You don't need to have everything perfect before you start
I think I have written this blog post for myself more than anything, because as an artist, it can be very easy to get caught up in the idea that everything needs to be perfect before you start creating/posting/selling.
Questioning yourself is part of being a creative person, and I know I’m certainly guilty of this perfection idea where I question my abilities and think "until I don't get that tool" my art won't be great.
And my personal favourite is: until my website isn't 100% perfection I can't sell online.
However, this simply isn't true. In fact, some of the most beautiful and meaningful art is created by artists who don't have the best materials or a big and bright studio, and is sold by artists who don’t have a fancy website.
Here are a few reasons why you don't need these things to be a successful artist.
(Btw, "successful artist" is a very different concept for each one of us. Sometimes it means being able to create in your own room something you *love*, for some other people it means become an international success.
For me success means being able to create art that inspires me and others, and being able to sell it from the comfort of my home!)
1. You don't need the best materials
Many aspiring artists believe that they need the most expensive paints, canvases, or tools to create great art.
However, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, some of the most famous and celebrated artists in history created their best work with humble materials. For example, Vincent van Gogh is known for his thick, impasto brushstrokes, which he achieved by using cheap, low-quality paint.
Similarly, many street artists use spray paint and markers to create their work, rather than expensive oil paints or acrylics.
The key is to work with what you have and make the most of it. Experiment with different materials and techniques and see what you can create. Don't let the lack of fancy materials hold you back from creating your art.
For example if you like creating lines like I do, try to find your style with a marker you have at home first. Then once it's decided that lines are something you want to add to your creations, make a little upgrade!
2. You don't need a fancy website
In today's digital age, it's easy to believe that you need a fancy website to be a successful artist. However, many famous and successful artists have little or no online presence. What's important is the quality of your art, not the quality of your website.
A website is definitely a great way to showcase your work and connect with potential customers, but it's not a requirement. There are many other ways to showcase your art. You can use Etsy or Pinterest or if you like people (😂) you can attend events such as art fairs, exhibitions, and open studios.
3. You don't need a big studio
Do you need a big, spacious and bright studio to create great art? No!
Do you want one? Absolutely yes!
While that’s probably every artist’s dream, it shouldn’t be the reason stopping you.
Many famous and successful artists have created their work in small, cramped spaces. For example, Frida Kahlo painted many of her most famous works in a small, windowless room in her home.
The key is to make the most of the space you have. Whether you have a small desk in a tiny room or a big studio, you can create great art. The important thing is to have a space that is comfortable and conducive to your creative process.
Keep it clean and tidy so it's an inviting space to be in.
At the end of the day, what's important is the quality of your art and your passion for creating it. You can use free apps, free tools. Buy cheap canvases and brushes. You don't even need a fancy wall to take pictures of your work nowadays! The cover picture of this blog post was done with a free online tool called Canvy - that's definitively not my living room.
Don't let the lack of the fancy stuff hold you back from expressing yourself through your art.
Remember, the most meaningful and beautiful art is often created by artists who don't have everything perfect.
Just go for it, paint, be free!
