Art is something that people think only a certain amount of people can do. I personally think that everybody can create! You may say "I can't even draw a stick figure!" My response, yes, yes you can. You might not be able to draw incredible pieces of artwork right away, but eventually your skills will develop and you'll get better. Art is just like any other hobby such as sports, or learning a new language, it takes time and practice. So while you're on the road to pro artist or even that perfect stick figure, I'd like to point out a few things that artists may feel, experience or hear along the way.
1. When someone asks if you're a good artist
This question always stumps me, because an artist is their own worst critic. Sometimes you like your art, other times you want to trash the whole project you've been working on for five hours.
2. Learning to art
Yes, art takes practice and loads of learning. Many artists don't just sit down and create a masterpiece their first time around. It takes a long time to develop certain skills, so don't worry if you're not at your best yet.
3. When you see someones artwork that is way better than yours
This is the hardest part about art, comparison. Just don't do it. It can really wreck your motivation to keep creating and learning if you're constantly comparing your art with others. It's fine to marvel at others work and admire their style, but know your art is great too and someone out there is doing the same to yours.
4. When someone says they like your art
When people say they like your art it makes you so happy! Just knowing that someone out there is excited to see what you worked so hard on and created is very satisfying. So if you admire someone's art go ahead and let them know!
5. "Can you draw me?
If you've drawn in public before I can guarantee you've been asked by numerous people if you can draw them. It's not that you don't want to, but you really would rather not at the moment. It's usually when you're in the middle of already drawing something, and people don't always realize it takes some time. Plus it's kinda like going up to an accountant and asking them to do your taxes for free.
6. "It'll get you great exposure."
You'll get asked all the time to do art stuff in return for "great exposure". You can do the job if you want, but really?
7. When someone wants to commission you
When you first get a paid commission it's like working on Christmas! Someone actually recognizes you as an artist, congrats! It's another one of those many best feelings that artists get.
8. You can't draw what's in your head
Sometimes the worst art block days are when you have a great vision in your mind, but can't seem to replicate that onto paper. It's quiet frustrating, but don't give up!
9. But then it finally turns out!
Usually it's by complete mistake, but when your piece finally looks how you imagined you get really excited and proud of yourself.
10. Comparing
So, I know I mentioned this earlier. Don't compare your artwork to others, but by all means compare to yourself. Look at your progress between now and four years earlier. You'll be surprised how much better you are.
11. Using ink as a material
I'm finding a new love for using ink, but it's incredibly terrifying! If you've never had the experience it's a bit like this. Imagine create a beautiful sketch drawing. Then, you decide it needs a bit of ink on top to line the art. You know once you put the ink down it's there FOREVER! No, going back! So, if you mess up it's there for ever!
12. Art.History.
If you go to school for art, chances are you'll be required to take some type of art history class. And let me tell you, it's the most fun you'll ever have! ;)
13. "How do you do it?"
The art process can be strange to others that are unfamiliar with it. I myself, am still not quiet sure how I do it, just like how I don't understand how people do gymnastics and flip mid-air. It's just something you learn to do.
14. So go and CREATE!
Now that you have a taste of what it's like as an artist, take your inspiration and go create something! I can be anything and as wacky as you'd like, because it's your art.
