The Fantasy vs. Reality of Being an Artist

When I was younger, I had a romanticized vision of what it meant to be an artist. In my mind, an artist lived in a spacious, light-filled studio, creating large, beautiful paintings. They attended glamorous art shows filled with elegantly dressed guests sipping champagne and showering them with compliments. The artist would sell out their exhibition and be financially secure for years. Sounds like the dream, right?

Well, unless you're Pablo Picasso or George Condo, this version of an artist’s life is far from the reality most creatives experience.

Childhood Creativity vs. Adult Expression

Most of us engaged in some form of art as children. We didn’t worry about being “artists.” We simply grabbed crayons or markers, stuck our tongues out in concentration, and scribbled on the nearest piece of paper. We created freely, without thinking if it was good or bad—we just liked creating. We proudly displayed our work, insisting it belonged on the fridge for everyone to see.

Years later, we may look back on those childhood drawings with a critical eye, realizing they weren’t “great art.” But as children, we didn’t care about that. We created for the pure joy of it, never feeling the need to declare ourselves artists.

 The Need for Titles and Validation

As adults, though, things change. We often seek validation through titles. Calling yourself an “artist” can feel empowering, giving you a sense of pride. But surprisingly, many creatives avoid labeling themselves as artists. It can feel like impostor syndrome, or maybe it just isn’t necessary for them. And that’s perfectly okay.

What really sets an artist apart from others isn’t a title—it’s the deep, almost compulsive need to create. In my opinion, a true artist creates for the sake of creating, whether anyone else sees it or buys it. 

The Compulsion to Create

For many of us, being an artist isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. We create because we have to, not because we want to. Personally, I’ve gone through phases of deep frustration with my art. There have been times when I’ve packed up my studio, convinced I was done with the “business of being an artist.”

But the truth is, it never sticks. A week (or even less) passes, and I find myself sketching again. Soon after, I’m putting my studio back together. I wish I could say this only happened once, but it’s been a recurring cycle.

Art as a Lifeline for Mental Health

Before I developed a consistent routine of creating, I struggled with various health-related anxieties—most of which were in my head. I was practically a hypochondriac, constantly visiting the doctor with new concerns. On top of that, I battled significant anxiety. 

But once I committed to daily drawing and creating, many of those issues faded. My anxiety didn’t disappear completely, but the panic attacks stopped. When I would quit art, my anxious thoughts and hypochondria would return, as if creativity was the antidote I needed.

I think many creatives are naturally more sensitive. We’re not weak, but we tend to overthink, which can lead to real physical symptoms. Art provides a powerful outlet, allowing me to channel those feelings into something productive and positive.

Of course, creating art isn’t a magical cure. If you’re taking medication for anxiety, don’t stop because you think art will solve everything. There’s no shame in seeking help. But for me, staying creative has been transformative, and I believe it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to manage my mental health more effectively.

Create for Yourself First

One thing I’ve learned is that if you create something from nothing, you’re an artist—whether or not you make money from it. But here’s my advice: **Create for yourself first**. If you’re always creating for an audience or for someone else’s approval, that will show in your work. Art made from a place of personal passion and joy resonates on a deeper level.

That doesn’t mean you should never share your work. In fact, I encourage you to put your art out there. The world can always use more art, and life would be pretty dull without it. If your art connects with others, that’s an amazing bonus. But remember, it’s the act of creating for yourself that makes it meaningful.

Conclusion: The True Meaning of Being an Artist

So now that we’ve explored what it truly means to be an artist, my final encouragement is this: go create something beautiful that makes your soul happy. It doesn’t matter if anyone else sees it or buys it—what matters is that you create.

The world needs more art, and if you’re someone who feels the need to create, then you’re already an artist. Keep going. Keep creating.