Four tips to make artists and designers more successful
There are so many talented artists and designers around the world, and with modern technology, it’s easier than ever for them to share their work. With so much competition, what makes a new artist stand out from the rest? Here are four tips that can help!
1. Know the right vocabulary to describe your work
It can be difficult to explain your particular style of art to someone who isn’t familiar with it. This is especially true when you aren’t speaking your native language. The most important place to start is by learning the correct words to describe your work in an accurate and engaging way. Knowing the best words and how to pronounce them will make it much easier to explain exactly what your work is about to others. You’ll want to know the nouns to describe your subjects, adjectives to describe your particular style, and the verbs to describe your process. You’ll also want to know the differences between similar words, so you can choose the ones that best describe your work and make it different from others.
2. Write a good artist statement/design philosophy statement
Once you know what words to use, it’s helpful to write an artist statement, also called a design philosophy statement in some areas of the arts. An artist statement will help you to explain your work accurately and confidently, even in a single page or paragraph. Once you take the time to write out an artist statement, it will be easier to talk about your work too. A good artist statement will discuss your inspiration and the meaning of your work, as well as your process, your materials, and a description of your current work.
3. Know how to present your work with confidence
It’s easier to talk about your work when you’ve thought about it and prepared well. Learning the correct vocabulary and pronunciation, and thinking about how to write a good artist statement will really help you to prepare for speaking about and presenting your work. Learning some presentation techniques will also help you to express yourself more comfortably, like the best posture and gestures to use, how to make a good introduction, how to relax, and what common problems to avoid.
4. Know how to give and receive a good critique
It can be intimidating to critique another artist’s work, and it can be even worse to have people critique yours. You shouldn’t worry though, because a good critique can really help you to improve your work. Knowing the right language to use will allow you to give a helpful critique to others, and to graciously accept another artist’s feedback about your work. Part of this skill is knowing the correct phrases to use and the differences between words, so that your comments are polite and accurate.
Many artists already know how to talk or write about their work in their first language, but they may need help to do it correctly in English. Others who are just starting in their medium may not even know how to begin. I can help! Check out my Artist Courses to see how. I have worked with artists in Photography, Drawing, Film, Fashion, Graphic Design, Animation, Web Design, and many more. I would be happy to help you too.
September 14, 2017
