Comments on: How to Become an Artist

on 2/2/2009 This is a sad post. You don't 'learn' how to become an art maker, if anything you 'remember' how to become one. If you think that you are an artist, you probably aren't one. The realest makers of art are people who are taking RISKS and really don't care what you think about what they make. If you're 'trying' to become an artist, you'll more than likely never really be what you are really trying to become. Just be yourself, turn off the computer and go make something meaningful. The rest will fall in place.

on 1/16/2009 I handled the careers of several hundred American artists for 12 years. The ones who make it have definitely had basic business classes and understand that their art is a small business. It is not just a lifestyle. The ones who don't make it, time tested, tend to love the lifestyle but lack the discipline. Make no bones about it, it is a very competitive, tough, demanding field. It is nothing like art school.
If you develop your skills as an artist, you also need to know the basics of the business. And if you don't do this, then be prepared to have an agent or a spouse with business skills promote your work on your behalf.

on 1/16/2009 I have made my living as an artist for more than a dozen years now and have built an approach to becoming successful that I teach to other artists. Your craft is only one of four necessary elements towards becoming successful. The other three are marketing, networking and public relations. For more info on my approach, feel free to contact me at corey@writersoftheroundtable.com.

on 1/16/2009 Awesome discussion. Please comment on HOW TO GET INTO ART SCHOOL by OOOObubblesOOO http://www.ehow.com/how_4603317_art-school.html

on 8/7/2008 Getting a degree in art is risky. Making it a minor or a double major would be a safer way to go unless you are already an established professional. Even getting an associates might be a better idea so you can get a bachelors in something more stable but still learn the craft and network.

on 7/14/2008 i have always thought that an artist is self made instruction may come as a way of improving and orienting one's skill to a certain degree but it is the inner creativity that surpasses any formal training, an artist is born in my opinion not made or trained. if you want to become a professional artist dive into a life of misery and madness, seize any opportunity to add drama and emotion to your life may they come in the forms of women, addiction, ideals, obsession,welcome them as this is just the fuel that will burn out and leave you with a span of immense creativity!, crave to suffer, to live life to the fullest and if your true call and passion is that of the arts , it will just pour out on all your work!

Leo Lei perfacci@yahoo.com

on 12/30/2005 Remember the process isn't clear cut for every artist. You may find a variety of different paths. Your art degree can take you into more than just teaching or studio art. Stable jobs such as Art Director, Archivist, Art Dealer, Director of Photography, Costume, Design, commercial illustration, etc.

You may want to have a stable art job from 9-5 and do painting or other studio arts on the side until you can build up enough business to make that your sole living. You don't just call it your day job if, acknowledge that you are a full time artist who pursues a multitude of aspects of the work.

on 11/22/2005 Easy, pick a medium then work in it.
How will you know when it's finished? When you are done with it. Remember though, you are your own worst critic.
You probably have some artists you admire, study them. Go to museums. Learn how your favorites did what they did. Discomver how they overcame the obstacles they did. Ask questions. Ask more questions.
Then do something with your answers. It's not a race with anyone else, it's a long slow walk at your own pace and you get to show others what you think and feel.
If your work resonates with many others, then you may be succesful. If not then yours is a peculiar taste and you will need to search for those who appreciate your particular flavor of art be it drawing, painting, sculpting, whatever.

on 11/22/2005 It still amazes me the extent that art has become commercialized and standardized by western insatiability for infamy. Being an artist is not about resumes, mediocre standards of employment or conformation.

To be an artist - study the masters! Study with an artist that transcends you, steal techniques from the best, and first and foremost; be irremovable on your philosophy and profundity of your art. Be open to absorb all things and analyze.