Well, first of all it depends on what you mean by being an artist.
A 3 year old is an artist.
Let’s call them a Type A Artist. That is person who makes art. They do it as a way of being, as part of who they are, they are not trying to get better at it, they are just doing it to do it.
If you are not doing it like a 3 year old but are asking how to be an artist.
Then let’s call you a Type M Artist. And what you’re really asking is how can I use my art to make money. Or maybe you’re even asking why you should be doing art at all, like it’s a thing for babies, not something you should continue doing. Like art is only worth doing if it’s for material benefit.
Type M artist is a type of artist who will only, or can only do the thing for some sort of material exchange.
I‘ve seen type M artist who make art for the sole purpose of profit, for example they might paint canvas after canvas of rainbows, because canvas with a rainbow on it sells more than a canvas with nothing on it. This type M artist doesn’t make any other kind of art, they have figured out the easiest way to get material gain from their art, and are happy to make a profit doing that.
And I’ve seen the total opposite, people who are Type A artist and thoroughly enjoy the making and exploring of art. It’s a gift to themselves. And a gift to the world.
I’m mostly a Type M artist. I make art for publishers so they can sell more books. But I make type A art to evolve and grow my art. I feel that continually evolving and nurturing my Type A Artist, makes me a better type M artist.
Note on the practice: To be a Type A artist, all you need to do is make art. Ten Minute Artist is helps you begin and continue making art. To do that I recommend stating with an Artist Diary.
What do you like to draw?
List 10 things that you would love to draw
You can list things that you might not be able to draw well yet. Why do you enjoy drawing them? What would you love to be able to draw well. You can make a list with words or you can fill a page of actual drawings.
In my Type M Artist portfolio, I fill a page like that to let clients know what I like to draw.
Whether you are a Type A or Type M artist, Katie Stack and I run a monthly drawing workshop with called art gym, where artist of all levels gather to level up their skills, consider joining the next session with us in the next session, and unlock previous recordings.
Art Quest
If you’re an aspiring or current Type M artist. Having a group to come alongside you on the journey is a great source of growth, energy and knowledge that will help you get ahead. Jen Gubicza and I lead you on two quests each month. If you want to write a children’s book and find a way into publishing as an illustrator alongside a party of adventures. Join the Party!
1-1 Portfolio Strategy Calls
If you want personalized 1-1 attention on your illustration portfolio, from someone who broke into publishing at 40 and spent the last 5 years illustrating 15 books. I’ve helped many readers of this newsletter, find agents and develop strategies that helped them land their first publishing gigs. If you feel stuck and not sure how to proceed and all the general advice is not working, I think I can help you find the next steps.
“Adam was prepared, thorough and thoughtful.
He offered smart and strategic career advice that was specific to me. I was so impressed by how much value he packed into a single 30-minute session. I went from stuck and uncertain to excited and confident. I left the session with clear, actionable steps that I can take to move my work forward. I would highly recommend a portfolio chat with Adam to anyone looking for guidance in their illustration career.”
