Everything You Need To Know To Become A Successful Self-Taught Artist
Vincent van Gogh. Henri Rousseau. Frida Kahlo. Claude Monet. They’re just a few globally renowned, successful self-taught artists and you can be on that list too! Want to know how? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Before we get into things, it’s important to address the truths when it comes to your journey as a self-taught artist. The reality is that it can be a challenging road that takes lots of perseverance, energy, and dedication but once you reapply your passionate and determined spirit every day to your art, you can surely make it, and let’s debunk the misconception that you have to go to a school or institution to study art in order to be successful because that’s exactly what it is - a misconception. There are numerous ways for you to become a successful self-taught artist and we’re going to show you how!
"Small talks in lockdown” (2020) //Charcoal and acrylic on canvas// by 4th Edition Juror, Ken Nwadiogbu
FIND YOUR VOICE
Finding your voice through your style of art is very important because your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have - alongside your paintbrush or camera of course! Your creative voice is your artistic point of view and experiences coupled with your choice of medium, technique, colour palette, themes, and symbolism that makes you unique as an artist. Your voice gives you the agency and power to tell your truth and to relay your message through your art. Just like Thor has his hammer (that only he can wield by virtue of his worthiness and inhumane strength), you have your creative voice which according to the illustrator and author, Lisa Congdon is your superpower as an artist. She also outlined many ways in which you can find your voice such as by creating projects for yourself that develop your style and build your skill in your particular medium and by translating your interests into your artwork. You can also try pushing boundaries and getting out of your comfort zone by taking calculated risks and recollecting, ever so often, the passions that make you feel energized, enthused, and motivated.
“Saule” //Photography// by 3rd Edition Finalist, Elzbieta Plioplyte
2. BE OPEN TO CONSTANTLY LEARNING
The willingness to learn and remain open-minded and receptive while you do so is a recipe for success. That’s how you will progress after all because you will be able to acquire new knowledge in order to enhance your techniques and abilities and advance. Open yourself up to and welcome constructive criticism even from people not in the art industry because there contributions can be just as valuable. The point of constructive criticism is to present ideas and feedback for actionable improvement that will in turn help you to grow and become more successful in what you do. This type of criticism provides you with specifications of what should be done to help you improve so it will be very beneficial in your career. Imagine if everyone only described your art work without giving constructive recommendations that you can put into action to enhance your work? In reality, it would make the process of betterment harder to accomplish and your work may end up remaining stagnant in its quality because you may not always have ideas on how to ameliorate it or you may even think that it’s optimal. Why? Because it reaches the public’s standards and everyone is giving it high praises which would that you’re working for admiration and notoriety more than for yourself but the fact of the matter is that there is always room for improvement.
Another way to constantly learn is through your mistakes and others’ mistakes. Mistakes hold valuable lessons in them so utilize that to avoid repeating them over and over again. They also teach us integral information about what works and what doesn’t and can make your success feel even more rewarding. Try changing your mindset towards mistakes and instead of seeing them as set backs, see them as educational obstacles that help you to move forward.
You can also get a mentor whose mistakes and experiences you can learn from because we can learn from secondhand knowledge. Your mentor is like your guide in the art industry because they’re there to encourage you, hold you accountable, impart their expertise and advice to assist you in your career. To find a suitable artistic mentor , you can interact with faculty at your university or art institution or alma mater and network on social media, at work or events. In a career development segment on Yale University’s website, they outline ways to ask someone to mentor you. They suggest that in an email you first, schedule an initial conversation in which you ask your potential mentor if they have time availability for a meeting to discuss the possibility. Then, clearly describe the guidance you are looking for following which you confirm and reiterate your willingness to commit to their mentorship and to the work you have to put in. Lastly, it’s always important to respect the other individual’s time and their schedule. If you do not get feedback from them, you can follow up within two to three weeks after your initial email.
“Pretty in Pink 15” //Photography// by 4th Edition Submitter, Benjamin Cole
3. EXUDE PROFESSIONALISM
Professionalism is a core value in career development and success and its a soft skill that many sort after. It’s has to do with how you carry and present yourself in the business environment when interacting with prospective clients and partners. You always want to be respectful, punctual and have a strong work ethic. Just these qualities can open new doors for you in the art world especially when coupled with a demonstration of ongoing improvement in your technique and skill.
“She is also Fragile” //Photography// by 4th Edition Submitter, Darlene San Agustin
4. CREATE A PLAN
It’s easier to get things done and be on the road to success when you have a plan and strategy of how to get there. Start by identifying some short term and long term goals as an artist that are both realistic, relevant and attainable because it will be pointless to be solely idealistic and cheat yourself by not being able to achieve the steps in your plan. Possible short term goals can be getting press coverage, applying for a grant or art enhancing your social media accounts. Give yourself a deadline or timeframe for short time goals to motivate yourself and keep yourself accountable. Meanwhile, long term artistic goals can remain general and not as time-specific such as building a reliable and interactive clientele. Remember to remain flexible with your plan as unpredictable events can occur and adjust the timeframes and goals you previously described.
Equally. creating a marketing plan can be ideal for emerging artists like yourself because it’s important to have a solid means of communicating and reaching your audience. First, start by defining who your target audience is so that you know your content is suitable for them and will resonate with them while staying true to yourself and communicate your interests through the look and feel of your art and your marketing strategy.
“Black Molasses” //Pen and Ink on Paper// by 4th Edition Finalist, Kuruma Reid
5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO PUT YOUR ART OUT THERE
We understand how intimidating it is to put your work out there because it is an extension of you and you’re opening yourself up to rejection, commentary and so much more but is is important and beyond helpful to put yourself and your art out there to grow as an artist, open the door for new opportunities and gain a following. For example, you can enter art competitions (like Boynes Emerging Artist Award!), collaborate with galleries, apply for grants and residencies and posting on your social media and we’ve seen the hard work, courage to put oneself out there and the success from that come to fruition many times, for example, in the case of self-taught Jamaican artist and 2nd Place Winner in the 4th Edition of Boynes Emerging Artist Award, Kuruma Reid. So, there’s no doubt about it that it is a beneficial opportunity to taking the leap of faith and courage and showcasing your artwork.
We hope this article will give you ideas and help you become the best version of yourself artistically and be well on the way to a successful career as an artist!