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The Truth About Artists
13 years ago
General
I had a great conversation with a fellow artist I had met an Toracon this year. He's quite extraordinary, and he's an inspiration to myself. Feel free to check out is DA account here http://benchi.deviantart.com/
We talked a lot going back and forth about being artists and kindred spirits. But there's something that especially I feel needs to be said to everyone, artists and non-artists alike. Do you know what it means to be an artist? I'm sure everyone has a general idea or has some belief behind a personal concept, but that's not what I am referring to. There is a truth, an epiphany that every artist needs to experience if they have yet do so already. Some learn it early on, some are still unaware of it.
An artist is not just someone who can create. Think about it carefully. An artist is not just someone who can create. What does this really mean. It's truth time everyone. Why do artists make accounts on art sites? What drives an artist? What goes through an artist's mind? I'll give you some personal insight. A true artist is someone who is willing to share and help their other artist's along their journey. Does this seem like an obvious statement? Alright, but the truth of how many artists deeply believe in this or follow through are not as many as one would think.
Art can be seen as a competitive field. Every artist sizes up their work against other artists whether they mean to or not. But when an artist becomes so engrossed in this competitive nature that they refuse to be open minded, or a part of the art community, they have in essence ceased to be a true artist. I'm by no means saying to give up all your secrets or let others copy you. I'm saying that every artist has started from ground zero, every artist has gone through the phases of frustration because they weren't at the level they wanted to be. All artists have felt the sting of criticism, and the rush of praise. All artists have stared at a piece for too long wondering why it doesn't look right.
I know from experience that if there had been someone more advanced than me take the time to share how they tackled these obstacles, I would have been forever in their debt. Artists need each other. We need to stick together and help one another. If someone does a piece that is clearly less developed (I refuse to say bad because it's not bad, it is at a different level), then something should be said. Looking at it, laughing to yourself and thinking, "Wow, I'm glad I don't draw like that anymore!," is not going to help that artist. If they are serious, they will want constructive feedback, something with a positive attitude but with useful tips to help them. Writing them feedback like, " Yeah... this isn't very good. Practice more," is not helpful. As a true artist we should strive to take the time and help each other reach high levels.
And believe me, it's not just higher level artists who can help lower level artists, it works both ways. Sometimes, even a non-artist can help. I know I tend to over complicate things, and when it comes to my art, sometimes I just cannot put a finger on what's wrong. In these cases, I will ask my boyfriend for his opinion. He is a pixel artist so he understands how to take a step back simplify things. Some of the hardest situations I've faced with my art I was able to manage because I had someone else simplify it and see what I couldn't. It's the same with a lower level artist or a non-artist giving advice to a higher level artist. In my case, though it is different, I actually gave my friend who I mentioned earlier a tip he wasn't aware of. He was pretty excited and began to come up with ways this new trick would help in create new effects.
I want everyone to understand. I have encountered so many artists who see this truth and who have benefited and helped others. But, I have also seen other artists, lower levels and higher levels alike who have not understood this. We are a community! We do better individually when we can learn from one another! Do you think we would have had all these famous artists in our history if they had not influenced one another somehow? I doubt it. Artists seek out schools or other ways to improve their art. As an artist myself, and someone who is passionate to grow and learn, I know the truth. Others know it too. The question is, as an artist, do you know it?
We talked a lot going back and forth about being artists and kindred spirits. But there's something that especially I feel needs to be said to everyone, artists and non-artists alike. Do you know what it means to be an artist? I'm sure everyone has a general idea or has some belief behind a personal concept, but that's not what I am referring to. There is a truth, an epiphany that every artist needs to experience if they have yet do so already. Some learn it early on, some are still unaware of it.
An artist is not just someone who can create. Think about it carefully. An artist is not just someone who can create. What does this really mean. It's truth time everyone. Why do artists make accounts on art sites? What drives an artist? What goes through an artist's mind? I'll give you some personal insight. A true artist is someone who is willing to share and help their other artist's along their journey. Does this seem like an obvious statement? Alright, but the truth of how many artists deeply believe in this or follow through are not as many as one would think.
Art can be seen as a competitive field. Every artist sizes up their work against other artists whether they mean to or not. But when an artist becomes so engrossed in this competitive nature that they refuse to be open minded, or a part of the art community, they have in essence ceased to be a true artist. I'm by no means saying to give up all your secrets or let others copy you. I'm saying that every artist has started from ground zero, every artist has gone through the phases of frustration because they weren't at the level they wanted to be. All artists have felt the sting of criticism, and the rush of praise. All artists have stared at a piece for too long wondering why it doesn't look right.
I know from experience that if there had been someone more advanced than me take the time to share how they tackled these obstacles, I would have been forever in their debt. Artists need each other. We need to stick together and help one another. If someone does a piece that is clearly less developed (I refuse to say bad because it's not bad, it is at a different level), then something should be said. Looking at it, laughing to yourself and thinking, "Wow, I'm glad I don't draw like that anymore!," is not going to help that artist. If they are serious, they will want constructive feedback, something with a positive attitude but with useful tips to help them. Writing them feedback like, " Yeah... this isn't very good. Practice more," is not helpful. As a true artist we should strive to take the time and help each other reach high levels.
And believe me, it's not just higher level artists who can help lower level artists, it works both ways. Sometimes, even a non-artist can help. I know I tend to over complicate things, and when it comes to my art, sometimes I just cannot put a finger on what's wrong. In these cases, I will ask my boyfriend for his opinion. He is a pixel artist so he understands how to take a step back simplify things. Some of the hardest situations I've faced with my art I was able to manage because I had someone else simplify it and see what I couldn't. It's the same with a lower level artist or a non-artist giving advice to a higher level artist. In my case, though it is different, I actually gave my friend who I mentioned earlier a tip he wasn't aware of. He was pretty excited and began to come up with ways this new trick would help in create new effects.
I want everyone to understand. I have encountered so many artists who see this truth and who have benefited and helped others. But, I have also seen other artists, lower levels and higher levels alike who have not understood this. We are a community! We do better individually when we can learn from one another! Do you think we would have had all these famous artists in our history if they had not influenced one another somehow? I doubt it. Artists seek out schools or other ways to improve their art. As an artist myself, and someone who is passionate to grow and learn, I know the truth. Others know it too. The question is, as an artist, do you know it?
