Finding Your Inner Artist

Some people were born with the artist’s eye; while others struggle even to tell colors apart. Some can make words flow from their fingers at will, while many can’t even string a sentence together. But just because you don’t seem to have that artistic streak doesn’t mean your only choice is a life of dullness. Everyone has an inner artist; you just need to work harder to find yours.

One common misconception is that art is about skill. That’s only partially true. You do need a steady hand to draw a proper circle, but to make it mean something requires creative thought (and besides, you can always use a compass). In fact, many of our greatest artists are remembered not for the technical quality of their work, but for the depth of their imagination.

So how do you find your inner artist? Here are ten tips to help you out.

1. Find your own style.

Picasso worked with cubism, Dali preferred surreal images, Da Vinci liked the human form. Your style is what people associate with you and your work. It can be a favorite subject matter or a predominant color. Often, however, it’s the little quirks in your work that stand out. Do you tend to make dark shadows? Are your lines thick and cartoon-like? Don’t think of these as flaws; instead, draw attention to them and make them the focal point of your pieces.

2. Be observant.

According to psychologists, artists tend to look at objects from a different perspective. Where others would see an old gray building, an artist would notice the contrast it makes against the sky, the pattern the windows make, or the tree that casts a graceful shadow over it. Try looking at things you wouldn’t normally look at twice—you just might find something interesting.

3. Follow your intuition.

An art teacher once decided, on a whim, that he’d rotate all the clocks in the school building but keep the hands pointing the right way. So nine o’clock would make the same right angle, but the numbers would be different. It encouraged the students to think a whole new way about something so ordinary. If you feel like doing something weird, go ahead. You never know what you’ll come up with.

4. Explore other arts.

So you’re a budding writer, and you read all your favorite authors for inspiration. But ideas can come from anywhere. Don’t limit yourself to your craft. If you’re into painting, you can draw inspiration from a novel, a sculpture, even graffiti on the streets. If your writing’s blocked, the mood from a favorite drawing can put you back on track. Exploring other arts will broaden your horizons and give you a better appreciation for your craft.

5. Experiment with styles.

An artist never really settles on a style. If you’ve successfully mastered one style, great, but don’t stop there—pick up a new one. This will give you a wider range and allow you to capture a subject in more than one way. Besides, if you stay with one style too long, your work becomes predictable and uninteresting.

6. Have an idol.

As you’re working to perfect your craft, it helps to have someone to look up to. Look for someone who embodies your goals as an artist, whether it’s Van Gogh or your eccentric next-door neighbor. But remember, admiring them and copying them are two different things. Use them as inspiration, but make sure your personal style still shows in your work.

7. Work for yourself.

The problem with many new artists is that they don’t really do art for themselves. Some do it for fame, others for money, and others for the social stereotype that comes with the label “artist.” The result is that their work isn’t really their own. It’s important that you like what you’re doing, even if no one shares your sentiments.

8. Find company.

So if your art is about you, you don’t need others to prosper, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Find other artists online or in your community who share your style, goals, or interests. That way, you can help each other along by giving critiques, exchanging tips, and sharing resources you wouldn’t have found on your own.

9. Read up.

Read at least a little about the history and technicalities of your craft. Most of the styles we know today came from the artists of previous centuries, so knowing how your technique came about will help you better understand it.

10. Let your mind wander.

Here’s a useful exercise you can use to enhance your creativity. Set aside ten minutes a day for “creative thinking,” where you focus on whatever’s around and let your imagination run around it. You could be on a bus, under a tree, or in your room—there’ll always be something to get you thinking.