How Criticism Plays an Important Role in the Life of an Artist

Art makes the world a better place. It provides people with a more colorful and beautiful experience in life, no matter the circumstances. Moreover, it has long been established that art affects people in a positive manner, making them less stressed out. Art also helps a person develop better cognition skills and a sharper memory.

These are just some of the many reasons why artists are important in society.

The Life of an Artist

Some people think that artists are insignificant to society, comparing them with “more important” people like doctors, teachers, lawyers, and leaders. However, they fail to realize that artists are just as relevant as these people, although they play a different role.

Think of a time in your life when you were feeling down, but your mood perked up after you listened to a happy music song or read an encouraging book? Perhaps you had even just viewed a piece of art that made you feel inspired.

These examples show us how lucky we are to have art to cheer us up — and we should thank the artists who make that possible.

Aside from making people happy with their craft, artists play other roles in society.

They connect people as a vehicle for expressing universal emotion, they pass on traditions through stories and music, and they can also inspire change in society.

But the life of an artist is much more complex than just creating art, playing music, or writing some form of literature. After all, artists are also humans who have needs. They need to eat, pay rent, and have fun — and such aspects could be affected by the artist’s financial status.

For many artists, creating art isn’t just something they do for fun. It’s also their work and primary source of income. There’s really nothing better than earning money from something that you really love to do, right?

But as exciting as it might sound, being an artist isn’t easy. Many artists find themselves struggling to pay rent and put food on the table.

Because many aren’t well known, they don’t attract as many buyers as those who are already famous. While many wealthy people scramble to buy expensive art from famous painters such as Vincent van Gogh or Pablo Picasso, they won’t even consider purchasing a good painting by someone with “no name.”

Considering that artists often have to purchase the materials and medium they use for their art but can’t sell their finished products for a high price, many have to find full-time jobs to support themselves and their families. Some might find fans and buyers after going viral, yet the income is also not steady.

How to Succeed as an Artist

Everyone wants to succeed in the career they choose because success often translates into fame, happiness, and money! While many succeed without help from others, the same thing can’t be said for artists.

You need to have an audience and a target market if you hope to succeed as an artist. What good are your superb skills if there’s no one to hear your music, read your book, or appreciate your artwork?

Often, the value of your artwork depends on how people appreciate what you’ve created. For example, even if you write an amazing book or paint a masterpiece, they’re useless if there’s no one to appreciate them. The same goes for music and any other form of art.

There’s a tradition for art criticism that’s both a boon and a bane for any artist. An art critic’s perception might be clouded by personal bias, leading to harsh criticism of an artwork that actually looks great.

That’s why it’s important to remember that when receiving a critique of your work, whether it’s from a good friend or a famous art expert, don’t take things personally. Perhaps this person just didn’t understand your work. Often, it’s not a personal attack against you or your art.

Art Criticism and Engagement with the Audience

Aside from practicing a lot and honing your craft, embrace constructive criticism.

Criticism plays a vital role in an artist’s development in that it allows you to improve and avoid making the same mistakes again. Criticism also guides you regarding which areas you need to improve on and what you keep doing wrong.

Getting bad reviews will make you think hard about why you didn’t make your audience happy, but this will eventually help you understand yourself and your target clients better.

Remember, you need an audience to see or hear your art and buy it. That’s how many artists are earning money, but if you can’t connect with your audience, you’ll have a hard time selling your art.

No matter what kind of art you create, be it traditional painting or digital fashion, if you can genuinely engage with your audience, they’ll come back again to support you. Many will even be willing to wait until you have new content so that they can be the first to buy these items.

Any artwork is subject to criticism, even bad criticism. After all, you can’t always expect to get positive opinions from people. Some suggest that you have to be tough to handle what others say about your work, yet you shouldn’t really feel bad because your critics are simply trying to help you out.

Did you know that many artists managed to succeed and become famous despite negative, hurtful criticism?

Legend has it that Walt Disney was turned down at least 300 times and was told that he didn’t have talent as an artist because of his “ugly mouse” drawing! After finally getting his big break, Disney was able to see that “ugly mouse” turn into one of the world’s favorite characters: Mickey Mouse.

Severely criticized as “schizophrenic” and even “satanic” in his early career because his artwork looked weird to many people, Pablo Picasso went on to become one of history’s most famous painters. Today, many of his paintings are worth millions of dollars.

Claude Monet received criticism at the outset because certain critics thought that some of his artworks looked incomplete. However, he later became one of the world’s most famous artists, and his art method led to the esmergence of the term “impressionism.”

And you’ve probably heard that Vincent van Gogh sold just one painting in his lifetime — and it was worth a mere 400 francs (around $1,000 today). Years after his death, his paintings are being sold for millions of dollars!

So, don’t be afraid of criticism. Don’t let other people’s judgment affect your work. Accept the feedback. Handle it like the pro you are and use it to improve your craft.

Good luck!