Advice to an Artist

There’s a fairly common question that I hear in different settings - “If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?” It’s interesting to think about, not only what we have learned and picked up along our travels, but also wondering if we would be the same person we are today if we had gotten advice to walk a different path.

I recently got the chance to give advice to someone walking a similar path to mine. A student of mine from long ago moved to another state, moved back, and actually ended up going to art school for high school. I had long told students that I could tell from their art that they were going to be a far better artist than I was, and this particular student proved me right. Her portfolio is unique, well thought out, personal, and tells her story in a way that is full of connection. She is going to university to continue her art studies, which is always an adventure. I’m excited to see where she takes it.

So I sat in front of the open graduation card, trying to think about what advice I could possibly give. The artist path is so unique and individualized that it’s hard to give another artist advice, sometimes just to tell our own story. So I thought, what would I tell my younger self starting out in that first painting class freshman year in college? I had taken many art classes prior to that moment, but there’s something about the act of committing to art that feels like a much bigger step in a much bigger world.

A self-portrait of sorts done during my freshman year at college

So, dear artist,

It is weird to offer advice, since the artist’s path is so individual, much like life. But if I could tell my own graduating self (or whatever step you are on your creative path, whoever is reading this) some guiding words, it would include these four themes:

-Remember that art is never the answer. It is the question. So many artists are seen as a declaration or shining beacon, when in reality nobody has it truly figured out. We’re not supposed to. Your art may never help you reach answers, but it will help you form the right questions to keep seeking.

-Take business and marketing classes. For real. If you want to turn this all into a life path, there are so many tools that can help you on your journey. Your art will keep evolving and improving if you keep making it, regardless if it is in a class or your major or not. Take the opportunity to level up in other areas as you can, too.

-The whole world can be an art teacher. Some of my favorite artists are self-taught, because they recognize this. A professor can teach you art. A 5-year-old can teach you art. A tree. A dessert. Listening to the instruments in the refrain of your favorite song. Fabric stores. The world can be your classroom if you let it. Stay open.

-Never, never, never forget the “why” of your art. There are so many artists focused on the what - still life, portraiture, landscape. Focused on the how - watercolor, sculpture, photography. These are the vehicles to make the magic happen, but they are not the magic. What is your voice, and why do you share it? What do you truly have to say? Always let that be your North Star.

A friend let me use her as my canvas for a class critique. Been bringing together the human form and nature since the beginning.

It may not be reasonable to give another artist advice. Many are as stubborn as I am, and I applaud them for it. We like to get elbow-deep in the mess ourselves (which also may just be my 3/5 Human Design profile, but rings true none the less) and therefore learn from our own messy process. And the creative journey is meant to be unique. We’re meant to make it our own way. But isn’t that what art is for, sharing our voice with a little different hum? What is the artist path if not unreasonable to some degree? It is without reason - mad with a handful of heart.

If you could leave behind one bit of advice, for your younger self or someone like you, what would you say?