Having the right mindset when starting your art journey is key to artistic success. Sure, mindset is not something that we typically think about in relation to art, but TRUST ME it's a key factor. Developing the right mindset can significantly improve your art journey no matter what stage of the journey you are in, by enhancing creativity and bringing more fulfillment into your process. Today, let's explore the key components of the artist mindset and discuss practical tips on how to cultivate it with these creativity tips.
BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS THE ARTIST MINDSET?
I'm so glad you asked.... let's get into it.
The Artist Mindset is an objective, open-minded and creative way of looking at the world around you. Chances are that most things in life can be viewed through the lens of an Artist Mindset
OK SO LET'S GET INTO THE NITTY GRITTY AKA THE DETAILS OF THE ARTIST MINDSET
- OPENNESS AND CURIOSITY
Openness and Curiosity are fundamental to the Artist Mindset. Being open to new ideas and experiences expands your creative viewpoint and can inspire fresh innovative work. Inspiration can come from anywhere – a walk in nature, a conversation with a friend, or even a dream. I know life can be so busy, and sometimes so tedious. But moments of inspiration can be found even in everyday life. The key is allowing yourself the gift of openness to shift your perspective. Take some time back from your day to reflect. Look at things in a curious light. Ask yourself questions...no matter how small. Stay open to the world around you and let it fuel your creativity.
Key Tip: Keep a sketchbook handy to capture ideas and moments of inspiration even in your everyday life.
Bringing openness and curiosity into your art practice leads you to connect the dots in different ways. To problem solve uniquely. To form your own conclusions based on your distinct vantage point. In your studio, openness and curiosity can help you to combine your art tools in various ways. To develop your own artistic style.
- EMBRACING IMPERFECTION
Embracing imperfection means being ok with your individuality. Being ok with being an outlier. Being ok with not knowing or being wrong. Being comfortable with discomfort. Being ok with being different or not following trends. Honestly, most Artists possess some quirk or quality that makes them original and intriguing. And that quality may not make them trendy or mainstream. That's what makes Artists unique.
In your art practice, having the Artist Mindset of Embracing Imperfection means embracing "mistakes' in your art. If you so happen to make an error in your art, leave it there. Embrace the so-called mistake as a part of the piece. Or you can use those mistakes as art studies and provide yourself with an opportunity to learn.
- NOTICING & OBSERVATION
Sharpening your observation skills can enhance your ability to capture details and find inspiration in the world around you. Get outside into an area that inspires you. This can be a park, a lake, a city. Anywhere that pulls on your artistic imagination. Spend time observing your surroundings. Pay attention to colors, shapes, textures and patterns. Connect the themes in various objects. This practice can enrich your artwork and provide fresh ideas. Keep a sketchbook close to jot down your observations and ideas.
- DEEP CONNECTION TO ART & ENVIRONMENT
In every artist mindset is a deep connection to their Art and to their Environment. These two components work together to bring authenticity and depth to your work as an artist. Cultivating a deep connection to your art means allowing your emotions to guide your creative process. Create art that resonates with your feelings and your experiences. Emotions can help to your artistic expression by increasing your awareness to yourself in relation to your surroundings.
Artists also set up inspiration for themselves in their studio space. This space can be anywhere from your dining table, a creative nook in your bedroom to an entire studio. This space can also reside in the pages of your sketchbook. This is a space you go to reference and blend all the inspiration you gained from the previous steps to create art that enriched with the story that is you as the artist.
Embracing the right artist mindset is essential for and creative journey. By fostering openness and curiosity, embracing imperfection and maintaining a strong connection to your work and environment, you can significantly enhance your artistic skills and overall experience. Allow yourself the gift of experimentation, explore and grow without the fear of failure. With these principles in mind, you'll find that your art will not only improve but also become a more meaningful and fulfilling expression of your inner self. Keep nurturing your creativity and let your unique perspective shine through every brushstroke and sketch.
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