What is it like to be a artist in 2015?
Posted on January 26, 2015
What is it like to be an artist in 2015?
CDG got the lowdown on the highs and lows of being an artist in 2015
The idea of being a practising artist is often shrouded in romantic ideas of bohemia and travel. Well we have asked contemporary artists for the reality of working as a creative in 2015. I warn you now, it isn't getting out of bed in the afternoon and drinking until inspiration hits.
What people don't actually realise about working as an artist in 2015...
Ironsea 32 by Sam Peacock
Sam Peacock
Working in the art industry as a painter has its challenges and its advantages. Being motivated is the key and knowing what you have on for the year helps. Having belief in what your trying to build art wise is something that we all need. Solo shows are a big thing to me and I believe that these grow you as an artist.
I tend not to concern myself with the climate. There are months that are quieter for sales, but these are the months you build a new collection. Having faith is the key.
It's difficult to understand people's perception of what I do, hence why I believe in blogs, video interviews and discussions on social media as it sheds light on my practice. I think everyone in London works hard so that's not an issue. You sometimes feel all the creatives congregate in one city chasing sales, but deep down I know there are thriving art scenes all over the UK.
Kate Knight
People do not realise that you can actually make a living, I still get a look of surprise from the majority of people when I tell them I'm a working artist, swiftly followed by "you actually make money from that?" then "Aren't you a clever girl"...
Again it's hard work, we don't just loaf around all day waiting for Newton moments, inspiration requires routine, discipline and of upmost importance to be a professional. You want to be taken seriously as an artist? Be serious about your profession. Make mistakes but learn from them, they are your root to success.
Blandine Bardeau
I think that maybe people don't realise how much it takes to be an artist, how much perseverance, how much motivation, and how much admin and marketing! I spend so much time on Twitter, Facebook etc. And it's a very lonely thing to do to be an artist. You have to be so self-motivated, and you have to believe in yourself, and carry on. Most people think we faff around all day, but it takes a lot to be creative all the time, and it takes so much experience to train the eye and the hand.
Samantha Gare
This question is hard. I suppose one thing I don't think people realise is there a lot of opportunities out there for artists; open calls, competitions, grants, art prizes, galleries, collaborations and much more. There are many open doors but all involve you spending the time making sure they are right and also putting in the work needed for them. You can't expect to make a living from art by just painting a nice picture, if only.
The other is that you really do get out what you put in. If you spend hours marketing yourself on social media, or promoting your work through your website, or even networking you open so many more doors for yourself. For example I spent a lot of time through my twitter account engaging with a like-minded audience, not just an art audience but the audience who are interested in the focus of my work (mountain, hiking, sport, snow etc) and through that I have gained a lot of comments and likes for my work. My twitter followers always increase after time promoting and you never know where that might lead.
Maybe also that art is a great way to explore, promote, highlight current issues and affairs and use as platform for engaging with the world outside of art. It's not just about a nice piece of work these days or a photographic record. The art which seems to be steam rolling ahead uses art as a platform for something bigger, like I said earlier art is communication.
Cherie Strong
Being an artist is not all about hanging outside gallery openings..smoking cigarettes and wearing all black, it's actually some seriously hard work! Many hours in your studio are required, it's often solitary but you need to create the work, it won't create itself!
The internet has opened the world up to artists - giving you a worldwide audience, it's brilliant but on the same hand, you are competing against a world full of artists. There are so many brilliant fantastic skilled amazing artists out there, it makes you want to throw down your brushes and walk away. I think the key is to acknowledge that there will always be better artists than yourself, and concentrate on your own work. It's your voice, acknowledge your own style, work hard on it. keep striving for better pieces, keep learning new techniques and move forward for yourself.
Back yourself!
Its freaking hard work
It will be frustrating
It will be hard and often disappointing
It will break your heart at times.
BUT...
It will be amazing
It will fill your soul to the brim with happiness and personal achievement
It will be worth it
I promise you that.
We have heard from a few of the artists we represent, now lets hear from Eleni Duke, the owner and founder of Curious Duke Gallery.
Eleni Duke:
Being an artist in 2015 is being an entrepreneur. Artists are no longer the lonesome creatives of the world but nowadays tend to produce, market and sell their work. One of the sole reasons why this has been made possible is the internet. It is fantastic that artists in 2015 are able to access such a large audience free of charge, share their images and build their fanbase. Of couse this pro doesn't come without a con. There is obviously a lot more competition out there in the wake of social media and this is where drive and passion come into play and no entrepreneur can exist without this 2 characteristics. It is hard work though I have never met an artist that doesn't love the challenge. If you have the drive, determination, the ability to learn and progress then you are definitely cut out to be an artist in 2015.
