Art Is No Longer Simply Visual Creativity
The creative world of art has changed since the Neanderthals first etched paintings of animals on cave walls 65,000 years ago. People today are no longer simply impressed with raw talent, and artists must also be business people and marketing experts and incorporate everything from technology to abstract ideas into their endeavors to reach and maintain success.
Arts and Technology
Technology has opened up a whole new world of art for the creative types. Technology, artistic flair, and cleverness can come together to create masterpieces that could not have been possible just a few decades ago. As artists, many of us are expected to learn how to use digital tools, such as cameras, Photoshop, laser printing, and more, to produce marketable pieces.
Art and Finances
Some artists move into a commercial position fairly early in their careers. According to the Empty Easel, these business-minded individuals can make anywhere from around $20 per hour up to $92,000 per year or more. Unfortunately, these jobs are limited, and many of us still have to earn an income while we continue to be creative. A few great options for creatives to help pay the bills include candle maker, custom clothing embroiderer, glassblower, stencil designer, and tattoo artist.
Art and Subjectivity
We all know that art is subjective, but most people still expect art pieces to be visually pleasing. This is not always the case, and we walk a fine line between what we see as beautiful and what the public accepts as art. While the concept of conceptual art has been around for generations, today’s artists have the freedom to go further and further away from tradition to create masterpieces that invoke all of the senses, including the viewer's intellect and imagination.
Art and Marketing
Marketing is not always comfortable for artists, especially those of us who slant toward introversion. But, if we want to pay our bills, feed our families, and share our talents with the world, it is not enough to just create. We must put ourselves out there. The Artwork Archives recommends using social media, blogging, and newsletters to capture attention. However, you’ll also need a website, ideally one that showcases the experiences of your previous clients.
Art and Non-Artistic Skills
As an artist, you’ll be required to have many skills outside of your medium. A few of these include:
- Material sourcing
- Location research
- Proposal writing
- Self-promotion
- Negotiation
- Portfolio building
- Adaptability
- Business management
- Acceptance of criticism
- Technical capabilities
- Determination
- Autonomy
- Communication
- Stamina
And perhaps most importantly
- Self-belief
In addition to all of the above, you also have to be willing to learn. You may also have to be willing to step away from your traditional responsibilities, at least temporarily, so that you can better focus on your art. For this, many artists choose to apply for a residency, which can last anywhere from a week to several months or more.
While art might be our end goal, there is so much more to being successful in the modern day and age. As artists, we have to be willing to market ourselves and, sometimes, make money to support our families outside of our preferred artistic endeavors. Although there are challenges, doing what you love is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in the arts, and every hurdle you overcome puts you one step closer to being the artist you want to be.
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