Starting an art hobby is a great way to be expressive and get creative. Whether you’re just starting out young or have decided to pursue art as an adult, there is much to learn and many choices to make when beginning to explore the visual arts.
In this article, we’ll look at thirteen tips on how to get you off to a good start if you’re new to art-making.
1.Find Your Niche
The first step in beginning an artistic hobby is to figure out which type of art you want to explore first. There are many different mediums and genres of art to choose from such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and more. Do some research and find out which art forms resonate with you the most and decide which one you’d like to start off with first.
It doesn’t hurt to try something out and switch to another form if you find yourself enjoying it more.
2. Collect Art Supplies
Now that you have decided which type of art you will be most interested in, it’s time to start collecting your supplies. Depending on the type of art you choose, there will be different materials needed to complete your work. Research is key here; find out what types of supplies are needed for the type of art you have chosen, and then find the items you’ll need to start your hobby.
Keep in mind that you don’t need all the best and most expensive supplies, so don’t feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to figure out what you need.
3. Set Up A Dedicated Art Space
Having a dedicated workspace for your art is essential for staying organized and motivated. Try to pick a space that has enough room for all of your supplies and a comfortable chair for when you’re working.
If you’re tight for space, think about creative solutions like multipurpose furniture or organizing systems to maximize what you have.
4. Follow Online Tutorials
The internet is full of amazing resources that can help you become a better artist. Sites like YouTube and Skillshare have thousands of tutorials and classes that cover virtually any art medium you can think of.
Plus, many of them are free or very inexpensive, so you’d be surprised at all the knowledge you can gain. Find some tutorials that cover techniques you’d like to learn and give them a try.
5. Go To Art Exhibitions
Visiting art galleries and exhibitions to see the work of others is a great way to gain inspiration and learn something new. Find a local gallery or museum and spend some time exploring the exhibits. Take some notes and be sure to ask questions if there are trained art professionals on the premises.
You’d be surprised at how much you can learn in a single visit!
6. Join A Group
In addition to learning from online tutorials, it can also be beneficial to join a group or club of like-minded art enthusiasts. There are hundreds of art groups online, so finding one near you should not be difficult.
These groups are great for sharing ideas, getting feedback and collaborating on creative projects.
7. Make Time To Create
When starting a new art hobby, make sure you allow yourself enough time to create. No matter how busy you are, it’s important to take some time out of your schedule to make art. If you’re unable to dedicate a chunk of time to art-making, try picking up a book or watch an artist-focused documentary or film in your free time.
8. Experiment With Different Techniques
One of the best ways to become a better artist is to keep experimenting and pushing yourself to try new things. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try different techniques to find out what works for you. Approach your work with an open mind and don’t be too hard on yourself.
9. Establish A Routine
Once you’ve made a habit of creating art, try to establish a routine that you can stick to. Making a schedule and sticking to it can help you stay consistent and stay motivated when the going gets tough. This can be especially helpful when dealing with deadlines or a long-term project that needs to be completed.
10. Don’t Take It Too Seriously
It’s important to remember that art should be fun, so don’t take it too seriously. There is no need to overdo it with complicated projects or become overly competitive. Instead, take your time to enjoy what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
11. Take Criticism Constructively
To become a better artist, it’s important to accept criticism and learn from it. Ask for feedback from other artists and view it as a learning opportunity.
If you don’t agree with the critique, don’t let it discourage you. Instead, use it to think of ways that you can improve and to decide what aspects of your art you should focus on.
12. Show Off Your Work
Showing off your work is a great way to get feedback, spread the word and build your art portfolio. Nowadays, the internet has made it easy to share your art and get your name out there.
You can even consider participating in competitions or exhibits or setting up your own website to showcase your work.
13. Keep Learning
The best way to become a better artist is to keep exploring and learning new things. Read books and magazines, watch tutorials and webinars, attend workshops and follow blogs.
Keeping up to date with new techniques and trends will keep your art skills sharp and will always give you something to try out.
Conclusion
Beginning an artistic hobby can be challenging but very rewarding. Whether you’re young or old, there are plenty of ways to get started and take the first steps towards an amazing journey.
Follow the thirteen tips outlined in this article, and you’ll find yourself well on your way towards becoming a great artist!