Artists use their imagination and skills to create works that convey ideas or express emotions. They may work in a variety of mediums and forms, including painting, sculpture, music, writing, or digital art. Regardless of their medium, they seek to capture beauty, reflect contemporary issues, and explore historical narratives. Artists are integral to cultural and societal development and contribute to the diversity of human experience.
The term “artist” has multiple definitions, but arguably the most useful is one offered by the Oxford English Dictionary: “a person who practices any creative art in which accomplished execution is informed by imagination.” It goes on to distinguish the profession from other similar activities that share the same fundamental goal of producing expressive or utilitarian works. For example, musicians who play instruments to sculpt worlds and chronicle stories, actors who embody characters in dramatic performances, and furniture designers who create spaces that bring life to objects.
What sets artists apart is a deep, abiding passion for their craft and an unrelenting dedication to improving and perfecting their work. Whether they study at a traditional university, enroll in a specialized art school, or choose to go it alone, most artists pursue excellence and dedicate themselves fully to the pursuit of their creative vision. They constantly hone their talents and evolve their artistic practice through constant learning, experimentation, and self-evaluation.
All artistic endeavors are fraught with risk, so the most successful artists understand and accept this. They possess a unique perspective on the potential for their creations to change people’s lives, which allows them to push past fear and take risks that others would avoid. This courage fuels their creative drive and keeps them pushing themselves to excel in their fields, even if they fail at times.
While all people are curious to some degree, artists cultivate a curiosity that leads them to ask deeper questions about their work and how it connects with the world around them. They remain open-minded to absorb diverse perspectives and inspirations, sidelining cynicism in the process. Their curiosity also helps them uncover the ephemeral and eternal within a single stroke of a brush or note of a song.
Artists are not afraid to show their work to the public, and they seek to communicate their message and inspire others with their creativity and skill. They exhibit their artwork in galleries, museums, and art fairs to showcase their creations and build their brand. They also participate in art talks and panels to promote their work and engage in the art community to stay informed of industry trends, exchange ideas with peers, and support fellow artists.
Artists are also skilled at describing their work, even when they are not looking at it. They are able to articulate what the work is about, how it is constructed, and how it makes them feel. Creating a meaningful description requires the artist to think about the viewer and their expectations of the piece, which is a critical aspect of communicating art to others. It also requires the artist to put aside their ego and remember that they are creating a shared experience where the audience can be inspired, moved, or even transformed by the art.