An artist is a person who draws illustrations for magazines, books, postcards and websites. That is why representatives of this profession are often called illustrators. In this article we will tell you, how to become an artist.
Of course, in order to engage in this kind of activity, it is necessary master the basics of drawing: composition, color theory, perspective and so on. First, draw 5 to 10 drawings on a variety of topics. Ideas can be found on the internet, magazines and books.... It is also important to objectively evaluate your work. It will be quite difficult to do this on your own. It is also desirable that the assessment should not be given by friends and relatives, who can praise you, fearing of offending. Therefore, the work can be posted somewhere on the Internet.
To become an artist, you need master various drawing techniques... It is best to use one approach to creating drawings, since in the future customers will expect something specific from you.
Illustrations can be done not only with a pencil. You can also use colored paper, ink, watercolors. In addition, for every modern illustrator, it is necessary to have a high level of proficiency in computer programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Of course, no one forbids using mixed techniques and combine drawings on paper with computer processing... At the initial stage, it is recommended to try yourself in all the techniques to determine which one is really yours.
When creating drawings no need to copy reality... Cameras are available for this task. All artists have the ability to simplify, detail and emphasize certain details. Agree that it would be much more interesting to look at the work of an artist who left his handprints on the canvas, rather than at a picture that is no different from a photograph.
In order to become an artist, you must learn to accept criticism. You will always receive comments on your work. When negative comments are given to you, be grateful for them., because it is negative reviews that will make you stronger as a person, and also broaden your views. In any case, you do not need to stop in your development. And you need to develop not only in terms of drawing. Explore the world you live in. Read books, learn facts from history, watch feature films and documentaries, take up photography. Over time, you will understand that absolutely everything in this world is interconnected.
Communicate with people more... This applies not only to relatives and friends. Be sure to make new acquaintances. Communication in itself evokes a variety of emotions in us that can be used in creativity.
As for finding clients, then for this you will need. It can be either printed or electronic. A portfolio is necessary so that potential clients and employers can determine your professional level for themselves. Today there are a large number of job search sites with which you can search for customers. Besides, you can upload your work to the blog or to your personal page on social networks. Thus, a large number of people will be able to learn about your activities.
Finally, it is worth talking about the personal qualities that you need to develop in yourself in order to become an artist. We are talking about perseverance, patience, ability to concentrate and take criticism.
As for the educational institutions in which you can master such, then these include schools and universities of culture and arts, where there is a specialty "fine and decorative arts."
Cabbage juice is a useful life-giving drink that can give our body a lot of necessary and useful substances. We will talk about what useful properties of cabbage juice exist, and how to drink it correctly, in our article. Cabbage is one of the most beneficial vegetable crops because it has very valuable properties. This product is tasty and nutritious, moreover, it is an affordable medicine that everyone can grow in their own garden. Many health problems can be eliminated by consuming cabbage. Although everyone knows that because of the fiber in cabbage, this vegetable is difficult to digest, causing gas. In order to avoid such problems, it is more useful to drink cabbage juice, getting the same beneficial substances contained in the vegetable.
Freshly squeezed cabbage juice contains vitamin C, which increases the body's resistance to infections. Scientists have calculated that in order to meet the daily requirement of our body for vitamin C, you can eat about 200 g of cabbage. In addition, the vegetable contains the vitamin K we need, which is responsible for the full formation of bones, as well as for blood clotting. There are B vitamins and a very rich set of minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and other elements, in the composition of cabbage, and accordingly cabbage juice.
What is very pleasant for people who are losing weight, cabbage juice is very low in calories (25 kcal per 100 ml). This is a diet drink that will help you lose weight. Cabbage juice has wound healing and hemostatic properties. It is used as an external one, for treating burns and wounds, and for oral administration (for treating ulcers). Effectively use fresh cabbage juice to treat gastritis and ulcers. The effect is provided by the vitamin U contained in the juice. This vitamin helps in the regeneration of cells in the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. The juice is used to treat hemorrhoids, colitis and inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines, as well as bleeding gums.
Cabbage juice is used as an antimicrobial agent that can act on some pathogens of dangerous diseases, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Koch's bacillus and SARS. Cabbage juice is also used to treat bronchitis, in particular, it is able to thin and remove phlegm. For such treatment, it is recommended to take juice with honey to enhance the healing effect. Cabbage juice is also used to restore tooth enamel, improve the condition of nails, skin and hair. With diabetes mellitus, using cabbage juice can prevent the appearance of skin diseases.
Cabbage juice must be introduced into the diet of those who want to lose weight, due to its low calorie content and high biological activity. At the same time, cabbage juice can be saturated very quickly without getting extra calories, moreover, it prevents the conversion of carbohydrates into fat deposits. Cabbage juice is able to normalize the intestines, removing bile stagnant in the body, fights constipation and helps to remove harmful substances from the body.
Since the juice contains folic acid, which helps conception and full development of the fetus, it is useful for expectant mothers to drink it. The vitamins and minerals contained in the juice protect against infections and colds.
When using cabbage juice, you should follow the rules. The juice has contraindications and limitations. The drink is able to dissolve and decompose toxins accumulated in the body, causing strong gas formation in the intestines, so you can drink it no more than three glasses a day. It is worth starting to use, starting with one and a half glasses. For the reasons listed above, cabbage juice is not recommended in the postoperative period if operations were performed in the abdominal cavity, and during breastfeeding, with gastritis with high acidity, with kidney disease and problems with the pancreas.
The world in which we live often affects the state of our nervous system, as it is full of various stressful situations, chronic fatigue and systematic stress. However, the nervous system should be constantly monitored and not overstrained. To do this, it is necessary to streamline everyday worries, for which to create and adhere to the correct daily routine, if necessary, attend a course of psychotherapy, yoga, auto-training and other events. But the easiest way to relax is a simple cup of herbal tea, aromatic and warm. Evening tea is an excellent natural calming agent that gently affects the nerves exhausted during the day. Teas, which relax the nervous system, help to level irritability, nervous exhaustion and relax before going to bed, fighting insomnia. We will talk about how tea calms the nervous system in our article.
Herbal tea
To prepare this wonderful tea, you should take plants such as St. John's wort, peppermint, chamomile and hawthorn flowers in equal proportions. Grind the ingredients, then st. l. pour the mixture into boiling water in a cup, and leave for 30 minutes, covered with a lid. Strain the cooled infusion and add a small amount of honey to it. Drink asleep. This tea will easily calm the nerves, but it is recommended to drink it for no more than two months.
Lime tea
To make tea, mix the flowers of dry linden and lemon balm in equal parts, pour the mixture with a glass of warm water, and boil for about five minutes. The broth is infused for 15 minutes, filtered, a spoonful of honey is added and taken for tea. If this tea is taken regularly, the nervous system will react more calmly to various irritants of an unpleasant nature.
Motherwort mint tea
Mix chamomile and motherwort herb 10 g each, add 20 g chopped mint, lime blossom, lemon balm and dried strawberries. Three tablespoons of the mixture should be poured into 1 liter of boiling water and insisted for up to 12 minutes. You need to drink the infusion during the day, add a little jam or honey if desired. Such an infusion is intended not to completely suppress the nervous system, but only to gently calm it down. Such tea should be drunk for a long time, without the risk of adverse reactions that are harmful to health.
Simple teas soothing
Mix 50 g of hop cones and valerian roots, then boil a dessert spoon of the mixture with boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, filter. Drink throughout the day in small portions. It is better to drink a whole glass of this tea at night. The remedy quite quickly soothes the nerves and helps in the fight against insomnia.
In equal parts, mix peppermint herb and valerian roots, then pour boiling water over a dessert spoon of this mixture, leave for half an hour and filter. We drink this tea in the morning and in the evening for half a glass. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add a little anise or dill.
Melissa, valerian root and motherwort are taken in equal proportions and brewed in a cup. Then they insist and filter. You need to drink tea before eating a dessert spoon.
Drinking half a cup of tea before meals, prepared according to the recipe below, can calm the nerves and improve digestion. To prepare it, place 1 tsp in a half-liter jar. motherwort, hop cones and green tea, pour boiling water over, leave for 12 minutes, drain. Add honey to taste.
Sophisticated soothing teas
Mix in equal proportions peppermint, oregano, St. John's wort and chamomile. Then we brew a dessert spoon of the collection in a cup, insist, filter and add honey. Drink this tea by a glass in the morning and before bedtime.
Stir in equal proportions peppermint, valerian root, hop cones, motherwort and ground rose hips. A tablespoon of the mixture should be brewed in the form of tea, infused and filtered. This sedative should be drunk throughout the day.
Soothing teas for children
To prepare baby tea soothing tea, you need to mix chamomile flowers, peppermint and fennel in equal parts. Then pour boiling water over a dessert spoon of the collection and hold on a steam bath for about 20 minutes, drain. This tea is recommended to be given to young children in the evening before going to bed on a teaspoon, as it can calm, relax, normalize the healthy alternation of sleep and wakefulness.
The teas described in our article can calm the nervous system and normalize blood pressure. Drinking tea every day helps to improve sleep and skin condition. The medicinal herbs in these teas help to eliminate dark circles under the eyes, improve vision, and improve the functioning of the stomach and intestines.
Previously, people could not imagine that a person's breakfast could consist of various crispy balls with dried fruits, cereals and milk. But these days, such food does not surprise anyone, because such a breakfast is very tasty, and besides, it is easy to prepare. However, such food opens up a lot of controversy and discussion, since it is important for people to know what are the benefits and harms of cereal for human health. The very concept of dry food appeared in 1863, and was introduced by James Jackson. The first meal was compressed bran. Even though it wasn't very tasty, it was healthy food. The Kellogg brothers supported the idea of dry food as early as the beginning of the twentieth century. During this time, both Americans and Europeans were embraced by the idea of proper and healthy eating. At that time, the brothers made breakfast cereals made from soaked corn kernels passed through rollers. These breakfasts were more like raw, torn apart, dough. They were helped by an accident in which this body was placed on a hot baking sheet and forgotten about it. Thus, the first dry breakfasts were obtained. This idea was taken up by many companies, and the flakes were mixed with nuts. Fruit and other foods.
What are the benefits of breakfast cereals?
In the last twenty years, regular breakfasts, which consisted of sandwiches and cereals, have been replaced by dry ones. The main advantage of dry food is, first of all, time saving, which is very important in our time. Few people can afford a full and correct breakfast these days. That is why the main benefit of breakfast cereals is their simple and quick preparation. Such breakfasts are made elementary. One has only to pour milk over the cereal. In addition, milk can be replaced with yogurt or kefir.
During the production of breakfast cereals, all the beneficial substances of cereals are preserved. For example, corn flakes are saturated with vitamins A and E, while rice flakes contain amino acids important for our body. Oatmeal contains phosphorus and magnesium. But, unfortunately, not all breakfasts are good for the human body, some of them can be harmful.
Breakfast cereals include snacks, muesli, and cereals. Snacks are balls and pads of different sizes made from rice, corn, barley, oats and rye. These cereals are steamed under high pressure in order to preserve the maximum amount of beneficial trace elements and vitamins. However, with additional heat treatment, such as frying, the product loses its usefulness. When nuts, honey, fruits, chocolate are added to flakes, muesli is obtained. For the production of snacks, ground flakes, as well as various additions to them, are overcooked. More often children love snacks, so they are produced in the form of different figures. Some manufacturers add a variety of toppings to their snacks, including chocolate. However, after adding sugar and various additives to breakfast, it will no longer be very useful. In this regard, to maintain health and shape, it is better to choose unprocessed cereals or muesli with fruit and honey.
Why are breakfast cereals harmful?
The most harmful product is snacks, since more nutrients are destroyed during their preparation. One serving of such breakfasts contains only about two grams of fiber, while our body needs up to 30 grams of dietary fiber per day. It is more useful to eat unprocessed flakes that have not undergone heat treatment. This product will fill the body with the necessary amount of fiber. Snacks are harmful due to frying, as they become high in calories and fatty.
It is necessary to take into account the high calorie content of breakfast cereals. For example, the calorie content of stuffed pillows is about 400 calories, and chocolate balls - 380 calories. Cakes and sweets have a similar calorie content, and this is not useful. More damage is caused by various additives that make up breakfast cereals. That is why buy raw cereals for children, without various additives. Add honey, nuts or dried fruit to your breakfast cereal and skip foods that include sugar substitutes.
Wheat, rice and cornflakes are very easy to digest because they contain simple carbohydrates. This fills the body with energy and provides the brain with nutrition, but excessive consumption of these carbohydrates leads to excess weight.
Cooked breakfast cereals are very harmful. During cooking, the fat or oil used in the cooking process can lead to cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol levels. Flavor enhancers, leavening agents and flavoring agents are often included in breakfasts. Avoid purchasing products with these additives.
A child can be given flakes from the age of six, not earlier, since coarse fibers are complex for the absorption of the child's intestines.
The pain that people can periodically feel for various reasons can destroy all the plans made for the day, ruin the mood and worsen the quality of life. Pain can be of a different nature, but to get rid of it, people resort to using pain relievers. However, at the same time, few people think that by using an anesthetic, we can harm our health, since each drug has side effects that can manifest itself in a separate organism. However, not everyone knows that some foods are able to reduce or relieve painful sensations, while being effective enough and without exposing the body to additional risk. Of course, when any pain occurs, it is necessary to determine what it is associated with. Pain is a kind of signal from the body, indicating that it has a problem. Therefore, in no case can you ignore the pain, and sometimes it is impossible to do this, because it reminds of itself, sometimes at the most inopportune moment. In our article we will talk about what foods can relieve pain, or reduce its manifestation, at least for a while.
For people with chronic diseases that periodically manifest themselves with painful sensations, you can make up some kind of pain relief diet to alleviate their condition. So, here are some foods that can soothe pain:
Turmeric and ginger... Ginger is a proven medicine for many diseases that can effectively treat pain. For example, in oriental medicine, this plant is used to reduce toothache. To this end, you need to prepare a decoction of ginger and rinse the mouth with it. Pain from exercise and from intestinal upset and ulcers can be soothed with ginger and turmeric. In addition, these plants have a positive effect on kidney health.
Parsley... These greens contain essential oils that can stimulate blood circulation in the human body, including the blood supply to internal organs. When parsley is consumed, the body's adaptive abilities increase, which speeds up healing.
Chilli... This is another pain reliever. In the course of the studies carried out, it was found that red pepper is able to increase the pain threshold of a person. The molecules of this product activate the body's immune defenses and produce endorphins that act as a pain reliever. Traditionally, this pepper is included in the menu of peoples living in difficult natural conditions and engaged in hard physical labor.
bitter chocolate... As mentioned above, the hormone endorphin, which is also called the "hormone of happiness", is a natural pain reliever. The production of this natural pain reliever is stimulated by the consumption of chocolate. The peculiarity of chocolate to give pleasure to everyone is known, however, this product not only gives a mood, but is able to relieve painful sensations.
Whole Grain Products... According to some experts, the pain-relieving properties of foods made with whole grains are prohibitively high. These foods are high in magnesium, which can help relieve muscle soreness. In addition, these foods help relieve headaches by protecting the body from dehydration.
Mustard... Mustard has the ability to relieve headaches that come from overwork or other causes. It is enough to eat a piece of bread smeared with fresh mustard.
Cherry... It is very easy to eliminate a headache by eating a few ripe cherries.
Garlic... This is another burning product that can relieve pain, and it also applies to pain resulting from various inflammations.
Citrus... These fruits have pain relievers, just like other foods that contain vitamin C. Citrus fruits relieve pain from various causes. In addition, these fruits act as a general tonic. Therefore, it is the first product to be transferred to patients in the hospital.
Cinnamon... Another important remedy used in the fight against various inflammations and pains. Cinnamon reduces the negative effects of uric acid, an increased level of which can trigger the development of many diseases, including arthritis.
Some of the people are lucky and they are born with a gift, for example, the gift of drawing. Others, who are less fortunate, have to study in order to master the language of art. The third is not given in this situation. However, do not worry - the artist actually sleeps in each of us. And this article will tell you how to wake him up.
1. Work hard and learn the basics of drawing(composition, perspective, anatomy / figure, color theory, volume / light, etc.). You cannot call yourself a knowledgeable artist until you truly become one. Ideally, you shouldn't just know these basics, but be fluent in them. And when you master, you will be not just a knowledgeable, but a confident and authoritative artist. This applies not only to beginners, but also to advanced and professional artists. Many experienced artists have weak points - for example, one can perfectly draw still lifes and landscapes, but in the knowledge of anatomy and the shapes of the human body, he may turn out to be zero. You can learn a lot by improving your basic knowledge and skills. I definitely have a weak point that is worth working on.
2. Broaden your horizons. If you love anime / manga, superhero comics, photo-realism, or any other specific art style, and have not yet tried to apply or have not yet discovered other directions, styles, cultures and times of art, then you should expand your horizons. ... A narrow vision is destructive and makes the artist a gray mass that is unable to go beyond the established templates. Mixing different styles and directions is much better and more interesting.
3. Don't be a thoughtless artist. Think about WHY you are creating. Is drawing "cool stuff" and "hot girls" your only interest? Do you even have anything to say, being a representative of the human race, in this multi-layered society? Is everything you create is just mindless rubbish? If you are only working to the lowest level of satisfaction, never thinking about the higher concepts of intelligence and emotion, perhaps now is the time to dig deeper! You have a soul - so use it. It's not about just "digging" - it's about quality! For example, a movie masterpiece differs from a full-length and short-length science fiction / fantasy / horror film in how much love and soul the author has put into its script.
4. No need to copy reality- there is a camera for this. As artists, we have the power to stylize, emphasize, simplify, selectively detail, idealize, create abstractions and surrealism - it would be a shame not to use that power. It would be more pleasant for me to look at the work of an artist who left a footprint on the canvas than on a picture that is almost indistinguishable from a photograph. I am much more interested in artists such as John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Richard Schmid, Gustav Klimt, Nikolai Fehin, etc. -realism, that is, work is work. But what is in your creativity?).
5. Polishing is the last thing to think about. Free or clear brush lines, sketches or simple lines - your choice. The internal structure and basic knowledge are much more important. Bringing to the ideal is an endless process that is constantly changing and developing. A good artist should be able to use different types of drawing work, and not take one and use only this method. Experiment more often with different methods and styles, as chefs experiment with ingredients in the kitchen. By following this advice, you will eventually be able to get an intuitive approach to this matter, and then you will be able to determine for yourself which technique is best to use when drawing a particular drawing on which you are working.
6. Naked practice is not enough- must be practiced wisely. Drawing scribbles in an album is not smart. You have to achieve what you do not yet know how, and not do what you can already do even with your eyes closed. Treat it like a scientific experiment with a clear plan that aims to achieve a specific goal. Analyze errors. Avoid wasting time on things that don't serve your purpose. Observe, analyze, and understand structures and schemes - the physical laws of our world (light, shadow, color, texture of fabrics, etc.), or create methods that bring the best results (using contrast in color, saturation, shapes with different edges, etc.).
7. Be realistic about your expectations. Rome was not built in a day. It takes years of hard training and smart training to become a pro. Having painted an album or two, you will not become one step higher - it takes a lot more for this. Artists do not just train, drawing dozens of heads, and then get excellent results - they draw hundreds and thousands of heads for years, and do everything deliberately - they study the structure of the skeleton and muscles, facial expressions, lighting conditions, age, distinctive features of each race, etc. etc. And that's just the head. The road leading to becoming an artist, in reality, is similar to the path of the creative search for oneself.
8. Learn to accept criticism. An artist who lives surrounded by people will always receive comments about his work, and if he cannot accept criticism, he will be a pitiful excuse for an artist. Consider criticism as a necessary part of your development and growth. If both positive and negative comments are made to you, be grateful for them. The wounded ego must strive to become stronger and broaden its views. If you do not see beyond your wounded ego, it will destroy you. While you are still a beginner, you may not hear more helpful advice than “learn the basics!” And this is because of your level, whatever you do is not like that. Keep learning the basics hard and you will level up.
9. Be comprehensively educated. Explore the world you live in - history, politics, religion, economics, science, literature, music, photography, cinema, etc. You will be surprised how everything in the world is interconnected. The more you understand about the world you live in, the better artist you will become. Maintain strong relationships because family, friends, and loved ones create vibrant emotions in us that we can use in our art. An intellectually and emotionally undeveloped person has little to offer the world as an art creator. Think openly, be sociable and educated.
10. You may or may not be an artist. People are different and not everyone has the ability to become an artist. If you do not have patience, are not assiduous, quickly lose concentration, are easily irritated, not motivated, not ambitious, do not know how to take negative criticism, but just want to draw for your pleasure and not be indebted to anyone ... etc., then you, most likely you will not succeed in life as an artist. And this applies to all people - not just creative people.
People are different, both physically and mentally, and we have different potentials and varying degrees of inclination to one or another activity. Having a penchant for art does not mean that you will become a good artist - it all depends on you, your willingness to learn and grow, and how much you can filter out unnecessary things and focus on the most important things. And what is more important, you should enjoy the process of learning and your own growth. But if you hate every step that you have to take to do this, you may be wasting yourself with the idea that you want to become an artist, but you are not quite suitable for the role. Remember, wanting to be someone and wanting to be someone is not always the same thing.
It's like some people stand on the sidelines, watching the dancers tear up the dance floor, and dream of doing the same - they also love to move their bodies to the music. But as soon as they really appreciate the efforts that need to be made for this purpose, they let go of the idea, because it is too difficult for them. Simply put, they want to, but they are not ready for it. And there are those who enjoy the process of grueling training, and whose passion goes far beyond simple desire, and they inextricably link this training with pain and fatigue, but they know for sure that in the end they will win - these are those who live the stage. The road to becoming a good artist is much the same. You must go through a path full of disappointments, mistakes, puffy eyes and calluses on your fingers, a long lack of progress, doubts about yourself and your strengths, overcoming hatred and envy of the talent and achievements of others, in order to eventually become the one I will look at. and say "wonderful artist!"
You need not just want something, but persistently move towards your goal. Or stay just an amateur, do this or that as a hobby, or choose something else that suits you better. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because you might as well find happiness just by enjoying the work of this or that artist, instead of trying to become like him. Because being an amateur doesn't involve any sacrifice or years of anguish and frustration, only to fail. Nobody will tell you if you can handle it or not. And you yourself will not know this until you go all the way. Some people take years to become worthy representatives of their cause, but they fall short and stop for one reason or another. For some, a week is enough to realize that everything is not as great as it seemed. Others came very close to becoming professionals in their field, but stopped, considering that they had achieved enough, and devoted themselves to other life goals (and no one said that drawing is the most attractive activity of art - there are many other interesting areas - music , directing, writing, cooking, fabric painting, etc.). There is no right or wrong choice here. You choose your own path, and as long as you feel that you are doing the right thing for you, you are on the right path (unless it hurts others).
Let's start with this term - "professional". Despite all its paradox, there is no exact and uniform understanding of who a professional artist is. But there are signs by which one can judge the artist from the point of view of that very professionalism.
Look, every professional activity has its own minimum threshold. For a lawyer's assistant, this is a secondary legal education, for a carpenter - a vocational school, for a doctor - a medical school. And for a professional artist, the bar is not small - a completed higher education and secondary vocational education, which is focused on the practical mastery of a graduate student of artistic graphics, the skill of painting, sculpture. This is the first sign.
How does it affect the artist? Very often, when a customer is looking for a good artist, his search narrows down to the most skillful masters, namely masters with a diploma. Then they may not pay attention to the self-taught, but this does not mean that the second is somehow worse. The presence of a diploma does not give any guarantee that the artist really owns high skill. There are hundreds, if not thousands of examples, when self-taught samples were much more spectacular than artists with a diploma. Nevertheless, this formal feature should be taken into account.
The second sign of professionalism is the real level of the artist's skill, namely his technique. And you can really check it only by those works that he performed in a realistic manner, i.e. with kind.
Other signs are complementary. For example, when painting is his main activity, he receives income from it, is engaged in active exhibition activities.
And one more rather weighty argument, we will touch on it a little later, when we consider the ways of becoming a professional artist, this is membership in the Union of Artists of Russia.
Conclusion: and now without any boring and abstruse words. Is it worth studying and getting an education? Let's just say, if your age still allows you, then this will greatly help you as a future master. And I would not refuse such an opportunity. As long as you have no worries with money, family matters, home, children, etc. - golden time, write and learn.
Well, if the train has left, then there are planes. Joke! There is no age for creativity. You can become a professional without any. Moreover, due to today's information availability, you can raise your skill level on your own, as well as in various courses for beginners and even professionals.
I believe that a professional artist is not someone who has many degrees, and not even someone who writes beautifully. For me, a professional artist is someone who knows how to convey their feelings and emotions to the canvas, evoking them from the audience.
"The artist draws not what he sees, but what he feels." Pablo Picasso
How to become a professional artist and what is needed for this?
1. Where should you start?
Naturally, with their skills. Do you think you can go far without being able to put into practice even the elementary drawing rules? If you have a talent from God, even this does not mean that you can give up on training. More assertive and motivated people will bypass you. Therefore, you need to learn always and constantly. Alas, without this you cannot become a professional.
Get the minimal beginner painter's kit and write. A few paints, brushes and a canvas (or a primed fiberboard sheet) are enough. Don't try to create masterpieces right away. Do not hurry. If you are uncomfortable painting in front of strangers or even close people, find and set aside free time for yourself when you will be alone.
Advice. I highly recommend reading Betty Edwards' book "Discover the Artist in You". It will allow you to get rid of the internal psychological problems associated with painting. Also learn new technological and technical tricks and techniques from Smith Ray's "Artist's Handbook". These two books are available for download on the Internet.
2. Progress, realization of paintings, promotion
Now imagine this situation: let's say you have already gained some experience, painted several pictures, and perhaps graduated from an art college. What's next? What to do with the paintings? And work, family, everyday affairs ...
This is where 90% of artists stop, because they just don't know what to do next. Do you know what Cezanne said? - "If you want to be an artist, your parents must be rich." What are these words for? And the fact that an artist is a creative person who must devote all his time and energy to painting. But what are today's realities? Every person needs a home, food, clothing. And whether you are at least an artist, or someone else, it is necessary to think about these things and spend your time on their extraction. And how, then, can a creative person be? Based on the foregoing, it is still quite possible to become a professional artist, and for this there are only 3 ways:
- Internet and galleries
It is worth making a reservation right away: an artist is not a seller, he is a manufacturer. To create real masterpieces, an artist should not waste his precious energy thinking about selling paintings. Let those people who know how to do it do it. There is even a saying: "A good businessman is a bad artist."
The Internet provides a lot. Any artist can now be seen by the viewer using social networks, forums, blogs for artists. Thanks to the Internet, you can create your own page and already on it introduce people to the work.
As for the galleries, they are intermediaries between the artist and the buyer. In Moscow, for example, there are about 70 of them. If at least one third of them contain at least one of your pictures, then you can never worry about the financial side again, since it will be abundantly satisfied.
It sounds, of course, sweet, but you still have to get there. An aspiring artist will have to be patient and persistent to at least want to see your work. And perseverance just works wonders, examples of this are our great Levitan, Picasso, Monet and Korovin.
Just start carrying your work around the gallery a little at a time without really hoping for approval. Sooner or later you will achieve your goal. It's just a matter of time.
- Join a professional organization
At the beginning of the article, we touched on this issue. Such organizations today are the Moscow Union of Artists and the Russian Union of Artists. These organizations are actively involved in exhibitions, on an all-Russian scale and at elite venues. Such exhibitions are always accompanied by increased attention from the media, journalists, wealthy people, respected critics, connoisseurs and functionaries. Imagine what fame and status you can get if you appear on one with your work ?!
What does it give you? Perhaps this is the most direct path to the top, since a lonely artist-wanderer cannot do as much alone as two, three or more can. In 1-2 years, you can already reach incredible heights thanks to life in an organization.
What is required of you? Active work and life in the environment of society, talented work, fulfillment of assignments, mutual assistance, perseverance, communication with leading people. But most importantly, the artist needs to choose the group with which his ideological views and interests coincide, or they will have to be corrected. Neutral position will not bring anything, so you have to choose. Yes, even in such organizations there is division into groups and competition for the promotion and advancement of your idea as the best and correct one. Therefore, I recommend choosing one of the authoritative and defending its interests in order to break through to the top and acquire close contacts there.
- Own brand (name)
This path is very difficult, unpredictable and for many a failure, due to a lack of patience and pressure from outside. For example, you held a regular exhibition at which you failed to sell anything. The result is a loss of money, strength, and faith in oneself. And yet suddenly there are "philosophers" who keep repeating, they say, "Give up this venture, nothing will come of it, a waste of time"!
The most important thing here is not to give up, to develop and go to the bitter end.
"If I stop, I will die." A. Mironov
Find the highest stratum of people to whom you will offer your paintings. If you go out somewhere on the ruin in order to sell paintings, then you will not get anything worthwhile, except for fame among a small handful of people. You need the business elite of your place, i.e. successful and wealthy people. And it is with them that you need to establish contact, since their potential is much greater than that of ordinary people.
How to do it? It is not necessary to organize an expensive exhibition. It is enough to have a catalog with your paintings, and with it, make a round of all large and successful companies. Introduce yourself, announce your purpose of the visit and, preferably, go to the manager himself. If it is not there, leave the catalog or disk with the secretary, and then dial it by phone and find out what and how. But it's better to meet in person.
Most business leaders are willing to make deals with artists. They enjoy looking at paintings and buying them. For you, these are good connections, new contacts and fame.
Summary. To become a professional, you always need to develop and work on your weak points. Try yourself in different directions, analyze your mistakes, rest, be equal to the best. Develop on all fronts - in the economy, social relations, culture, religion. After all, people are not interested in contemplating the experiences of only one person. But on the other hand, they will look with delight at what worries them personally, and what is closely related to their life, environment, influence, etc.
P.S. Finally, I would like to recommend not to take criticism of others to heart. Especially from those people who are far from painting. What can a person tell you who has no idea how a work of art is created? If you need adequate advice or criticism, contact the master. To everyone else, just say, "thanks for your attention." But don't take their words seriously!
"Everybody lies!" Dr. House.
A young but already renowned Russian artist shared valuable advice on how to build a career in the arts. The recommendations of the famous painter will be useful to everyone who wants not just to paint on the table, for themselves and their loved ones, but to become a real master of their craft with the acquisition of such pleasant bonuses as popularity and wealth.
So what are the steps a budding artist should take?
The path to the starry Olympus is thorny and requires a lot of dedication. We asked Alexey how he sees the work plan to achieve national recognition.
First of all, the artist says, it is necessary to systematically create new works and train in the direction that attracts you as much as possible.
Inspiration is a great stimulus for creativity, but you shouldn't forget about routine work, because skills are honed gradually.
In this regard, it is important to note a tolerant and even reaction to possible criticism from others, especially if it comes from real experts. A painstaking attitude to work, a desire to improve will certainly show themselves in practice.
For myself, from my own experience, I made an important conclusion: any artist should have a good portfolio from which gallery owners and exhibition organizers can choose the paintings, drawings and posters they like the most. If you have something to offer to the curator or event manager, this will be a significant plus, since there is a possibility that a wealthy collector will pay attention to your works.
Your individual style in painting can also be a significant component of future success. It is necessary to put special emphasis on this aspect, because the recognizable handwriting of the artist makes the audience select a specific author from the gray faceless mass, instantly remember his name and associate this particular person with bright, outstanding works, whose names are heard by everyone.
Again, for successful art connoisseurs, your spiritedness is also a factor that tempts them to buy your painting, which brings the artist a double benefit - the name becomes a brand, and the profits from the sale of works take the creator to a new commercial level. Alexey, whose track record already includes deals with collectors from Forbes, says:
"Luck, professionalism and eccentricity of the artist can be your lucky chance to gain fame, since every art acquisition of billionaires is widely covered by the press."
It is not superfluous to note the need to have a personal website, where your works will be quickly found and appreciated by colleagues in the shop, fans and those who wish to buy them out or place an order. Alexey Zimin is sure that a modern artist is in a more privileged position than the creators of previous eras, because today you can rent a paid hosting and launch your own website.
