How I did it: I've been creative my entire life and always wanted to be an artist of some medium (or several), but for some reason found calling myself an "artist" uncomfortable. Thought you had to be published or show in galleries or have a rep, etc.

In my mid-twenties, I was concentrating on writing. I started a lot of novels and short stories, but only finished a couple of the short stories. A friend at the time quoted a line from a Woody Allen film (not sure if this is the exact wording): "...all the angst of an artist but none of the talent". Not exactly encouraging words, and she hadn't even read anything I'd written. Still, I took it to heart and felt it described me perfectly. I've always feared mediocrity, so I figured if I couldn't be a genius why bother.

Still, I continued to struggle with writing on and off, then in the 90's discovered Photoshop. A constant doodler, occasional sketcher, collage fanatic, and lover of photography, I started playing around in the program by drawing and experimenting with all the tools. I fell in love.

Around 2002, I experienced a deep depression (not my first). I'd recently bought a laptop and laid in bed browsing the internet. Discovering Amazon kicked things off. Fascinated by some of the witty reviews, I eventually started writing reviews of my own. I was actually terrified at first, thinking of all the people who would probably pan my reviews. I told myself that I had to face rejection. I had to learn to deal with it. I wrote some tongue-in-cheek but some serious ones, too. I also started doing lists (I love making lists). I got a lot of positive feedback from it, which was encouraging.

From there I started a blog and posting my art on the then new site Illustration Friday. Again terrified, but people who commented were so supportive and kind. With this I became more daring and more expressive and more me. I started calling myself an "artist". Still felt a bit awkward but the more I said it and wrote it the more comfortable it became until it was a perfect fit.

Since then my visual art has improved tremendously and I'm now branching out by experimenting with music and video. The caveat: now find myself scared of success - always finding ways of self-sabotaging myself. If it's not one thing it's another, right?

Obviously, I still have "issues", but I'm working on them and dream of the day that I can support myself with my art. It took along time to be able to call myself an "artist", but I can't imagine myself as anything else.

Lessons & tips: Experiment, experiment, experiment

Practice, practice, practice

Don't let naysayers discourage you

Dare to express your vision, even if it scares some people, even if it scares you

Intentionally place yourself in the line of fire. The art world is a tough place to break in to, and can often be cruel. We artists tend to be hyper-sensitive; so, get used to not being appreciated by some or several (or at least try not to take it personally, which is hard because to us our art is personal).

Examine the work of artists you love. Analyze it. This is a great way to learn and be inspired.

Life itself is a work of art. Put some of your creativity into everything you do.

Inspiration is everywhere. Art is everywhere: from nature to street signs. Stay observant.

Use whatever you have. You don't need a lot of money or store bought tools to create a work of art. Sticks, household sponges, old bills, ripped clothing, broken jewelry, etc. With these you can make paintings, assemblages, sounds, whatever your imagination can dream up.

Resources: Illustration Friday
Blogging
Amazon
Photoshop
EBSQ
Stubbornness

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Mar 16, 2009, 02:05PM PDT | 2 comments | 1 cheer