Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#1

Post by simonebrunozzi » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 3:37 PM UTC

I know nothing about the art world, and yet I'd like to become an artist (as a hobby, at least for now). I don't particularly care about making money; but I want to understand how an artist is launched, how he/she gets recognition, how he/she gets invited to shows, etc.

Anyone with experience, or suggested readings? Thanks in advance!

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#2

Post by runjake » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 3:52 PM UTC

Step 1. Post some of your art in this thread. It will get some exposure here. Some will enjoy it, many will ridicule it (see the recent shed posting). And because of that, will give you a taste of the art world.

I'd like to see it. Good luck!

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#3

Post by twox2 » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 3:56 PM UTC

If you just want a hobby, then do art as a hobby have fun. For the most part, ascension in the "art world" starts at a young age with going to art school and following what is a traditional and boring path.

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#4

Post by bambax » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:02 PM UTC

runjake wrote: post #2

Step 1. Post some of your art in this thread. It will get some exposure here. Some will enjoy it, many will ridicule it (see the recent shed posting). And because of that, will give you a taste of the art world. I'd like to see it. Good luck!

> see the recent shed posting

What was it? Can you link to it?

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#5

Post by egypturnash » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:02 PM UTC

I’ve been making a living with drawing for a couple decades and I still have no idea how the world of gallery art works, sorry. I just know how to draw well.

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#6

Post by onelastjob » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:03 PM UTC

Figure out what medium you'd like to work in (3D, painting, generative art, film, photography, etc.) and then take some classes on that subject. That will put you in touch with an instructor who is an artist and students pursuing art in addition to teaching you about working in that particular medium.

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#7

Post by themodelplumber » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:05 PM UTC

Interesting q. I have a bunch of family and friends who regularly put on or participate in art shows. (In fact my wife just came home with a check from a recent show and I'm super proud of her)

I really recommend that you talk to or informally interview some local artists. They can give you solid advice and probably tell you what you need to do next. They may even offer to review your progress.

If you're doing this as a hobby, I think I would really ask yourself what kind of publicity you need for this to be worth it to you.

If you can make art and be happy, you're done. Publicity adds all kinds of drama, expense, politics, especially the more you focus on it. I have some artist friends who paid to play and got lots of publicity, and then lost it as soon as they stopped paying.

Personally I have some ribbons but I don't find publicity that helpful in being the kind of artist I want to be. Everybody's different. Good luck to you.

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#8

Post by reidjs » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:07 PM UTC

I'm at best an amateur artist, but from what I can tell using social media tools to get your art in front of people is the best way to start. Share your art accounts with friends and family and make it easy for them to share it with their friends and family. Generally people only share things that are relevant to them, so maybe you can personalize your art somehow? Easier said than done, there is a lot of competition online.

There are also local groups for most art forms, hooking into those communities can be helpful for getting feedback and growing your network.

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#9

Post by vulcan01 » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:08 PM UTC

bambax wrote: post #4

runjake wrote: post #2

Step 1. Post some of your art in this thread. It will get some exposure here. Some will enjoy it, many will ridicule it (see the recent shed posting). And because of that, will give you a taste of the art world. I'd like to see it. Good luck!

> see the recent shed posting What was it? Can you link to it?

Submitted 23 hours ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29770105

(If you scroll to the very bottom of the page, there's a search box.)

Re: Ask HN: How to Become an Artist?

#10

Post by joshenders » Mon, Jan 03, 2022, 4:09 PM UTC

twox2 wrote: post #3

If you just want a hobby, then do art as a hobby have fun. For the most part, ascension in the "art world" starts at a young age with going to art school and following what is a traditional and boring path.

I studied fine art at a top 3 art school in the US (CalArts). I’m compelled to completely disagree with you on “art school leading to ascension” (and that it also must be traditional and boring...) The best artists I know would have to be taught how NOT to be successful despite their worst effort.

My advice, admittedly cynical and maybe unpopular, is that you either ”have it or you don’t”*. The asterisk being that you might have an underdeveloped “it” and not even know it. There’s no substitute for practice.

If we looked at reading the way we treat creativity, we would all be illiterate.