Want to be an artist?

Many people think becoming an artist is easy. Just talk to your mother, father, school counselor about that. My mother a trained and talented artist taught me: You'll starve as an artist,poet,writer. As A youngster, I believed her. In college I said, "I'm going to change my major to art". "Not on my dime", she squawked. College was important for success to me and I completed my psychology degree. The world practically will discourage you about being an artist.

Can you overcome those messages? Can you committ yourself to such an arduous, and sometimes thankless profession? Can you withstand criticism and rejection? If you answer no, don't worry. You could always hire someone to promote your work. The important act is to MAKE ART and be open to new ideas. Very few artists enjoy marketing their work.

Nobody may like your work at first however you may find places that can use it. Study other artisits stories. Look for opportunities. My first show was in a bank which I won in a contest. A co-worker literally put an application form in my hand and said,"Fill it out: no excuses." Thank goodness. I had no idea about shows.

Poeple who come from artisitic families find it easier to create and learn about art. My mother took me to galleries, museums, and even sent me to my grandmother in NYC when I was only 10 years old to see the Mona Lisa. Was I passionate about art? Yes it ran within my psyche and veins. Was I confident? Not for long.

However the older I got the more determined I was, and I worked my way through art school in my mid thirties, and earned a scholarship to graduate school. My story was easy compared to some of my fellow students. We grew strong and completed our "formal education". Many artists never go to school. There ae many paths for learning.

If you are truly passionate about your art, willing to work hard or very smart, and won't give up you have what it takes to begin your profession. Take action steps now.