(Disclaimer: the following is the opinion of the writer and is for entertainment purposes only, and should not be construed as personal career or life-coaching advice. ) 

So, you think you want to be an artist?

I have talked to many people in my life who have "artistic talent" and they have conveyed their wishes to me about becoming an artist. Of those, I would venture to say that none have realized their wish- at least not yet. (For purposes of this discussion, I am defining the term "artist" as people who create art consistently over the long haul, whether or not they are paid to do it. It is an intrinsic part of their lives- not something they do occasionally, or used to do, or might do again someday. )

Anyway, as a result of these discussions with these potential artists, I have pondered what it takes to be an artist, and why most of the people I have encountered who have professed to want to be artists have not yet done it. This pondering has led to a desire to briefly write down my thoughts about art, artists, and the artistic process geared toward those who think they might want to be artists. (This is the first blog of a series.)

So, you really think you want to be an artist? Why?  Because you have talent? Because you enjoy it? Because your mother, father, sister, brother or significant other thinks you should? Because you want to create something lasting outside yourself- a legacy of sorts? Because you can draw pretty pictures?

Artists create art for many reasons, and some have more than one reason that resonates within them to drive them to produce art, but today I am going to address reasons that you should not become an artist. That is right. I am going to discuss the negative, but not to be negative. Instead, my hope is to liberate some of you from a misplaced wish to please others.

The first reason for not becoming an artist I am going to discuss is a lack of desire or drive. My dad always told me that it is better to be a happy dishwasher than an unhappy lawyer, and it applies to art as well. Do you have the drive to consistently paint or draw or sculpt or whatever, day in and day out, even when it is not fun or inspiring or glamorous? Does the idea of creating a new piece of art really get you excited? Do you go to art shows and immediately, upon seeing an inspiring piece,  feel torn between viewing the rest of the show and racing to your studio to create? Do you want to "do art" even if the world doesn't understand your work and the gallery reps are not fighting each other to represent you? Can you see yourself locked away in your studio, or basement, or wherever, producing art  for the rest of your life, even if no one recognizes your talent in your lifetime? Or can you see yourself battling the bugs, the rain, the heat, the wind or whatever in search of that perfect photograph or plein air painting? If you cannot relate to any of these things I have just said, then perhaps being an artist is not for you. In fact, if you really don't want to do what it takes to make art, then you need to find what does make you feel satisfied, and pursue that. There is no shame or guilt in not being an artist. In fact it is perfectly okay to occasionally paint, or sculpt, or sketch, or do some other form of art as a hobby or for relaxation. Just as the casual angler doesn't try to make a living from fishing, so can the person with "talent" casually create kitchen-table masterpieces without an obligation to pursue being an artist. And this brings me to my next point:

Don't allow yourself to be "guilted" into art. If others in your life are pressuring you to pursue art as a career, and you don't want to do it, then don't feel guilty about your decision. Back when I was in the ministry, I used to have a saying: Don't let your "talent" interfere with your "calling". In other words, just because you have an innate ability to draw well, does not mean that you must spend your life doing it if you don't derive any enjoyment or satisfaction from it, or if you think that your other abilities overshadow the talent for art. Perhaps you are a great communicator- should you pursue art instead of becoming a diplomat or teacher or lawyer or actor? Perhaps in addition to being able to draw you have an affinity for math or science. Should you forego a career as an accountant, a mathematician or an engineer in order to pursue art? What I am getting at, is that you need to do something that is meaningful to you, not just to those around you. When you pursue something from which you derive satisfaction, you are more likely to do whatever it takes to succeed. Of course this doesn't guarantee success, but it is better than slaving away at something you hate.

So, if you genuinely want to do art, and you are not being guilted or otherwise cajoled into pursuing art, then it might be a good plan for you to pursue it. If you don't want to do it, then stop kidding yourself and figure out what you do have a passion about, and devote some time and energy to that.

Next time, I will explore other art related issues in the future. Until then, happy creating- or not!