Craft & Career
When I started calling myself an artist
Breaking Down the Myths of Being an Artist: Why You Don’t Need Permission, Perfection, or Paychecks to Create.
March 14, 2025
The question, “Can I call myself an artist?” lingers in the mind of every creator at some point in their journey. Some embrace the title without hesitation, while others wrestle with the need to “prove their worth” first.
This question haunted me for years as well, lingering in the back of my mind, especially when I began my path as an illustrator. While the internet is overflowing with tutorials on drawing and painting techniques, there’s a surprising lack of resources addressing the psychological challenges of being a creator.
According to the dictionary, an artist is “a person who produces paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby, or someone who practices any form of creative art, such as sculpture, writing, poetry, or filmmaking.”
Over the years, I’ve noticed that when students ask me questions like, “What brush should I use?”, “How do I find my style?”, or about pursuing an art career, my advice often comes across as unexpectedly blunt. After years of working in the arts, the mystical allure of creativity has faded for me. What once felt otherworldly now feels more like a series of technical steps that can be broken down and understood.
If you’re searching for a manual on “The Right Way to Become an Artist,” I’m sorry to say such a thing doesn’t exist.
There’s nothing inherently divine or mystical about being an artist. No angel will descend from the heavens to grant you a divine right to the title. While art itself can feel almost sacred, the term “artist” is simply the name of an occupation. If you play a sport, you’re an athlete. If you take photographs, you’re a photographer. If you create art, you’re an artist.
Money has no bearing on whether or not you’re an artist. In our capitalist society, we’re conditioned to believe that only things with monetary value are truly worthwhile. If you’re skilled at something, people will inevitably tell you to monetize it. This leads many to think they can only call themselves “artists” if they sell their work or are commissioned to create. But in reality, someone who earns a living from their art is a professional artist. You can still be an artist without making money from it. Take Vincent van Gogh, for example. The Dutch post-impressionist painter (1853–1890), renowned for masterpieces like Starry Night and his profound influence on modern art, sold only one painting during his lifetime*. Yet, his name is now enshrined in the pantheon of art history. No one would dare argue he wasn’t an artist.
However, when money enters the equation, it often comes at the cost of joy. I know many artists who struggle to find time for personal projects—the work they’re truly passionate about—because they’re constantly tied up in commercial assignments to pay the bills.
I’m a staunch critic of the glorification of labor. I don’t believe most people genuinely enjoy working. If given the choice, I’m certain few would willingly spend their days from 9 to 5 in a cramped office simply because they love it. Don’t misunderstand me—I know some people find fulfillment in their work, and I’m not suggesting that all paid labor is miserable or that everyone should abandon their jobs to live off the grid. What I’m saying is that you should have the freedom to create what you love and spend your time as you see fit, without the constant pressure of financial survival or the grind of daily commutes.
That said, artists, like everyone else, need to eat. There’s no shame in selling your art or taking on commercial projects. Support your favorite artists by purchasing their work!
Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime—The Red Vineyard at Arles. This piece now resides in the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. The rest of his more than 900 paintings gained recognition and fame only after his death. Source: Van Gogh Gallery
One piece of advice I always give to artists, both young and old, is to draw as often as possible. If you can do it daily, that’s fantastic! If it’s only twice a week, that’s fine too. The key is to practice consistently.
When it comes to the qualifications needed to call yourself a creator, there’s no magic number of artworks you need to produce. And while drawing every day is ideal, I know many talented artists who’ve had to take extended breaks from creating due to life’s demands. That’s completely normal! Our lives are often chaotic, filled with responsibilities and energy-draining tasks that leave little room for creativity.
So, don’t feel intimidated by the sheer volume of work your favorite artists produce. If someone spends eight hours a day creating, it’s natural they’ll have a larger portfolio. Plus, they likely have years of experience that make the process smoother and faster.
Tip: Keep track of your drawings! Save every single one, even the quick doodles you make on napkins while waiting for your lunch. Organize them by date. Over time, you’ll build a valuable archive of your progress, showcasing both your highs and lows. You’ll see that growth, though not always linear, is always happening.
A golden rule is to never compare yourself to other artists. Every journey is unique. I deeply admire an incredible artist named Astri Lohne. When I discovered we were the same age, I spiraled into self-doubt, thinking, “My art isn’t as good as hers but we are the same age.” But as I learned more about her journey, I realized she started studying art much earlier than I did, in a country with far more resources. Our paths were bound to be different. That’s why I encourage you to research your favorite artists’ backgrounds (Look at their LinkedIn page!). Understanding the differences in your experiences can help you approach self-criticism with a more grounded perspective.
I can confidently say that the moment I felt worthy of calling myself an artist wasn’t when I earned my degree in Visual Communication, nor when I reached a certain number of years of experience or completed artworks. It was when I gave myself permission to embrace the title, flaws and all, and began introducing myself as an artist.
I thought: “If so many ill-equipped individuals can achieve success and fool everyone, why can’t I claim my space in the world and own the achievements I’ve worked so hard for?”
Whether this statement brings you joy or despair, there’s no manual to follow. There are no set milestones to reach. If you create art, whether you deem it good or bad, you have the right to call yourself an artist. You have the right to take up space in the world and exist within it. Your creations enrich the world, and we need your unique perspective.
If you’d like to explore the mindset of an artist, I highly recommend these concise, under-200-page books:
The question “Can I call myself an artist?” is a common struggle for creators. Being an artist doesn’t require divine inspiration, selling your work, or producing a certain number of pieces. It’s about creating, regardless of skill level or financial success. Money doesn’t define artistry—Van Gogh sold only one painting in his lifetime! Practice matters, but perfection and comparison are unnecessary. Embrace the title of “artist” without waiting for external validation. Art has no rulebook; if you create, you’re an artist.
Artist mindset, Creative validation, journey
