As a career coach and writer, I frequently surprise artists when I share my observations about their art. Or, after writing their Art Review they tell me I discovered many special artistic attributes they possess that they weren’t aware they had.
If you want to achieve your fullest potential, be an expert in knowing your strengths as an artist. As you identify your greatest qualities you will gain self-empowerment in your creativity and your art career and it will be easier to discuss your art and write your Artist’s Statement.
This is a challenging task but it can be obtained. If you’re like many artists I know, it may be difficult for you to see your art objectively. Or, perhaps you are self-critical and it’s easier for you to see your flaws. Although it’s important to spend time examining the areas where you need improvement, it’s equally important to have a strong recognition and appreciation of your talents and skills.
In this article you’ll be asked to Describe Your Creative Talents and Skills with 10 Questions and Consider How to Improve An Awareness of Your Artistic Strengths with 10 Steps to Take.
Can You Describe Your Creative Talents and Skills? Here are 10 Questions!
Take an honest look at the creative achievements and honor them. I’m sure you have at least one of these skills.
* Do you render subjects accurately and with feeling?
* Do you have a vivid and unlimited imagination?
* Have you acquired an exceptional understanding of nature and/or anatomy?
* Do you notice details that most people aren’t aware of?
* Have you enhanced your design and composition skills?
* Do you excel in painting en plein air?
* Do you have extraordinary visual recollection?
* Have you developed an aptitude for using color in an expressive manner?
* Have you enhanced your use of traditional as well as unconventional art materials?
* Are you inventive in the use of different mediums?
* I’m sure you can add many more to this list…
How to Improve An Awareness of Your Artistic Strengths ~ 10 Steps to Take
* Begin by listing all of your best qualities, unique talents and skills. Grow this list continuously as you observe more of your positive qualities.
* Take time to recall and put to memory all of the praise you’ve received from friends, art buyers, writers and art professionals.
* Remind yourself why you received art awards and recognition, creative triumphs, and career achievements.
* Join a positive, artist’s support group with the purpose of encouraging each other.
* Obtain a creative mentor who will encourage you to acknowledge and build upon your strengths.
* Recognize how often you criticize your artwork and how infrequently you acknowledge your strengths. Strive to achieve a healthy balance. Constructive analysis is fine if it moves you forward, but avoid berating yourself.
* When viewing other artists’ art, instead of comparing and feeling inferior to them, find the areas in which you share positive attributes.
* When you feel yourself getting too serious, remind yourself to lighten up. As Pablo Picasso reminds us, “To draw you must close your eyes and sing.”
* Take frequent steps outside your comfort zone. When doing this, focus on the journey and don’t judge the results.
* Rejoice in the small steps you take as much as you do the big ones when you nurture and improve your artistic talents and skills.
Thank you for providing such thoughtful ways to consider creative strengths. I am a writer. I am looking for an expressive art form to use as a self-care outlet. I’m not drawn to any particular craft but I know that expressive art can be cathartic. Creative writing is the only artistic practice that I’ve been complimented on. I have some emotions that I’d like to express via an art form. I hope to arouse my inner-child. This article offers a helpful place to start.
Thank you.
Hi Toni, I’m delighted you stopped by and enjoyed reading this article to help you awaken your inner-child. I recommend you also read “12 Ways to Nurture Your Inner Artist”. Here’s a link: https://renee-phillips.com/12-ways-to-nurture-your-inner-artist/
This is a wonderful list for an artist to consider. I’ve just finished the exercise and I have been able to critically think about my attributes, especially with what I can improve, what I could experiment with, and how I can push myself forward in my journey as an artist. Acknowledging my current skills is also a boost to my confidence.
Thank you Renee for challenging us to think about ourselves. I very much appreciate your wisdom and being an advocate for artists to reach their full potential.
Dear Andrea, Thank you for accepting my challenge. I’m delighted that the exercise was a positive experience for you. You’ve inspired me to think up some more exercises! 🙂 All the best, Renee