The term artist is used in many different ways and it’s easy to see why: sculptors are artisans that chisel worlds from stone, writers are artists who shape narratives with words, musicians are artists who bring melodies to life with their instruments. But what exactly is an artist? While there are many definitions of an artist, one that resonates with us at Springboard is that “an artist is anyone who thinks creatively about the world and their dynamic place within it.”
In the same way that a paintbrush isn’t just a tool for painting, an artist’s work is more than the creation itself. The artist’s ability to inspire, enlighten, uplift, and connect with an audience is just as important as their craftiness and creativity.
Creating art isn’t an easy task and the path to becoming a successful artist takes time, dedication, and perseverance. This is especially true for those who choose to pursue art as a full-time career. But it’s also not uncommon for art professionals to have other jobs, responsibilities, and obligations that can interfere with their artistic production. This can include running a business, marketing their work, answering emails, researching, and coordinating with clients or fellow artists to deliver their artwork on time.
Artists are always learning new things and gaining skillsets to help them bring their ideas to life. This can be through formal training like courses or a specialized higher education program or self-taught through practice and experimentation. They also have to stay open to criticism, as well as their own failings and successes, to be able to grow as a creative and effective artist.
A common trait of all artists is their insatiable curiosity. This may be the drive to understand how something works or why it’s the way it is. It can be as simple as asking questions about a tree’s beauty or why the bird landed on it to as complex as analyzing an abstract painting for its meaning, composition, and form.
As artists we are incredibly visual and the way we perceive the world around us influences what we create. This is why it is important to take the time to really look at a piece of artwork and consider its overall shapes, forms, and color palettes. It’s also crucial to notice the lighting, not just where it is coming from but its intensity and mood, whether it’s natural or artificial.
An artist’s worldview is constantly expanding, and their ability to absorb and incorporate diverse inspirations allows them to continually evolve as a creator and as an interpreter of beauty. This is what makes them unique and special, and it’s why it’s so difficult to define them with one word or phrase. To see the full scope of what an artist is, you have to experience their work for yourself.