Anyone can paint a pretty picture. But creating art requires much more than that. It requires a unique ability to see connections, interpret information and think on your feet – all while executing in real time. That’s why becoming an artist is so much more than just sitting in front of a paintbrush or a camera – it’s also about growth as an individual. When you learn to use your creativity to express yourself, you grow both as an artist and as a person. In this article, professional artist Corey Ribotsky shares some tips for growing as an artist.
Be Patient
The success of any artist depends on dedication, determination, and a desire to improve. Every artist progresses at his or her own pace. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your artistic progress and achievements.
The thing Corey Ribotsky likes best about “Art” is that it is an activity we can improve upon with age, unlike many other enjoyable activities we have in our youth. As long as we have our faculties, determination, and desire to improve our art, we can continue to excel and grow as artists.
Collaborate
You can’t work on your own if you want to achieve great things in the future. The only way to grow as an artist is to collaborate with other people. Whether it’s with your classmates in a group project or with a mentor on a more personal project, collaborating with others is the only way to grow as an artist. There will always be times when you’ll need to collaborate with others, whether it’s with other artists or mentors, so make sure you’re comfortable with the idea of working with others. Not only does working with others build confidence and allow you to grow, but it also shows the other person you trust and respect – which can open the door to other opportunities in the future, explains New York-based artist, Corey Ribotsky.
Take Breaks
You’re not going to see a fast track to great art because you’re working every day. In fact, working just as hard as the next person is only going to make you stressed out, under-productive and afraid of missing out on opportunities because you’re busy being productive. As Corey Ribotsky explains, if you want to grow as an artist, you have to take breaks.
Some people find it really easy to take a short break every so often – maybe once a week, or a couple of times a month. For others, it’s a real struggle. If you have a hard time taking a break, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal. When you have a project or a deadline to meet, it’s hard to just…walk away. You have to take a break, or else you’ll fall behind and never get a chance to catch up.
Keep it Simple
A painting or image with too many details can clutter and distract the viewer and make it difficult to identify the subject. In strong pieces of art, the extraneous content is edited out, which allows the viewer to focus on the primary objects.
Network, Network, Network
If you’re serious about growing as an artist, you have to learn how to network. This is a skill you have to master and use regularly is essential for finding new private clients, curators and galleries, uplevel your linkedin profile, visit events regularly and join groups within your target career path.
When you’re a beginner, you’re simply trying to pick up where others left off. As you move forward, though, you’ll want to learn from some of the best in the business – mentors and peers, adds Corey Ribotsky. The best way to meet other artists and get involved in the community is through networking. Nurture your own growth as an artist with the people around you, and you’ll grow as a person as well. Networking can lead to so many new friendships, collaborations and experiences.
Conclusion
Getting into the right mindset is crucial when you want to become an artist. You have to be patient, stay committed to learning and developing yourself as an individual – both as a painter and a person – and you will see the results. When you find the right inspiration, you can create the most amazing works of art.