What Does it Mean to be an Artist? (7 Common Traits)

Being an artist is not about a job or degree; it is a lifestyle. It is about having a passion for your work, seeking continuous improvement, and striving for perfectionism with the highest level of self-motivation. Most importantly, artists never give up on their dreams. 

What is Art?

The definition of art has changed throughout history, but the one constant thing about art is that it’s always been a part of human civilization. Art is a way for us to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s a way to connect and express ourselves.

For some people, art is a way to make a living. But for others, it’s a hobby or a passion. It doesn’t matter how you define it. What matters is that you are creating something from your heart.

What Does it Mean to be an Artist?

Being an artist means more than just having a paintbrush or chisel in your hand. It’s a state of mind, a way of seeing the world, and a commitment to your craft.

It means constantly seeking to improve and perfect your work. It also implies self-motivation to keep going even when it’s tough. And it means never giving up on your dreams.

Here are 13 things that most artists have in common:

Artists Know Creativity is a Journey, not a Destination

The creative process is often described as a journey for a good reason. It can be long and winding, with plenty of false starts and dead ends. But the result can be gratifying for both the artist and the audience.

The best artists know that creativity is not a destination but a journey worth taking again and again. They understand that the creative process is often messy and unpredictable, making it exciting. So the next time you struggle to be creative, remember that it’s all part of the journey.

Embrace the challenge and enjoy the ride.

Artists are Passionate and Seek Continuous Improvement

Artists pour their heart and soul into their work, always striving for perfection. Whether painting a masterpiece or sculpting a beautiful statue, artists are never satisfied with simply meeting the minimum requirements.

They always seek to improve their art skills and push themselves to new levels. This passion is what separates artists from other people. It also drives them to continuously seek new knowledge and ways to improve their art.

Without this passion, artists would be hobbyists who dabble in their chosen mediums. But because of their passion, artists can create beautiful works that inspire and delight the world.

Artists Listen to Their Intuition and are Risk Takers

Intuition is defined as the ability to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. For artists, intuition is often what guides their creative process. Instead of following logical steps or planning each move, they allow themselves to be led by their instincts.

In addition to being risk-takers, artists tend to be highly sensitive to their surroundings. They notice colors and textures that others might overlook and can see the potential in a blank piece of paper or canvas. This can be riskier but often leads to more innovative and exciting results.

This keen sense of observation allows them to create unique and beautiful works of art that resonate with viewers on a deep level.

Artists Strive for Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often seen as a negative trait associated with excessive self-criticism and an inability to finish art projects on time. However, for an artist, a healthy level of perfectionism can be the difference between a hobby and a profession.

Real artists strive for perfectionism in their work, constantly seeking to improve their skills and produce the best possible artwork.

Independent artists also need to be perfectionists to stand out from the crowd. In a world where anyone can start a blog or pick up a paintbrush, it takes dedication and an eye for detail to become a successful artist.

Modern artists must be visionaries, constantly looking for new ways to push boundaries in their artwork.

All artists strive for perfectionism to create incredible artwork.

Artists have a High Level of Self-Motivation

Most people think of artists as creative people who follow their passion and don’t have to worry about things like motivation. However, the reality is that artists are some of the most self-motivated people.

Many artists spend years perfecting their craft before they ever see any success. This level of commitment requires a high degree of self-motivation. After all, becoming a successful artist takes a lot of dedication and hard work.

They also tend to be highly self-critical, always striving to improve their work and reach new levels of creativity. In many ways, this combination of self-motivation and discipline sets artists apart from other creatives.

So if you’re an artist, don’t be afraid to work hard and push yourself. Remember that your dedication will pay off in the end.

Artists Commit Mistakes and Learn From Them

It is a widely held misconception that artists never make mistakes. The truth is that even the most visionary artists have to start somewhere, and their early work is often full of errors. However, their willingness to learn from their mistakes separates successful artists from unsuccessful ones.

By studying their work and understanding where they went wrong, artists can gradually hone their skills and master their craft. In addition, by sharing their work with others, artists can receive feedback that can help them improve.

Of course, with the advent of digital art, there are now new ways for artists to share their work and receive feedback. However, the principles remain the same. Artists must be willing to commit themselves to continual learning to produce truly exceptional work.

Artists are Open to Feedback and Criticism

Any artist will tell you feedback and criticism are essential parts of the creative process. After all, it cannot be easy to assess your work objectively. By soliciting input from others, you can better understand how your work is being received and what areas need improvement.

Of course, it’s not easy to take constructive criticism, but it’s important to remember that the goal is to create the best artwork, not to please everyone. In the end, artists open to feedback and criticism are more likely to produce work that resonates with viewers and critics alike.

So next time you feel down about feedback, remember that even the most outstanding artists are open to hearing what others say.

Conclusion

To be an artist is to be a lifelong learner. It is to be passionate about your work and constantly seek ways to improve your skills. It is to strive for perfectionism and be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. It is to be open to feedback and criticism and always to be ready to listen to your intuition and take risks. It is to have a high level of self-motivation and commitment to your art. Being an artist is not easy, but it is a rewarding journey worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do artists always have to be creative?

   While creativity is a critical component of being an artist, it is not the only one. There are many other essential elements, such as passion, drive, determination, and dedication. Without these things, creativity alone will not be enough to make someone a successful artist.

2. Can anyone be an artist?

   Anyone can be an artist if they have the passion and commitment to pursue it. Becoming a successful artist takes dedication and hard work, as with any other profession. However, unlike other jobs, art is also about expression and creativity. In addition to needing talent and skills, artists also need to be able to tap into their creativity and imagination.

3. What is the best way to become an artist?

   No one “best” way to become an artist exists. However, some ways to get started include taking art classes, practicing regularly, and studying the work of other artists. Additionally, being open to feedback and criticism is essential, as it can help you improve your work.

4. Do artists need formal training?

   While formal training can be helpful, it is not required to become an artist. Many successful artists are self-taught or have had little formal education in art. Dedicating to learning and improving your skills is more important than formal training. This can be done through practice, studying the work of other artists, and seeking feedback from others.