brighter way of doing work.

Receiving Feedback

A mentor can give you constructive criticism of your work, which can help you improve your skills. They can also guide you to identify the weaker areas where you need to focus more attention.

Offering Advice

A mentor can advise on various topics, including art marketing, networking, and career development. You may have different questions at every stage of your art journey, and you can direct everything to your mentor. 

Developing your Style

A mentor can also guide you in developing your unique style as an artist. They can also provide feedback on your work and help you refine your skills.

Connecting with Other Artists

A mentor can introduce you to other artists in your field and help you develop relationships with them. They can also help you find opportunities to collaborate or exhibit your work.

Your mentor should be willing to answer your questions, offer suggestions, and help you grow as an artist.

The mentor’s advice can be invaluable, so choose your mentor wisely.

Get Your Art Materials

The next step is to purchase your art supplies.

You need to buy the materials to create your artwork, such as paints, brushes, canvas, paper, clay, etc.

It would help if you also bought the supplies you need to store and protect your artwork, such as portfolios, storage boxes, and archival materials.

You can find art supplies at local art stores, online retailers, or even general stores.

When buying your supplies, consider the quality of the materials and the price.

It is essential to buy good-quality materials that will last and not damage your artwork.

However, you don’t need to spend much money on your supplies.

You can find suitable quality materials at a variety of price points.

Create a Studio Space

It is advisable to create your own dedicated space to create your artwork. The room need not be elaborate and expensive, but somewhere you can be yourself and pursue your dream.

This space should be comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions.

You can convert a spare room, basement, or garage into an art studio.

If you don’t have an extra room, you can set up a temporary studio space in the corner of your living room or bedroom.

Having all the supplies and materials you need within reach would be best to work quickly and efficiently.

Get your space organized so everything is easy to find and within reach.

Set up your easel, desk, or table comfortably for you to work in.

Take Art Classes or Lessons

One way to improve your skills as an artist is to take classes or lessons from an experienced instructor.

Art classes can teach you new techniques, help you develop your style, and give feedback on your work.

Acquiring training is a must, but it depends on the time and money you are willing to spend.

You can find art classes at community colleges, art schools, or online.

Many private instructors offer classes or lessons.

When choosing a class or instructor, research their qualifications and experience.

Finding a class that fits your schedule and budget is also essential.

Many video lessons are also available online if you want to learn at your own pace. You can find lectures on various topics, such as still life painting, portrait painting, and landscape painting.

Don’t be afraid to try different instructors or classes until you find the right fit.

Practice, Practice, Practice

One of the only ways to improve your art skills is to practice, practice, and practice. The more you paint, draw, and sculpt, the better you will become. 

Dedicate some part of the day, every day, to practicing your art.

If you can’t commit to practicing every day, try to practice several times a week.

By chance you do not have enough time and only have 30 minutes to practice, it will still help you improve.

Set goals for your practice sessions so that you can track your progress.

For example, you could try to complete one painting every week or learn one new technique each month.

It would help if you took some time from your schedule to study the work of other artists.

Look at paintings, sculptures, and photographs to see how other artists have used techniques and mediums.

You can also read books about art history and theory to learn more about the subject.

Art is a lifelong journey, so enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

The more you practice art, the better Artist you will become. 

Create Your Own Art Portfolio

Many people have difficulty finding the right words to express their thoughts and feelings. They may also be afraid of making mistakes or saying something that might offend someone else. It is especially true when it comes to creating an art portfolio.

An art portfolio is a way to show off your work to potential clients, employers, or collaborators. Remember, you want to become an Artist.

Creating a portfolio may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It is an excellent way to keep track of your progress as an artist. The following are a few points for you to get started:

Develop an Artist Statement

One of the essential parts of an art portfolio is your artist statement. The artist statement is where you explain who you are and what your work is all about.

An artist statement is a great way to give your audience an insight into what kind of Artist you are and what your artwork is about. It’s also an excellent way to practice explaining your work to others.

Choose Your Best Work

When creating a portfolio, quality is more important than quantity. Make sure that everything in it is up to your high standards. You should only include your absolute best work, even if that means having a smaller portfolio.

Be Selective

In addition to only including your best work, you should also be selective about the number of pieces you include. A general count is to have 10-20 pieces in your portfolio. Any more than that, your audience may start to feel overwhelmed.

Keep it Updated

As you create new work, regularly add it to your portfolio. It will show your growth that you’re an active artist who always produces fresh and exciting artwork.

Creating an art portfolio can be a great way to grow as an Artist and showcase your talent and ability.

Network With Other Artists

We are in a modern world and interconnected society. We, as an artist, cannot work in isolation. It is a must to meet with other artists and an excellent way to learn about new opportunities and develop your skills. You can also get feedback and connect with other resources in your field.

Some of the best ways to meet other artists include:

Art Galleries

Art galleries can be a great way to meet other artists and get feedback on your work. The galleries can also help you connect with other resources in your field. However, art galleries can also be a bit intimidating for beginner artists.

Artist Groups

Joining an artist group or artist community can be a great way to meet other artists and get involved in the art community. There are many different types of artist groups, so finding one that matches your interests is essential.

Art Workshops

Attending art workshops is an intelligent way to increase your network with other artists. Workshops are excellent for discussion, problem-solving, and learning new art skills. These workshops allow you to meet other artists, learn new techniques, and get feedback on your work. As all the workshop members have the same objective, you can easily connect with other resources in your field.

Join an Artist Association

An art association is a gathering of a group of artists with a common cause to create, appreciate and share artwork. Joining an artist association is a great way to get involved in the art community and learn about new opportunities. It is an excellent opportunity if these associations can connect with other artists, get feedback on your work, and find resources in your field.

Social Media

Social media platforms are on the rage now. Social media allows you to follow your favorite artists, galleries, and museums. Many of these organizations post about new exhibitions and events on their channels.

Platforms like Youtube, Instagram, and Pinterest are great for sharing your artwork with a broad audience. It gives vast visibility to any form of content that one share. You will get feedback, followers, likes, and many other publicity metrics if you share your artwork on social media. It gives you new opportunities, such as art exhibitions and competitions, and you can create your fan followers.

Stay Up to Date on Trends 

Art is an ever-changing and dynamic field, so it’s essential to always look for new trends. No matter how you do it, staying up to date on trends in the art world is vital for any artist who wants to succeed.

Doing so will help you better understand your craft and keep your work fresh and exciting. 

There are many ways to stay updated on trends in the art world.

Read Art Magazines

One way to stay updated on trends in the art world is to read art magazines. Art Magazines can enhance your ability to identify trends. There are many different art magazines available, both online and offline.

Subscribe to Blogs

You can subscribe to art-related blogs and stay updated on the latest trends. Many different blogs focus on art and design. You’ll get new content delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to these blogs.

Attend Art Fairs and Festivals

If you want to see the latest trends in the art world firsthand, consider attending art fairs and festivals. At these events, you’ll be able to see new artwork and meet artists worldwide.

Share Your Art with the World

When you share your art with the world, you open yourself to feedback and critiques. Art Sharing is an excellent opportunity to learn from others and improve your skills.

When you share your art, you also have a chance to sell it. Many artists make a living off of their artwork, and sharing it is the first step to making that happen.

You must be willing to make yourself visible to your audience. If you’re not ready to share your art with the world, that’s okay. You can still enjoy the process and learn from it. 

The world of art is vast and filled with opportunities. There are many different artists, from painters to sculptors to graphic designers. Whatever type of Artist you are, there is a place for you.

There are also many different ways to share your art. You can enter competitions, sell your art online, or share it with friends.

Remember to be true to yourself and your vision in whatever path you choose to share your art with others. 

Never Give up Your Artistic Dream

No matter what, never give up your artistic dream. Pursuing your passion can be difficult, but it’s worth it. Art is beautiful and powerful, and the world needs more of it.

There are many ways to continue pursuing your dream, even if things go wrong.

• First, never give up. This dream is a difficult road, but it’s worth taking. Pursue your passion and never give up on your vision.
• Second, always be willing to learn and grow. The world of art is vast and filled with opportunities. There are many different types of artists, from painters to sculptors to graphic designers. Whatever type of Artist you are, there is a place for you.
• Third, never be afraid to share your art with the world. Art sharing is an excellent opportunity to learn from others and improve your skills. When you share your art with the world, you open yourself to feedback and critiques.

Following these tips, you can stay motivated and pursue your artistic dream. Art is a beautiful and powerful thing.

If you can dream it, you can do it”

Walt disney

Conclusion

Becoming an artist and sharing your art with the world is a challenging but rewarding journey. It will take time, effort, and lots of practice to hone your skills and create pieces you can be proud of. But it’s worth it! The easy way to start your art journey is by evaluating your current skill level and then finding the type of Artist you want to become. Get the proper training and instruction from qualified professionals, find an art mentor who can help guide you on your artistic path, and network with other artists to get feedback and inspiration. You can share your art with the world with hard work and perseverance!

Life is short, so go out and create something unique.

The world of art is waiting for you.

Related Post

Please find below a set of Related Posts which might be of interest on the Topic of Artist Profession:

• How to become an Artist? (12 Tips)
• Is Being an Artist a Real Job? (Can you Make a Living)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I Start an Art Career?

   Pursuing an art career takes dedication and hard work, but it is entirely achievable. Enhancing your techniques and acumen through schooling or self-instruction should be at the top of your list. Then build a distinguished portfolio to demonstrate to prospective buyers or galleries what you can do best. Try networking with other creative professionals and those in related fields for greater exposure and potential prospects. Be persistent while remaining loyal to your unique style, success may take time, but the benefits are worth every effort.

2. How do I Become an Artist with No Experience?

   If you are eager to become an artist despite the absence of experience, it is time to hone your artistic gifts and knowledge. Start by taking art classes, examining other artists’ projects, and experimenting with various mediums and methods; expand on that by designing a portfolio of your accomplishments alongside networking with numerous artists; these will bestow you with recognition and paid job opportunities.

3. Is 21 Too Late an Age to Become an Artist?

   It’s always possible to explore your artistic passions. Age is not a barrier to creating extraordinary art, as many notable artists have proven by launching their careers well into adulthood. All you need for success is commitment, diligence, and the determination to expand your abilities. If you’re ready to take this step at 21, now could be a perfect time; seize the opportunity while it lasts.

4. Can a Non-Artist become an Artist?

   Developing the skills and techniques required to create art is no easy feat, but anyone can become an artist with commitment and enthusiasm. Doing so will require practice, researching other artists’ work, and finding a mentor or art teacher to guide your journey. You can become a successful artist with perseverance and a love of the craft.

5. What are Good Jobs if you Like Art?

   There are many job opportunities available for creative individuals to use their artistic abilities and make a difference in the lives of others. Consider becoming a graphic designer, illustrator, art teacher, museum curator, or art therapist, all roles that provide flexibility and allow you to work independently. Before applying for any role, it is essential to research and gains the necessary qualifications needed to succeed in this industry.

6. Are Artists in High Demand?

   The demand for creative professionals is rising, with industries such as advertising, film, fashion, and technology leading the way. With digital platforms and social media offering artists a platform to showcase their work to wider audiences, it’s now more important than ever that they nurture their skillset while effectively marketing themselves to realize success within this industry.