Starting Out as an Artist: A Guide to Your Creative Journey
Diving into the world of art for the first time can feel exhilarating, intimidating, and overwhelming, all at once. The blank canvas, whether physical or digital, stares back at you with both promise and challenge. Here’s a guide to help you start on your artistic journey, complete with advice on how to find your style, set up your workspace, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
- Embrace Being a Beginner
One of the most powerful ways to start as an artist is by letting go of perfectionism. You don’t need all the right tools, an art degree, or a well-defined style to begin. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to be rough around the edges. Embrace the learning process, and know that making mistakes is a huge part of improving.
When you see amazing artwork on social media, remind yourself that those artists also had a starting point. They improved through practice, feedback, and experimentation. Take things step-by-step, and celebrate each small accomplishment as you go.
- Build a Habit of Creating
To grow as an artist, consistency matters. Try to draw, paint, or work with your chosen medium every day, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. Set small goals for each day—sketching a simple object, studying color blending, or practicing a specific brush stroke. Building a habit of creating helps improve your skills steadily, and it’s a reminder that growth in art is incremental.
Consider starting an art journal or sketchbook. This is a judgment-free zone where you can practice techniques, experiment with styles, and track your progress over time. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.
- Experiment with Different Mediums and Styles
When starting out, give yourself permission to experiment with a variety of mediums—pencil, charcoal, digital art, painting, clay, and beyond. Each medium has its own language, challenges, and rewards. Trying different styles and materials can help you understand what you enjoy most and what you naturally gravitate toward.
This is also a great way to avoid burnout. When one medium feels stale, switch it up to refresh your perspective. Art is vast, so keep exploring!
- Create a Comfortable Workspace
Your workspace doesn’t need to be a huge studio or have top-of-the-line supplies, but it should be comfortable, inspiring, and functional for your needs. A small desk by a window, a portable sketchbook, or a digital tablet can be all you need to start.
Make sure your setup is something you enjoy being around and can return to often. Add touches that inspire you—plants, art prints, or music. When your workspace feels inviting, you’ll feel more motivated to create.
- Learn from Others but Develop Your Voice
Learning from others is essential, especially when you’re starting out. Study artists you admire, take online classes, and practice foundational skills like anatomy, perspective, and color theory. YouTube, Skillshare, and other platforms have endless tutorials for free or at low cost.
But remember to balance this with finding your unique voice. Don’t feel pressured to copy anyone’s style exactly. Instead, take bits and pieces of inspiration from your favorite artists and combine them into something that feels authentic to you. Over time, your voice will emerge naturally.
- Document Your Journey
Tracking your growth can be incredibly rewarding. Take photos or scan your artwork regularly to see how much progress you make over time. This also helps you build an online portfolio if you want to share your work with others or start connecting with other artists.
Social media platforms like Instagram or a personal blog can be great places to share your art and build a community. Posting your work can help you gain valuable feedback, meet other artists, and even open up opportunities.
- Be Kind to Yourself
Lastly, remember that art is a journey, not a destination. It’s normal to feel discouraged sometimes, and you’ll inevitably create work you’re not happy with. But don’t be too hard on yourself. Each piece you create, even the ones you don’t like, contributes to your growth as an artist.
Find joy in the process, be patient with yourself, and celebrate the fact that you’re creating. Every artist goes through ups and downs, and staying kind to yourself is key to keeping the passion alive.
Starting out as an artist is a personal and transformative journey. It’s about self-expression, learning, and constant exploration. So grab your pencil, tablet, or paintbrush, and take the first step. With each mark you make, you’re moving closer to discovering your own artistic voice and building a path that’s uniquely yours.
Happy creating!