How to Transition from Hobbyist to Professional Artist
If the art world seems impenetrable or out of reach, just remember that every professional artist—from world-renowned masters to your local art heroes—began as a hobbyist.
At some point in their exploration of art, they made a conscious decision to put themselves out there. And you can, too.
Transitioning from art-as-a-hobby to professional artistry is partly about recognizing your worth. It’s an admission to yourself that your talents and voice deserve a place on gallery walls, auctions, and marketplaces. However, it also involves planning, skill-sharpening, elevated materials, and a little legwork. This article will detail some critical steps to take as you make this exciting transition.
Define Your Concerns, Motifs, and Ambitions
Notably, most professional artists have “concerns” or themes that they continually return to: ideas that repeat themselves across artworks and, when a spectator takes a step back, form a cohesive whole.
You don’t have to feel limited or restricted by these motifs; artists often go through phases in their careers, switching up their ideas, styles, and even mediums. However, it helps to define your interests and concerns to create a united body of work. These concerns can be specific things (like a geographical location or flower) or broad ideas (like climate change, how families interact, or abstractness).
Next, consider your ambitions. Set some clear, realistic goals for your transition to professional artistry, like seeing your art in a gallery or selling your first painting online.
Level Up Your Art Supplies
A sizeable difference between hobby art and professional art is the materials used. Hobbyists often gravitate toward “student-grade” art supplies. These supplies are less expensive but less high-quality than “artist-grade” supplies. For instance, artist-grade paints feature more pigment and superior colour-fastness, creating more vivid and long-lasting artworks suitable for archives and galleries.
As you transition to professional artistry, consider slowly replacing your student-grade supplies with artist-grade ones (like paints, brushes, canvases, or the equivalent in your medium). Find a well-loved art supply store with a large inventory, like Above Ground Art Supplies, and chat with the knowledgeable floor staff about the best materials for your particular artistic goals.
Hone Your Skills Through Workshops, Tutorials, and Classes
You can find countless examples of self-taught artistic giants. That said, many were self-taught due to a lack of resources, mentoring opportunities, and educational opportunities. In the digital age, those aren’t really an issue; for zero money and a nominal time investment, you can research various techniques online. And if you are willing to pay a bit, you can access multiple online and in-personal workshops/classes that help you refine your skills.
While the concept of the “self-taught genius” is romantic, don’t let it get in the way of professional development and refinement.
Get Your Art Out in the World
With honed skills and superior supplies, you will start creating art worthy of selling and displaying. The next step, therefore, is to get your art out in the world.
A few fantastic places to start are craft fairs, local cafés (that often hang artwork for sale), and online marketplaces. Many artists sell their first pieces in these settings. Just remember to price your art to reflect the effort and skill you put into it.
Alternatively, you can approach galleries with your portfolio by scheduling an appointment; if they like your stuff, they might choose to represent you. Finally, several workshops and classes also feature a showcase when the class finishes, in which gallery owners, art buyers and the public can peruse your art and purchase it.
Attend Shows and Build Relationships
Lastly, there’s the networking side of being a professional artist. If you’re interested in the community side of the profession (it’s a lovely side), attend shows, support your peers, and build relationships with various people.
The adage “it’s all about who you know” isn’t quite the case in art. (Skill, vision, and determination are still hot commodities). However, developing a community of like-minded art lovers around you cannot hurt.
With these simple steps, you can take your artwork from a solitary practice to a gallery wall. The process might be slow but don’t give up. Every great artist starts where you are right now.
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