Become an Artist: Finding Your Voice As An Artist

The word “art” can have many meanings. Some narrowly view it as those who paint. Others allow it for those who work in a visual medium, but cut it off from embracing any broader sphere. The most open-minded see art as anything that is created with some sort of aesthetic intent, be it painting, poetry, film, theater, dance, or anything else.

You may have long wanted to explore your artistic side and become an artist, but lacked confidence about how you would go about doing so. It’s actually a lot easier than you think. If you have never created art before (outside of finger-painting in grade school) and you don’t know in which medium (or media) you want to work, the best place to start is with the written word. Your creative mind is freshest when you first wake up, so before you pour that cup of coffee or hop in the shower take ten minutes to write down ideas that interest you. These ideas can literally be on any topic, and can make as much or as little sense as you want.

Art doesn’t have to make sense; it just has to inspire. Keep notes for about a week, and don’t go back to look at what you wrote the day prior. At the end of your first week, review the list and see which ideas particularly interest you. Then start to think about what artistic method appeals to you most as a way to explore the ideas that intrigue you. You can go it alone at that point and just start creating. One of the many wonderful things about being an artist is that no formal training is required. Some of the greatest artists in history created without benefit of a single lesson or class. However, most of us need some guidance as we create and become an artist, and this can be found at a local school of film, theater, art, creative writing, or whatever other medium appeals.

You don’t have to give up your current life and enroll full-time. Begin by just taking a class or two. Most importantly, try to develop a one-on-one mentoring relationship with an experienced artist who can help guide you on your path. Be forewarned: it’s the rare artist who makes even a small income through his or her art. Our society places little value on most works of art outside the bestselling novels and high-priced paintings that generate millions and millions of dollars not just for the artist but also for the artist’s investors. Money is not the reward. The reward is finding your voice as you become an artist and creating something meaningful that no one else could have made, and when you do this, you will feel the joy of art.