Art With a Heart How to Become an Artist

> ART WITH A HEART

BECOME AN ARTIST

Channel your creativity.

10 steps to get you started.

01

Set your direction

First up, pick a creative outlet. Are you going to draw, paint, sculpt or design? To get started, find a dedicated workspace, set a side time to practice and acquire the necessary supplies. Decide whether to pursue your passion as a side hobby or focus on your art full-time.

02

Home your craft

Once you’ve chosen your preferred medium, simply start creating. It’s time to experiment and have fun. Master the fundamentals of your creative medium through regular study and practice. You could attend an art class or enrol onto a course to grow your artistry and knowledge.

Think artistic style

Aim to develop a personal style that is distinctively yours. Your artistic style is what will distinguish you in an art scene that is crowded and competitive. Embed meaning into your work by evoking an emotion or sharing an experience. You must stand out to catch the eye of galleries, collectors and consumers.

04

Carve a collection

A collection is a series of artistic pieces that share a clear vision and consistent elements. Focus on building a body of work of 10 to 12 pieces that express a coherent theme, style, medium or subject matter. Over time, you can add new collections inspired by different ideas, stories and sentiments.

05

Find your market

Your target audience are those most likely to resonate with your artistic style and subject matter. Understanding your customer is hugely important when it comes to marketing. Criteria to consider include their gender, age, values, interests, influences, location, reasons for buying and budget.

06

Set up a business

Many successful artists are independent business owners. To grow a creative venture, it pays to learn how to run an art business from sales and marketing to artwork pricing and financial management. Think about how to monetise your work. Ask yourself what will make up my major streams of income?

07

Tell the world

Now get the word out that you're an artist. It’s time to promote yourself and market your work. To get going, write your artist profile, create a website and utilise social media. In order to build a following, can you start a blog, send out a newsletter, host a podcast, launch a YouTube channel or give a talk?

08

Exhibit your pieces

Explore opportunities to exhibit your pieces, e.g. host a home show or team up with other artists for a group event. Start local – approach nearby galleries, art shows and cultural centres. Ask neighbourhood cafes and eateries if they're willing to hang your work. Partner with interior designers and architects.

09

Network and collaborate

Connect with other art enthusiasts by attending gallery openings, exhibitions, biennales and fairs. Look for art centric meet ups, clubs or associations in your area. Today, it’s easy to network through online communities and social media. Collaborate with fellow artists to expand your creative scope and flair.

10

Document your work

It’s good practice to set up a system to archive your work. Having a digital inventory allows you to easily create future catalogues to share your work. Firstly, take a professional photo of each piece. Then, log the date, title, collection, synopsis, medium and dimension. Regularly update your records and keep a backup.

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> ART WITH A HEART

BECOME AN ARTIST

01

Set your direction

First up, pick a creative outlet. Are you going to draw, paint, sculpt or design? To get started, find a dedicated workspace, set a side time to practice and acquire the necessary supplies. Decide whether to pursue your passion as a side hobby or focus on your art full-time.

02

Home your craft

Once you’ve chosen your preferred medium, simply start creating. It’s time to experiment and have fun. Master the fundamentals of your creative medium through regular study and practice. You could attend an art class or enrol onto a course to grow your artistry and knowledge.

Think artistic style

04

Carve a collection

05

Find your market

Your target audience are those most likely to resonate with your artistic style and subject matter. Understanding your customer is hugely important when it comes to marketing. Criteria to consider include their gender, age, values, interests, influences, location, reasons for buying and budget.

06

Set up a business

Many successful artists are independent business owners. To grow a creative venture, it pays to learn how to run an art business from sales and marketing to artwork pricing and financial management. Think about how to monetise your work. Ask yourself what will make up my major streams of income?

07

Tell the world

08

Exhibit your pieces

09

Network and collaborate

10

Document your work

GET MORE TIPS

Start your journey as an artist.

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