5 Tips for Young Artist’s in the Digital Era…
1. Don’t be afraid
-Criticism is everywhere. Especially in this digital age of “anonymous” comments and frankly just the ability to hide behind a screen. That’s a cold- hard fact to face. If you are to be in the real world though, you will need to toughen up your skin a bit from people trying to tear you down.
No one is perfect, and there will always be critics/haters who will try to correct and scrutinize your every move once you put yourself out there. The best advice for that? Take everything with a grain of salt. Constructive criticism is a thing to welcome, but bashing or defaming is another. Don’t let people like that influence your passion for your work. They don’t matter when it comes to your art. Let the “haters” be an encouragement for you just to do even better work and work that you love.
2. “How to Steal Like an Artist” without being an asshole.
If you haven’t heard of the book by Austin Kleon, you should. “Kleon points out that no artist’s work is ever completely original, and that trying to be completely original will daunt an artist and eventually smothers his creativity. He suggests artists embrace the inevitability of influence, to celebrate living outside of a vacuum, to relax, and have fun with their art. Beyond that, he also goes on to offer tips on how to stay focused, upbeat, and be receptive to incoming inspiration.” (source)
With this new idea though, don’t take advantage of it. This does not give you permission to go off and take others art and label it as your own. No copy-and-paste here. That’s not only illegal in some respects but also just an asshole thing to do. No one likes a liar.
3. Find the best platform for your work
-Whether it’s a blog like this one where you can express your thoughts and ideas in journalistic type setting or a portfolio style website (try Weebly or Wix…) look for the most ideal place to put your work. These open up an easily accessible spot for your work to live and you can show it off accordingly.
4. Collaborate.
-There is nothing more satisfying than working together with someone and having the idea come to life. Yes many like working alone. I am one of those people as well. It’s not an easy thing to work with others and to get your ideas across in the way you want. Sometimes it leads to disagreements, yelling and the like. Maybe that is where you hit a dead end. But don’t let this be the end of your idea.
Take others ideas into consideration too. Maybe there is a way you haven’t looked at before. Maybe you can approach a situation differently. There is no limit to your learning and your fellow artists are some of your best resources. Reach out to anyone you know that works in a creative capacity – you may just discover something you never have before.
5. Never Stop Exploring and Treat Yo’ self
-Inspiration is everywhere. In your backyard, in your book on your night-stand, in your spotify playlist, inspiration is endless. Stumped? Take a walk and clear your head. Drifting off because your sketch is putting you to sleep? Turn on an upbeat song. Trust me on this one, it really works. Do what makes you happy and keep your blood pumping! That doesn’t always mean you need to go do jumping jacks (well I mean, those DO get your blood moving!) but just do something that will stimulate your mind. Your mind is the center of your ideas, it allows you to think (or not think) and brings your art to life. Without it, there would be nothing. Treat Yo’ self well and your art will reflect that.
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