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Art Journaling
ByIvana Art Journaling

8 Tips for Aspiring Artists – Things Artists Need To Be Successful

When I was younger, I wanted nothing more than to be a professional artist. I would sit for hours in front of a blank canvas or piece of paper, lost in my world as I brought my visions to life.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful artist, and I wish I had known some of these things when I was first starting. If you’re an aspiring artist, here are eight tips that will help you on your journey.

1. Find your own art style 

collage art journal spread

As an artist, it is important to find your unique style. This will make your artwork stand out and believe in your artwork. People will be able to see the passion you have for your art if you have your own style.

When you try to imitate another artist’s style, it is hard for people to see the real you. It is okay to get advice and be inspired by other artists, but in the end, you should always stay true to yourself.

By finding your art style, you will be one step closer to being a successful artist.

Still not sure if you’re up to it?
Then treat yourself to a free course on art journaling.

You’ll see how it’s easy to use some of these tips when you create freely in an art journal. Spoiler: it’s addictive!

art journal starter course
YES, I NEED THIS!

2. Don’t compare yourself to others

pink and yellow art journal page

When it comes to art, there’s no one right way to do things. Every artist has a unique style, and what works for one person may not work for another.

As a result, it can be tempting to compare your work to that of others. However, this is often counterproductive. Instead of looking at other artists and feeling like you need to measure up, focus on your journey and what you want to accomplish.

Draw inspiration from the world around you, and trust that your skills will develop over time. By comparing yourself to others, you can stay true to your vision and create truly unique art.

3. Practice, practice, practice 

art journal spread

One of the best things an aspiring artist can do is to learn how to draw. This may seem like a simple task, but it is quite complex.

By practicing drawing, you’ll learn how to develop your unique style and approach to art. It will also take time to learn how to draw – the more you practice, the better you’ll become.

If drawing with pencils or pen seems too challenging then try using a cheap tablet instead! The more often we do something new the better chance our brain has at storing all those actions as motor memory.

4. Be patient with yourself

art journal page

Art is a desire to express something inside of you that you can’t figure out how to put into words, or that you’re afraid to say out loud.

It’s the desire to be understood and to understand yourself. And it’s the desire to share a part of yourself with the world.

So if you’re an aspiring artist, one of the best things you can do is be patient with yourself. Be patient with your desire to express yourself, and be patient with your desire to be understood.

Be patient as you figure out how to put your feelings into words, or how to share your story with the world.

It takes time to find your voice, but it’s worth it. And being patient with yourself is the first step.

5. Take constructive criticism 

art journal drawing

Not everyone is going to understand your artwork. And that’s okay.

What’s not okay is letting the opinions of others stop you from creating art.

If someone doesn’t understand your work, don’t take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to explain your vision, or to learn more about what they’re looking for.

And if someone offers constructive criticism, listen to them. They may see something that you don’t, and their feedback can help you to improve your work.

So don’t be afraid to take criticism – it can be a helpful tool on your journey as an artist.

6. Embrace imperfection

washi tape instead of eyes

Anyone who has ever tried their hand at drawing knows that it takes a lot of practice to get good at it. Even the most talented artists have had to put in hours of work to perfect their craft. 

However, many would-be artists give up before they ever reach their full potential, because they become discouraged by their imperfections. The truth is, though, that there is no such thing as a perfect drawing. 

Every artist makes mistakes, and it is through these mistakes that we learn and grow. The key is to embrace imperfection and use it as a learning opportunity. One way to do this is to invest in a good drawing pencil. 

A good pencil will help you to achieve the lines and shapes you want, but it will also allow you to make corrections without starting over from scratch. With a good pencil in hand, you can approach each drawing with confidence, knowing that you have the tools you need to create something beautiful.

7. Seek inspiration from the world around you

painting quote by Frida Kahlo

 Art is all around us. And as an aspiring artist, it’s important to seek inspiration from the world around you.

Look for inspiration in nature, in the people you meet, and in the things you see every day. Draw inspiration from your favorite paintings, or from photographs that you love.

And don’t be afraid to experiment – try new mediums, and explore different styles. By seeking inspiration from the world around you, you can open yourself up to new possibilities and create truly unique art.

8. Have fun! 

collage art journal page

Art should be fun. It should be a way to express yourself and share your story with the world.

So don’t take yourself too seriously, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just relax, and enjoy the process.

And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

just to remind you

Pursuing a career in art can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. By following these eight tips, you’ll put yourself on the path to success and avoid some of the pitfalls that can trip up aspiring artists. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the process—after all, that’s what art is all about!

Still not sure if you’re up to it?
Then treat yourself to a free course on art journaling.

You’ll see how it’s easy to use some of these tips when you create freely in an art journal. Spoiler: it’s addictive!

art journal starter course
YES, I NEED THIS!

Or, have a peek at some super interesting articles:

100+ Painting Terms You’ll Ever Need – for Art Journal Beginners

Top 11 Art Tools And Materials for Drawing And Painting in Your Art Journal

Author’s Bio:

Timothy Ross is a professional Illustrator and Real Estate Photographer. He’s the owner of TimmyRoss.com where he writes about everything in visual media, from Graphic Design to Photography.

Ivana

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Hi, I'm Ivana

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It gripes my ass seeing beginners struggle with making art because they aren't confident in their decisions or can't get ideas, and spend months (even years) fighting the blank page thinking they aren't creative enough or artistic enough. Dude, let's get you a different experience so you'll realize you CAN be a BADASS ARTIST, in your mind, soul, and heart. To anyone that tells you differently, talk to the hand!


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