Artist Development

What is your role in the art world? 

What does your art mean? 

What are you passionate about?

What are your goals?

These are all good questions to ask yourself as an artist. It's important to learn about you the artist and explore your imagination. Creating a vibe for your art is important to your development as a professional. So like I say so often, "You do you boo boo." Because you are the only one who can put your ideas to paper, canvas, wood, brick, ext. for the rest of the world to see.

I was put into private art lessons at 7 years old and that was the start of my career even if I didn't realize it then. Like most artist I learned from other artists work. Painting and drawing what I saw. I believe that is a fantastic way to learn! But at some point you have to take the training wheels off and dive into your own concepts and ideas no matter how crazy or unconventional they are. My rule is there are no rules.... oh and don't leave a wet paint brush out to ruin. Create something no one has ever seen. Be genuinely one of a kind. Paint for yourself and if the people like it that's fantastic but if they don't, your just not their shot of tequila. What I want for myself and other artist is for others to look at my art and say, "That is most definitely a Karanessa", or if they look at yours "That has to be ____________". Because if you paint the current trend just to make a quick buck you get stuck in the cycle and never develop your own work. But if that is your goal then more power to you. Make yo money.

So what is your role in the art world? Your art speaks your thoughts, emotions, dreams, desires, and more. What do you want your art to say? It tells a story, what story does it tell? How do you want your art to make people feel? There are no wrong answers to any of these questions.  A good starting point is painting, drawing, or sculpting what you are passionate about because it's something you know and it's something you feel connected with.

Now, what are your goals? Do you want to be a full-time artist, teacher, or do you just want to keep it to a hobby? Figure out what you want and work towards that without abandon if you are serious. Getting exposure is a crucial step if you are working towards an art career. Reach out to different art associations, galleries, cafes, craft shows, art shows, or whatever creative ideas you can come up with to get your art out in the world. Take advantage of social media and use every outlet you can. Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Twitter, and whatever else there is at your fingertips. These are all fantastic platforms to show the world what you can create and who knows who will see it and what will come of it. Just remember to stay true to yourself, to your style, and your vision whether they like it or not. That's the freedom of artistic expression, being able to provoke feelings in one even if it is offense!

Next article I will be talking about the struggles artist have like sacrificing first world problems for supplies and creative blocks. Stay tuned for more unwise tales and ridiculous advice from a dirty woman. (I'm dirty because I'm also a gardener.)

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