A lot of people say “It’s hard to be an artist”. Well, I say “They are wrong.”
Anyone can be an artist regardless of age and profession.
Let me state the kind of art am talking about, it’s the fine arts, specifically drawing and painting. The most important thing is the love for the art and your dedication.
Some people fidget at the thought of starting but note that nothing good comes easy. At first, the whole process will seem difficult and you might even want to quit but as time goes on, it will be as easy as boiling an egg. The best part is that you will enjoy every moment of your work with nothing to lose.
Here are some of the things you stand to gain or face as an artist:
Self Expression
You can express yourself whichever way you like, there is no wrong or right way in art. There are people who are shy or scared of showing the world their capabilities. With art, you have every opportunity to take risks, try out new things, create and develop ideas without being scared of judgment.
Budgeting Carefully
As an artist, being self-employed is a worthwhile idea. This means that you have no employer to pay you salary at the end of the month, you do not expect holiday benefits or pension, and most importantly, you are your own boss. Therefore, you budget carefully, cut down on your expenses, spend less and save more. Because there might be other contingencies that will require your attention like falling ill, paying of school fees or house rent, etc.
Self Employment
Whether you are employed or not, being self-employed helps you generate income from clients. And even if you already have a job, it’s still a worthwhile idea to earn more from your artworks. Whatever you earn will help supplement your income, therefore, keeping you financially secure. Also, note that an artist’s work is not the kind that ties you down.
Networking and Exposure
Art gets you to connect with people of different professions. This networking exposes you to new opportunities and helps you meet industry professionals. With this, you not only form a group or community where you meet and share ideas and experiences, you also broaden your horizon on getting more ideas for your art.
Self Promotion
Tech-savvy artists showcase their talents/ works on Facebook, Twitter, on their blogs or website and on other social and business sites. If you have a good online presence, it shows that you are determined in achieving your goals and you get to reach a wider audience for your art.
Stress Relief
Spending several hours creating something can take one into a strong state of concentration. As you release yourself into your painting and abstract yourself from your surroundings and time passes without you knowing. Despite the number of hours your spend working, you feel no form of pain or tiredness. And in this kind of state, pure energy is being transferred into what is being created. And at the end of your painting, you realize that you feel better, happier, more relaxed. It is a form of meditation and it has a positive health benefit.
