Transitioning from being an art student to a professional artist is a profound shift, one that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. As students, we are often guided by the structure of assignments, deadlines, and the expectations of our professors. We're told what to create, how to create it, and when it needs to be done. This structure, while sometimes limiting, provides a sense of direction and purpose.
But once you graduate, the world of art opens up in a way that's both exhilarating and daunting. Suddenly, no one is telling you what to do. The freedom to create whatever you want, whenever you want, can be as overwhelming as it is liberating.
The Challenge of Creative Freedom
One of the biggest challenges that new graduates face is the transition from a structured environment to one of total creative freedom. Without the framework of a curriculum, it can be difficult to find the motivation to keep creating. This is where many aspiring artists stumble. Without the pressure of grades and deadlines, the drive to produce art can wane, leading many to drift away from their creative practice.
It's a common story: students graduate with a degree in art, full of dreams and aspirations, only to find themselves in jobs that have little or nothing to do with the arts. Life gets busy, and the excuse of not having enough time to create becomes all too easy to accept. I've had countless conversations with people who regret not continuing their artistic practice after graduation, wishing they had made the time to keep creating.
The Importance of Discipline
The truth is, making time for art requires discipline. It requires recognizing that creating art is not just something you did as a student — it's a vital part of who you are. To identify as an artist, you must create art. This is where the quote by Aristotle, "We are what we repeatedly do," resonates deeply. To be an artist, you must repeatedly engage in the act of creating.
This is easier said than done, especially when you're no longer required to produce work for a grade or critique. The key is to prioritize your art, to carve out time in your day, your week, or your month, and to treat it as a non-negotiable part of your life. It's about making art not because you have to, but because you need to — as a form of self-expression, as a way to stay connected to your creative self, and as a means of continuing to grow as an artist.
Finding Motivation in Identity
For me, the motivation to create comes from a deep understanding that being an artist is a fundamental part of my identity. When I realized that art wasn't just something I did, but something I am, everything changed. I understood that in order to maintain that identity, I needed to continue creating, regardless of whether I was being graded or critiqued.
This realization can be a powerful motivator. When you see art as an integral part of who you are, the act of creating becomes essential. It's no longer about finding time; it's about making time, because without it, you're not fully yourself.
Embracing the Journey
Transitioning from student to professional artist is not an easy journey, but it's a rewarding one. It requires a shift in mindset — from creating because you have to, to creating because you need to. It demands discipline, perseverance, and a deep commitment to your craft. But most importantly, it requires an understanding that art is not just something you do — it's who you are.
So, if you're facing the challenge of this transition, remember that the freedom you now have as a professional artist is a gift. It's an opportunity to explore, to push boundaries, and to create work that is authentically yours. Embrace it, and let your art be a reflection of your true self.