Breaking Down the Artistic Barrier: How to Start Making Art and Why It Matters

Many artists suggest that aspiring artists should start making art by simply beginning. But where do you begin? This article explores the process of artistic creation, the importance of expressing yourself, and practical steps to turn your ideas into tangible art.

Understanding the Artistic Process

When artists are asked to become an artist, they often respond that they should ‘just start making art.’ However, this is often met with confusion and a lack of clarity on how to actually do so. Even after taking classes and having technical skills, such as drawing, the question remains: how to turn these skills into meaningful art?

Art is about capturing the essence of a moment, not showing reality. Nicole Cartwright explains, 'You can’t show reality. You can only show your mind - your impression of reality. You might not be able to express what you felt in words but you can express it in a picture with color and lines. It can be so subtle that you leave everyone wondering what your feeling was.' This subtle expression is what truly makes art unique and powerful.

Expressing Yourself Through Art

Every piece of art is a reflection of the artist's inner thoughts and emotions. As Nicole puts it, ‘You can be the most immature asshole in the world but your feeling matters just as much as anyone else’s - at least to you. Nobody can tell you not to paint or draw your feeling. Others may not buy your art but it doesn’t matter whether people buy your art. You are showing them your moment whether they want to hang it in their houses or not.’

Art is a medium for personal and emotional expression. It’s about what you want to convey, not whether it meets someone else’s standards. Whether your art is highly detailed or a simple blob of color, the key is to be expressive and sincere.

Practical Steps to Begin Your Art Journey

Starting your journey towards becoming an artist can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. Here are some practical steps to help you start making art:

Define Your Artistic Vision

Think about what kind of art you would like to see on the walls of your home. This could be colors that fit with your existing decor or completely contrast with it. Defining your vision will help you stay focused and motivated.

Practice Small

Start small and practice with simple materials. As Nicole mentions, 'You can practice small and then when you have an affect you are pleased with, scale it up to the size you want or the size that will fit your wall.' This will allow you to develop your skills and confidence without the pressure of an expensive canvas.

Finish What You Start

It’s crucial to finish your first piece, even if it’s filled with mistakes. Nicole advises, 'Just because that first attempt is unlikely to meet the standard of the idyllic visage you wished to see even after slogging at it for hours and hours — doesn’t mean the next thing you set out to achieve won’t show signs of improvement and things you will learn from next time.' Perfectionism can be the biggest barrier to starting, so focus on the process and how much you’ve learned.

Use Available Resources

While online tutorials and art degree courses can be overwhelming, they don’t necessarily hold all the answers. Nicole shares, 'I just made it up, found my own way of using the tools without any clue whatsoever about how other people would use them.' Experiment with different materials and techniques until you find what works for you.

Refuse to Be Limited by Perfectionism

Many people are deterred by the thought of making a mistake, but mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Nicole says, ‘Nobody ever told me about chisels how to hold them or how the design of the blade and angle of the edge is job specific — I just made it up found my own way of using the tools without any clue whatsoever about how other people would use them.’ Embrace imperfection and continue experimenting until you find the right fit.

Conclusion

Art is about capturing the essence of a moment and expressing your inner thoughts and emotions. It’s about creating something from scratch, something that exists because you found inspiration to create “something.” The journey to becoming an artist is not about meeting someone else's standards; it’s about discovering your own unique voice and sharing it with the world.

Start small, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. As you continue to create, you’ll develop your skills and find your own artistic expression.