7 tips for becoming a self-taught artist

7 tips for becoming a self-taught artist

You feel thesoul of an artist but as self-taught you do not dare to start?

Few of us have had the chance to go to a great art school to learn to draw and paint.

In your dreams, you would like to learn from a teacher or some great masters of drawing and painting, in a recognized school.
However, an art school teaches you art as if it were a trainable skill.

And for me, Art has no rules and the learning has no end.

As an artist who studied in art school, I wanted to share my point of view on this.
Indeed, learning in a special school can sometimes be a bit too academic and be more focused on technique rather than an artist’s state of mind and creativity.

Although you still have to learn some basics, being an artist is also get out of the frame and formal teachings and especially to let express one’s intuition and his creativity.

Because of this, you may have a difficult path as a self-taught artist. But also very rewarding because you will have freedom to learn at your leisure and at your own pace.

If you are discipline, you can achieve anything an artist could achieve. In fact, formal artistic training can be restrictive for the apprenticeship of certain artists, who are more suited to the self-taught path.

Here is some examples of great masters paint that were self-taught :

So rest assured, we all have an artist in us ! Just do it wake and of practice regularly to develop their knowledge and practice.

You want to embark on the adventure of a self-taught artist, then here is 7 tips that could help you.

1. Expect nothing, aim high

If you expect too much as a self-taught artist, you’ll quickly be discouraged if it doesn’t work for you. Being an artist and making a living from your art is hard enough even with an academic background.

However, it is important that you have a optimism almost unlimited. This is what will get you going!

Aim to achieve whatever you desire.
Even if at first, you won’t be able to achieve everything because if that’s the case, you probably didn’t dream big enough!

Put on some challenges to overcome. Not too ambitious not to discourage you but challenging enough to help you progress.

2. Copy Grandmasters to start

Sometimes the best way tostudy the techniques and the process of the great masters is simply to try to copy their works.

This will give you a better understanding of the issues they faced, the strokes they made, the colors they selected, and their overall approach to art.

The purpose of copying works of art is not to try to reproduce them, but rather to get an idea of ​​how the artist worked.
It is an excellent exercise for try different techniques and appreciate the ones you feel most comfortable with inspired.

However, this should only be a small part of your studies, because it is important that you develop your own style!

You may also be interested in this article
10 tips to be more inspired

3. Investment is essential

If you want to be a successful self-taught artist, then it’s important that you actually invest.

It’s not just about finding a new occupation on Sunday, but about to spend hours per week. You really have to take it serious.

This is the hardest part of being a recognized artist. Most of you will have day jobs and other hobbies.
You don’t have time to study your art 7 hours a day.

You must therefore find the time where you can. Ideally, you should have regular sessions all week long. These don’t need to be long, but they do need to be regular, targeted and dedicated only to your artistic activity.

You must isolate of the world and make those creative moments count. Put on some music and disconnect from the rest of the world (turn off your phone, emails, social networks, etc.)
It’s a moment just for you with yourself.

Half an hour of daily practice is much more efficient only 7 hours of practice in a day.

A common blockage for performers is waiting for the perfect time to practice (which, as you’ll find, never comes). It is therefore up to you to determine this “ideal” time.

To integrate your artistic practice into your dailyyou can, for example, make paintings small and fast that will keep your inspiration fresh day after day.

Unlike spending weeks trying to finish a huge piece in your studio, which will often end up unfinished and stored in your basement…

Creating small works will ensure you don’t get bogged down on a bigger piece and keep your motivation to create every day!

4. Be your worst/best critic

It can be easy to put on rose-colored glasses when looking at your own work.

But for really learn and you to improveyou must learn to judge your art in a way impartial and critical.
If you are your biggest fan or show your work only to friends and family, you will never identify your weaknesses or areas for improvement.

If you feel your ego is getting in the way of your learning, submit your work to competition and to galleries. At first, you can also post your works on the social networks.
For example on twitter groups specializing in painting, drawing or art in general. These communities are full of good advice and feedback, most often benevolent, which will allow you to progress.

However, you might just as quickly be put off but it is a very formative experience! Don’t be discouraged after a “bad” review.

Criticism is essential progresswhen it is constructive, of course. Creation also lies in the art of questioning yourself. 😉

5. Don’t compare yourself to others

When you’re not around other artists, you may end up comparing yourself to very established professional artists, such as those you discover on the Internet.

What you need to understand is that all professional artists were amateurs at one point !

Look to the professionals for inspire youbut don’t compare yourself to them.

You can also go to exhibitions, museums, art fairs but also in nature, they are wonderful sources of inspiration and motivation.

Focus only on yourself and how you can improve yourself.
You are unique is your art too! That’s all that matters.

6. Save all your achievements

It seems important to me to keep everything you do, even when you’re just starting out. There may be a time when your first works will be very important to you.
Sometimes they even become very good sources of inspiration!

When you observe your old works, you will be able to identify weak points that you may not have seen at the beginning. It’s also a great way to become aware of your progress.

Post your achievements on social media can also be a great way to keep track of your activity as an artist. Thus, you create your own scenario that highlights your progress.

It can also serve as portfolio. If you make your profile public, your creations will be visible to art lovers and collectors, but also to gallery owners! In this case, it is advisable to create a reserved account only for expose and to share your works.

7. Participate in an artistic community

You do not yet have a network in the artistic world?

One of the best options is voluntary involvement in a artistic community through exhibitions, competitions, public demonstration, online art forums and also in specialized twitter groups.

If you get involved actively in a community, you will not feel disadvantaged compared to those who have had an artistic education.

It’s a great way to create a network of professionals and amateurs, in order to exchange information and tips, to have precious tips and also to feel supported, inspired and motivated !

In conclusion, I hope that these 7 tips will be useful to you and allow you todare to become a self-taught artist.

Now no more complexes!
Be determinedcreate and express your most artistic talents often possible ! 🙂

Follow your dreams, they know the way

Kobi Yamada

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Also discover my artistic universe on caroart-galerie.fr