The Perception About Artists and Why It Needs to Change

Tim is a digital artist. He was asked by a colleague to create a digital poster for an event. Tim’s colleague, named Ana, was expecting the poster to be submitted immediately. Tim worked hard and had not actually slept just to meet the dead line. When it was approved by the client, Ana, asked him if it could be free of charge since they know each other. How should Tim answer?

This particular scenario is the current setting of the art industry in the Philippines. If you are someone like Ana, you have some reevaluating to do. The perception most people have about artists need to change. The reasons may not be as obvious as it seem.

All of us have the ability to create art, but not all of us can be an artist.

Art is found in all the places. A pattern that you happen to pass by walking home. The color of the street that strike your eyes. We may not realize it consciously but art can be seen everywhere. We can all create art in its simplest form. A witty joke to make your friends laugh, or a pose for your Instagram-worthy post. All of us have the ability to create art, but not all of us can be an artist. When you say artist, what instantly comes to mind are the painters, digital artists, poets, and the people who can draw. You are not completely wrong. However, you must take note that artists are not limited to what you think they are. Artists are not secluded in one category. Musicians, singers, dancers, actors, directors, filmmakers – those in the performing arts. Authors, writers, bloggers, script writers, poet, novelist, composer -those in the literary arts. Art illustrators, digital artists, animators, graphic designers, fashion designers, letterers, all sorts of designer, calligraphers, mural artists, painters, sculptors, photographers- the creatives. Art is just too broad, it had to be categorized.

Artists earn their title.

In order to be called an artist, you need to pledge yourself in your craft. You have to be consistent in improving yourself. Being an artist is not easy. You have to own that title. You don’t call yourself an artist if you only made one poem, one song, or one sketch. You are a person who can create art. A person who can write or draw, play an instrument or sing. In order to establish yourself as a real artist, it requires a lot of effort, determination and time. Years of practice and grinding. You got to build yourself.

“This is me. This is what I can do. This is what I am doing.”

Being an artist is not just a way of life, more importantly, it is a profession.

If you think creating art is easy because many people are doing it, consider yourself one of the reasons why the art industry in the Philippines is the way it is until today. If you think there is no money in being an artist, you need to open your eyes more. Because of this kind of thinking, many artists prefer to pursue a profession outside the country because they are not valued enough in their homeland. We need to start changing the perception about artists here. The value they put in their work should not be belittled to a free service or a lip service.

“If you are great at something, never do it for free.”

Creating art is not going to be a hobby forever. The moment a person realizes that he wants to devote himself to his craft, art is no longer a hobby. Never belittle artists. We have no clue what it takes for them to be where they are. Support them instead. Whether in buying or promoting their artwork, do so. A simple like, share or retweet can mean a lot. Appreciate what they do. When you start to acknowledge the efforts of an artist, you’ll learn the true value of art. Encourage the people who say that they want to be an artist. Imagine the world without art. Without them, how will we ever see beauty?

The Perception About Artists and Why It Needs to Change

All of us have the ability to create art, but not all of us can be an artist.

Artists earn their title.

Being an artist is not just a way of life, more importantly, it is a profession.

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14 Replies to “The Perception About Artists and Why It Needs to Change”

All of us have the ability to create art, but not all of us can be an artist.

Artists earn their title.

Being an artist is not just a way of life, more importantly, it is a profession.

Did you like what you read? Be updated when new posts come up!

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14 Replies to “The Perception About Artists and Why It Needs to Change”