HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST

 

To be a successful artist, you must possess two important attributes. Number 1. Mastery of your medium, and 2. A vivid imagination.

Let's first talk about Mastering Your Medium.

It doesn't matter how long you've been working in art, whether you’re a newbie, or a seasoned veteran, you can't create what you want without first gaining proficiency over the tools you use to express yourself. This is true in most all forms of self-expression.

How do you gain knowledge and understanding of your medium? Simple. It's like the old joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Practice, practice, practice. Learn the fundamentals of your medium. Learn techniques. Learn control. Don't let your medium control you.

Once you have learned one technique, push this technique a step further to learn something new. Take it one step at a time. Study how other artists worked. Copy, decipher, drink the waters of knowledge. Become proficient with your tools. This is how you grow and succeed. I’ve been working in the art field for over 50 years, and I’m still learning, experimenting, studying, and growing!

Now let's talk about the necessary attribute of using a vivid imagination.

Once you've learned the tools and basic techniques of your art form, it's time to let your imagination take your proficiency to new heights.

Whether you are a painter, a writer, a sculptor, photographer, a standup comic, an actor or actress, a dancer, a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker. It's important that you take nothing at its face value.

Think! Look for the true nature of things. Add, subtract. Twist and turn elements. Look for patterns. Break molds. Use contrast and repetition. Link seemingly unconnected components. Learn the importance of simplicity and vagueness. Add parts and pieces where they shouldn't be added. Be childlike in your curiosity. Evoke emotion. Excite and surprise us. Make us ponder and wonder. Make us awestruck.

Above all, don't settle. Do something good, different, and wonderful. Learn to love what you do. Be grateful you have been blessed with this opportunity. Your talent is rare, and so are you!


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