Becoming an artist is not just about mastering technical skills or picking up a paintbrush, a camera, or a musical instrument. It is about embracing a process of self-discovery, vulnerability, and creativity that stretches across your lifetime. If you’ve ever felt a spark of inspiration, or found yourself captivated by a moment of beauty, chances are you’ve already begun the journey toward becoming an artist. But let’s take a closer look at how this process works, and what to expect along the way.
Step 1: Embrace the Desire to Create
There is no set formula for becoming an artist, and that’s part of what makes it so personal. Some people are born with a natural inclination toward artistic expression. Others may come to it later in life, after years of building a career in something else. Art is an evolving pursuit, and it’s never too late to start.
Psychological Perspective: According to studies on creativity and self-expression, individuals who engage in artistic practices report higher levels of psychological well-being. This includes reduced stress, increased happiness, and a stronger sense of self-identity. Creating art isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about connecting to something deeper within you.
Step 2: Understand the Different Forms of Art
Art is not one-size-fits-all. It spans across a wide array of disciplines, each with its own traditions, techniques, and methods. The first step in becoming an artist is determining what medium speaks to you. Here are some popular forms of art:
- Visual Arts: This includes painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art.
- Performing Arts: Dance, theater, music, and opera are all included here. The performing arts are all about expression through movement, voice, or sound.
- Literary Arts: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and plays all belong to this category. Writers create worlds, characters, and experiences with words.
- Crafts and Design: This can include ceramics, fashion design, interior design, jewelry making, and even graphic design. These are often more functional but still require artistic vision.
The most important step is figuring out what sparks joy in you. Don’t worry if your interests change or evolve over time—this is a lifelong journey, after all.
Step 3: Invest Time in Learning and Practice
The myth of the “born artist” is just that—a myth. While some may have a natural inclination, every artist needs to practice their craft to develop and refine their skills. You wouldn’t expect to become a professional athlete without training, and the same applies to art.
Statistical Insights: According to a 2017 survey by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), 40% of adult Americans engaged in some form of art or artistic activity. Interestingly, only a small fraction of these individuals pursued it as a full-time career. Most of them did it for the joy and satisfaction of the process.
Whether you decide to attend formal classes, take online tutorials, or just experiment on your own, the key is consistency. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your unique voice and style. And yes, it takes time—don’t be disheartened if you don’t create a masterpiece on day one. Even the greatest artists started with humble sketches.
Step 4: Overcome Fear and Embrace Failure
One of the biggest challenges any artist faces is overcoming the fear of failure. We all have an internal critic, but you must learn to silence that voice, at least temporarily, in order to create freely. Every mistake, every misstep, and every imperfect piece is part of the learning process.
The Science of Creativity: Research from Harvard University on creativity shows that failure is an essential component of growth. The more you fail, the more you learn. The difference between a successful artist and someone who gives up is simply the ability to continue despite setbacks.
Step 5: Find Your Community and Build Connections
Art is a deeply personal experience, but it’s also about sharing and connecting with others. Whether you’re part of an art class, an online forum, or a local artist collective, having a community can make all the difference. Art is a form of communication, and feedback from others can help refine your work.
Sociological Insights: A 2018 report by the National Arts Index found that individuals who are engaged in creative communities experience increased social well-being. This sense of belonging and shared purpose can be motivating, especially when times get tough.
However, be aware of the darker side of artistic communities. It’s easy to fall into comparisons with others, and the pressure to “keep up” can be stressful. That’s why it’s important to create an environment of support, not competition. If you feel you’re in a toxic or overly critical space, it may be time to step back and find new outlets.
Step 6: Make It Sustainable—Monetizing Your Art
If you plan to turn your art into a career, you’ll eventually face the practical side of things—how to earn a living as an artist. This can be one of the toughest aspects of the journey. Art is often undervalued in our society, and finding ways to make a sustainable income from it can take time.
Economic Reality: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), visual artists such as painters, sculptors, and illustrators, often face irregular incomes, with most earning less than $50,000 annually. However, many artists combine their work with teaching, freelance gigs, or selling art online to supplement their income.
Some ideas to consider:
- Sell your work: Online platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or even Instagram can help you showcase your work and find buyers.
- Licensing: If you’re a digital artist, consider licensing your designs for products, websites, or merchandise.
- Teaching: Whether it’s private lessons, workshops, or even YouTube tutorials, teaching can be a reliable source of income.
Step 7: Stay Resilient and Keep Evolving
Art is not a linear journey. You will face ups and downs, periods of doubt, and moments of immense satisfaction. But remember, the key to becoming a successful artist isn’t about finding instant fame or fortune. It’s about resilience and the ability to keep pushing forward, learning, and improving.
Common Obstacles Artists Face—and How to Solve Them
- Self-doubt: Many artists experience imposter syndrome, the feeling that they’re not truly “qualified” to create art. Solution: Recognize that this feeling is normal, and that every artist goes through it. Keep creating, and remember that art is subjective—there is no right or wrong.
- Financial instability: Being an artist can come with periods of financial insecurity. Solution: Diversify your income streams. Offer commissions, teach, or create merchandise based on your art.
- Isolation: As a solitary pursuit, art can sometimes feel lonely. Solution: Reach out to other artists online or in your community. Attend exhibitions or join local artist groups to build a sense of belonging.
Real Opinions from Artists Around the World
- Lina, 42, Sweden (Painter): “Being an artist is both freeing and exhausting. I’m constantly learning, but the satisfaction of creating something from nothing is priceless. The hardest part is not giving in to doubts, especially when things aren’t selling. But I’ve learned to find joy in the process, not just the outcome.”
- Tom, 65, USA (Sculptor): “I’ve been sculpting for over 30 years, and it’s been an ongoing journey. There’s always something new to learn, and new materials to explore. My advice? Don’t expect to make money from it right away. But if you stick with it, eventually, you find a way.”
- Chung, 28, South Korea (Digital Artist): “The digital world offers endless possibilities. It’s incredibly exciting to think about the future of art, especially with AI and digital platforms. But there’s also a lot of noise out there. It’s tough to stand out, but I try not to focus on that. I create what feels true to me.”
- Maria, 53, Brazil (Writer): “I started writing later in life, and it’s been a fantastic journey. Writing gives me a sense of purpose. My advice to anyone thinking of becoming an artist is to never stop learning. Seek out mentorship, read, and stay curious.”
- Jamal, 40, Nigeria (Musician): “Music is an art form that speaks across all languages. I’ve been a musician for most of my life, and while it’s not always easy, the joy of performing and creating new music keeps me going. My biggest lesson has been learning to not take criticism personally—it’s just part of the process.”
Final Thoughts
Becoming an artist is a personal journey that requires patience, practice, and resilience. It’s about more than just producing art; it’s about understanding yourself, your medium, and your place in the world. So, if you’re thinking of taking the leap into the world of art, know that it will be worth it—every mistake, every lesson, and every moment of inspiration. Keep creating, stay true to your vision, and let your art speak for you.
