Disputing Popular Myths About Being a Self-Taught Artist
What are some of the most popular myths about the successful self-taught artist? We'll debunk a few of them here:
Artists are anti-social. While it may often seem like many of us who are dedicated to our art and reaching success mostly on our own devices are anti-social or introverted somehow, the fact is we simply get "wrapped up" in our work, and usually have an enormous capacity for focus. Not introverted, just dedicated to getting where we want to go!
The self-taught are risk-taking gamblers. Nothing could be further from the truth! If anything, those of us who are artists, illustrators, or who run a successful online art gallery are control freaks who will only get involved in the game if they can use their own marked deck of cards. If anything, we usually avoid taking risks that could actually further our success because - well, it just seems too risky.
Men are geared more toward entrepreneurialism than women. What? No way! This is a HUGE lie - in fact, women have the same abilities as men, but are actually at an even bigger advantage in one area - growing a business to successful levels after it has launched. Why is this? Women "connect" with others naturally and build a stronger foundation because of their outreach to others. Men typically only reach out to determine if their competition is beating them, or for reasons related to money. Oh well, as the old saying goes, "boys will be boys."
A college degree is necessary for success. Ha! The truth of the matter is most self-taught successful people have no college degree, they're simply driven and have no aversion to digging and scratching their way through whatever it takes to reach their goals and learn new things. Need proof? A few of the self-starters who ended up reaching unimaginable success without a degree include the founders of IKEA, McDonald's and the Ford Motor Company.
Other common myths about those who choose to teach themselves art, design or whatever new technique they want to learn is that it's easy, and that anyone can achieve their dreams as long as they have a great idea. Well, that's not true. Even having the passion is not always enough. Will, drive, even lucky breaks help. You can be a great artist however if no one knows you exist how will the word about your work get out?
You need to have a website to show your work and your story. A great portfolio of your work along with an artist statement. Some artists don't know how to write an artist statement. We have some recommendations on how to write an effective artist statement. In addition it can be very beneficial to showcase your artwork on gallery art websites such as artanddesigninspiration.com.
Utilizing social media is a great way to share your work online. Especially Pinterest which is visual based. It's easy and free to set up an account, upload your work and share!
Above all, continue to pursue your talent and learn along the way.
Artists are anti-social. While it may often seem like many of us who are dedicated to our art and reaching success mostly on our own devices are anti-social or introverted somehow, the fact is we simply get "wrapped up" in our work, and usually have an enormous capacity for focus. Not introverted, just dedicated to getting where we want to go!
The self-taught are risk-taking gamblers. Nothing could be further from the truth! If anything, those of us who are artists, illustrators, or who run a successful online art gallery are control freaks who will only get involved in the game if they can use their own marked deck of cards. If anything, we usually avoid taking risks that could actually further our success because - well, it just seems too risky.
Men are geared more toward entrepreneurialism than women. What? No way! This is a HUGE lie - in fact, women have the same abilities as men, but are actually at an even bigger advantage in one area - growing a business to successful levels after it has launched. Why is this? Women "connect" with others naturally and build a stronger foundation because of their outreach to others. Men typically only reach out to determine if their competition is beating them, or for reasons related to money. Oh well, as the old saying goes, "boys will be boys."
A college degree is necessary for success. Ha! The truth of the matter is most self-taught successful people have no college degree, they're simply driven and have no aversion to digging and scratching their way through whatever it takes to reach their goals and learn new things. Need proof? A few of the self-starters who ended up reaching unimaginable success without a degree include the founders of IKEA, McDonald's and the Ford Motor Company.
Other common myths about those who choose to teach themselves art, design or whatever new technique they want to learn is that it's easy, and that anyone can achieve their dreams as long as they have a great idea. Well, that's not true. Even having the passion is not always enough. Will, drive, even lucky breaks help. You can be a great artist however if no one knows you exist how will the word about your work get out?
You need to have a website to show your work and your story. A great portfolio of your work along with an artist statement. Some artists don't know how to write an artist statement. We have some recommendations on how to write an effective artist statement. In addition it can be very beneficial to showcase your artwork on gallery art websites such as artanddesigninspiration.com.
Utilizing social media is a great way to share your work online. Especially Pinterest which is visual based. It's easy and free to set up an account, upload your work and share!
Above all, continue to pursue your talent and learn along the way.
