"True art is characterized by an irresistible urgency in the creative artist" - Albert Einstein. While some incredibly lucky people are born with the gift of artistic inclination, others have to study to become fluent in the language of art. Whichever group you belong to, you need to be aware that every person is an artist - some people just let their creativity flow out more than others. Follow these steps to begin the journey along your artistic journey.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learning the Basics Self-taught
Step 1. Take some time and try out different artistic disciplines
If you've never spent so much time creating something artistic, you may feel intimidated by trying to become an artist. The truth is that every person is an artist - you just need to bring out the creative side. If there is a specific type of art you would like to learn more about, try it, but don't be afraid to change paths and try other paths. Some of the basic forms of art include:
- To draw. This artistic medium can range from the simplest sketches to complex architectural drawings. Drawings are usually created with a pencil, pen, charcoal or crayon. The drawings can depict objects that you have in front of you, or images from your imagination.
- Paint. This art medium uses brushes to create both real-life and abstract images with tempera. Painting is often a search for the abstract - a painting in red and purple tones could be the representation of a feeling - like love - that the painter felt while he was working.
- Photograph. Photography uses film or a digital camera to capture a moment at the right moment. Photographers often tell what the world was like at the exact moment they took the photograph. Photos can reflect great beauty or great horrors - just like the world does.
- Sculpture. Sculpting is the process of taking a material (clay, wood, metal, etc.) and molding it into a work of art or a functional tool (and sometimes both at the same time).
Step 2. Recognize your strengths (and weaknesses)
Once you have tried the different mediums of artistic expression, decide which you are most capable of. Often those who create fantastic clay sculptures are unable to paint. Of course, there are other people who seem to have been brought into the world to be fantastic artists and excel in every artistic medium.
Another important thing to keep in mind is which art medium you enjoy the most with. If you are a fantastic draftsman, but you also feel inclined towards sculpture, why not try this last means of artistic expression as well?
Step 3. Do your research and learn the basics
Pick a few books that talk about the artistic mediums you have chosen to focus on (for now). Learn as much as you can about these arts - read books and tutorials, watch educational videos, and research various methods and approaches used by other artists in the same discipline. One of the best ways to learn is to study the work of others who have come before you. It is totally possible to teach yourself how to be a great artist, you just have to make the effort to learn the basics. If you feel you need a little help, you can always support your research with some art lessons (see the second part of this article).
- Part of researching in your discipline means learning the basics of that medium of artistic expression. Learn the color wheel (primary colors vs. secondary colors, how shades work, etc.).
- A key part of your research should be related to the tools you will need to actually create art. If you can't find a specific list, you can also use an internet search engine and type in something like "basic artistic tools needed to draw".
Step 4. Get the tools you need for your chosen discipline
Unfortunately, many art products can be quite expensive - but it's really worth it. You can buy what you need at a large art supply store, or you can search for a smaller shop in your area. To find the nearest art supplement store to you, type in your favorite search engine "art supply stores in [your city name]".
If you're not sure what you need, or how much you really need a particular tool, be sure to ask a sales assistant. Chances are high that he is a well of knowledge in the arts (he may even advise you in the direction of some art lessons)
Step 5. Observe the world around you with the artist's eyes
A key part of being an artist is observing the world around you and reflecting it in your art. Notice how the lights change during the day, how colors affect you, how interactions make you feel. As the saying goes, it is really important to stop and smell the roses. Take the time to become fully aware of your surroundings and let your observations leak into your work.
For example, if you see a couple sitting under a tree, observe how their bodies interact with the nature around them. How is the light? What are the predominant colors? How would you construct the scene - would you focus on their faces, on the colors, on the tree? Paying attention to how you see the world will help you translate your observations into something artistic
Step 6. Find some time for your art daily
Many artists dedicate their lives to creating art. It's not like you have to spend every single second of your day working on a painting, but try to set aside some time every day (or every couple of days) to work on your project, whatever it is. Make creating art a priority.
Step 7. Seek the opinions of others
Don't be afraid to show your work to people; acknowledge someone's honest opinion, even if it's made up of constructive criticism. Don't be discouraged if they don't seem to be flabbergasted - for many people it takes time to truly develop a knack for art.
Ask for suggestions on things you could improve. Maybe it is very difficult for you to draw your hands, or it may seem that you cannot handle the fresh clay perfectly. Other eyes will help you see what needs to be worked on
Step 8. Develop your personal style
The best way to define yourself as a unique artist is to create your own style within the discipline you have learned. Nobody can teach you your personal style - you need to find out for yourself. Try experimenting with different techniques. Get out of your safe environment.
For example, if you like to paint still lifes, try painting a still life by adding your own personal touch instead of simply replicating what is in front of you. Change the colors, stylize the subject or distort it in some way
Part 2 of 3: Learning from Others
Step 1. Sign up for an art class in your community
Probably the easiest way to learn the basics of any discipline is to enroll in a course. Art studios, schools, community centers, and other groups often hold art classes of varying lengths, from a single evening to several months. Other artists will teach you how to master the basic knowledge of your discipline, and will help you follow your personal artistic journey.
To find art classes in your city, you can search the events section of the local newspaper, talk to friends who frequent the arts community, or simply search for art classes in your city on your favorite internet search engine
Step 2. Study the masters
Visit museums and carefully examine all kinds of books on art and design. Learn from the masters by looking closely at their works. One of the best ways to perfect your skills is to try to imitate the art of someone who is considered a world-class master. Try the motifs and techniques that grab your attention.
A great method to improve in your medium of artistic expression is to choose a work of a great master and try to reproduce it as best you can. For example, if you want to improve your painting skills, choose a Vincent Van Gogh painting, such as "The Starry Night", and try painting it. Once you get it done perfectly, paint it again; this time allowing yourself to stray a little from the original canvas. Add the details that you yourself would have added by observing a starry sky, if you were Van Gogh - different colors, more (or less) defined trees, etc
Step 3. Attend an art school
If you want to continue your artistic career to the next level, you should consider the idea of an art school. Some elements to consider when choosing one include the reputation, cost, strengths of the courses and faculty, location and amenities (do they have a darkroom? A furnace? Etc.). Consider that if you think this school can highlight your strengths and help you improve where you are most scarce. Enroll in an art school that you really feel like you want to go to.
You should also consider going to an art school instead of a university. Some universities have excellent art programs. The main difference is that art schools will always structure general culture lessons around art (for example, a history course that could normally be named "History of Italy" would instead be "Artists of the Italian Renaissance")
Step 4. Make friends in the arts community
Having friends who have the same passion for art as you is a great way to totally immerse yourself in this world. Having artist friends can be a benefit because they can offer you critiques of your work (really knowing what they are talking about), teach you new techniques and inspire you with their works.
To find like-minded artists, find out if there are art clubs in your city, school, or parish that you might attend. You can consult the events section in the newspapers or search for local groups online. You may also want to consider joining a virtual community of artists - there are many forums online that you can join and where you can chat with people who love art just as much as you do
Step 5. Visit of the art studios
Another great way to see what other artists are creating in your discipline is to visit art gallery openings in your area. Art galleries are great places to meet people and view the works of other artists. It might inspire you to try a new technique.
Part 3 of 3: Promote Your Jobs
Step 1. Create an art portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of your best works that you can show to potential employers, clients, galleries, etc. It is essentially a reflection of what you are most proud of in your art. Select only the works that you feel represent your best works and that reflect your style the most.
If you are a sculptor, take photographs of the works to put in your portfolio. It's much easier than carrying them wherever you go
Step 2. Make contacts with people in the art world
As a novice artist in the art world, you will need to make as many connections as possible. Your network can be your family, friends, classmates, teachers, bosses, mentors, etc. Ask these people in your network if they know of any artistic opportunities that you could access (for example, gallery openings, free classes, venues to exhibit your work, etc.).
- Search for events in your area to expand your network of artistic contacts.
- Step out of the way to meet people who could help you improve as an artist or boost your career. If a professor says that his famous painter friend is coming to town and you are an aspiring painter, ask him if he has the chance to let you meet him. Don't be disappointed if she says no - there are a thousand opportunities to network.
Step 3. Find a place where you can exhibit your works
Showing your works is one of the best ways to get recognition. Find out if in your area there are bars, restaurants, places that exhibit the works of local artists. If they do, submit a portfolio and show them some of your work. Find out if they are willing to exhibit your work for a while.
You could also get in touch with local galleries and see if you can exhibit any of your work at one of their future events. Galleries often like to promote local art
Step 4. Get an internship with a professional artist
In this case, internships are more like an apprenticeship. Being a studio assistant to a great artist in your discipline can be one of the best ways to learn a medium of artistic expression (and in the meantime make yourself known to a more elite group within this community).
If you went to an art school, try asking if any of your professors are looking for a study assistant or help with any projects they are working on. Teachers can be a great link to the wider art world, and working with them in their studio will help you put into practice what they have taught you in their classes
Advice
- Always keep learning new techniques. The great thing about art is that there are so many disciplines, styles and techniques. There is always something to explore. Don't think you already know enough.
- Art is meant to be exhibited. Don't be afraid to show people what you've created.
- Keep old drawings / paintings / sculptures and use them as an encouragement to see your progress.
- Sketching really helps your perspective… drawing without thinking too much helps you see what you are capable of.
- Understand that not everyone is born with a talent. Those who have it are lucky. Art can be developed through interest. No two people are alike, just as no two artists paint in the same way; each has their own perception of colors. Art can be learned, discovered and developed if you expose yourself to it adequately.
