Four Problem Solving Skills Every Artist Should Learn

There are four problem solving skills every artist needs to learn.

It does not matter what your occupation is, you will face problems and challenges. This is true with the Arts as well.

Learning to problem solve requires critical thinking and a bit of troubleshooting skill.

Here are the four problem solving skills everybody, especially artist, need to learn.

Here are the four problem solving steps:

Step one, define what the problem is. Take out a piece of paper and list the issues that you are having.

Step two: analyze your art: Look at your project and problem with a fresh set of eyes. If you are working on an art project, walk away from it, then stand back and get a new perspective. Look at your project from all angles. Think about how you can fix it. What needs tweaking?

Step three: Do your research. Look on the internet for answers. Listen to other people’s point of view and expertise. What are they doing and how can you incorporate their ideas into your project? Ask people for their ideas and opinions. Listen to their advice and incorporate their ideas.

Finally Step four: Test possible solutions. You will never know if something will work if you do not try. Just know that trying something new presents it’s own challenge. It is part of the process.

In conclusion, learning problem solving skills involves defining what the problem is, analyzing the issue, doing research and testing solutions. Problem solving and troubleshooting is part of the creative process. It will enhance your creative artistic journey.

5 ways to become a successful artist entrepreneur

5 ways to become a successful artist entrepreneur 

Step One: Create a simple business plan.

Write down your goals and plans for your busisness. 

Step Two: Create a budget. 

There is always a cost for supplies and cost of doing business. Pencil in how much you can spend. Know that making art is an investment. Know how much it cost to make your finished project.

Step Three: Schedule time in your day to create. It is easy to “not have time”. Treat your art like it is your job. Schedule time to work.

Step Four: Create! This is the fun part. Start: 

1. Make a plan. 
2. Make a sketch of what it is you want to create. 
3. Pick up your paint brush and paint. pick up the lump of clay or whatever your medium, it is time to create.
4. Troubleshoot any problems

Step Five: Sell your work.

Wondering where to sell your art? here are several ideas

Sell to family and friends. Sell on Etsy, sell on the web, sell on Ebay. Sell at farmer’s markets. 

Making money is a reward for your hard work. 

In conclusion, becoming a successful artistic entrepreneur is a lot of work but it is rewarding. Start today!

Engaging in Art Can Help Mental Health

Did you know that engaging in art can ease pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders like PTSD? 

This is because being creative opens the mind and helps heal the soul. 

Being creative is a body-mind-spirit experience. It promotes a sense of well-being and sense accomplishment. It is a very present, in the moment, experience.

What is art? “Art, according to Eric Bosler, a professor at Hartnell College, Salinas Ca, is the process of making the invisible, visible.” Therefore, creating art is a spiritual experience. According to creationists, God created something from nothing. Artists are doing the same thing.

When a sculptor or potter touches a lump of clay and holds it in his hands, it is just a lump of clay, but that lump has the potential to become what the creator wanted to be.

 A blank canvas, paint and a paintbrush can become a masterpiece. A blank page can become a literary work of art.

So why does engaging in art help your mental health? Because being creative helps you refocus your energy, takes your mind off pain and depressive symptoms, helps you be in the present moment, improves body-mind-spirit well-being, and finally, it gives you a sense of accomplishment!

If you are suffering from pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues, create something new. See if it will work for you!

Let me know in the comments how making art has helped you.

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How to develop your own artistic style

Ten ways to develop your own artistic style

1.First learn the skills and tools of your trade.

2. Begin to collect images and nicknacks of things you like: Do you like architecture, nature, animals, organic shapes. What moves you? Look at everything from an artistic state of mind.

3. Look at your images and collections and decide what you want to make.

4. Draw a simple sketch of what you want your creation to look like

5. Start! Overcome your fear and judgement of yourself. Pick up your clay and quickly make a prototype. Pick up your paint brush and paint!

A prototype is not a finished project. It might look awful at first with no aesthetic appeal but keep working! Improve on it! Change it, allow your creative juices to flow!

6. Make another one. Look at it, improve it.

7. Ask others to critique your work. Accept their criticism. Change what needs to be changed. 

9. Keep working on your project and before you know it you will have a piece that you are proud of!

10. Take a photograph of your art, print it out and put it in a binder. Date it. Make a portfolio of your work. It is amazing how you improve over time!