I re-wrote this title a good twenty times. How do you start art? How do you start to art? How do you become an artist? How do you begin with art? Nothing really fit correctly – so I finally settled with this one. Maybe I’ll change it another five times before I reach the bottom of this collaboration of words that my brain’s coming up with in the next hour while writing this. Alas, here we go.

What makes an artist?

Now, this is the answer that will solve both questions – the one of the header and the one of the title, that is. Funnily enough, it’s a really easy one. You start art and you become an artist by, well, doing art. It’s one of those titles that you have to give yourself, no one can really do it for you. I mean, well, they can. But chances are, that at that point, you’re already past this question anyway.

I struggled for quite some time to call myself an artist, even after I’ve worked to become a freelance creative for a good two years. But at some point, it just felt natural. It helped when I applied the same principle to something similar. If I like to cook a lot, cook for fun, invite people over for the dinner creations I make – am I a chef? Sure I am! Not a professional one, perhaps, but that was never part of the equation. I’m still a chef!

It’s the same with art. If you create something, you’ve earned that title. For some odd reason, this specific one just feels a little more pretentious, doesn’t it? Well, it shouldn’t!

Okay, but how do I get going?

Another easy answer – you just do it. It’s with every other hobby you might pick up. Want to learn how to play the guitar? Buy a guitar and a book. Or look up your favourite guitar-tutorial-guy, I don’t know. Anyway! It’s the same with art. Now mind you, there are a couple of more mediums, so it might look a bit more difficult to get started, but honestly, finding your art style is a whole different thing and this can take yeeeaaars. So don’t worry about that for now. Instead, maybe take a stroll through your favourite art supply store. I recommend actually going in one, if you can, instead of browsing online. It’s nice to get a feel for different paper or pens. And just pick what you like! See if you’re a fan of paint, pens, crafts, clay, textile – whatever! And if you find something that feels good, look further into it. I’ve tried lots and lots and lots of different mediums before I found something I now stick with. Please don’t shy away from using high-quality materials, too. There is some really crap and cheap stuff out there, which can horrifically ruin your experience with things you otherwise might have liked. Trust me. Been there.

Next, schedule time in to actually be artsy. You can have all the things in the world, but if you don’t sit down and just start, what are you doing? Interestingly, this is oftentimes the most difficult part. Especially if you’re sitting in front of your paper thinking “… Okay, what now?” Just take your pen, pencils, paint – and scribble. Start. Shapes. Lines. Blurs. See where your hand take you. And then do it again. And again. And again.

Look at pictures, get references – try to draw what other people already drew. Yes. this is allowed. And highly encouraged. Why? It helps you practice, it helps you figure out your own lines, your own swooshs and swaaashs and preferences. Copy to your hearts content, get inspired, imitate, learn until you suddenly now how to fly and don’t need the training wheels anymore.

Ah yes. Good old birds with wheels.

I’m gonna draw some trees now.

[Picture by Rhonda K. – thank you!]