Why is it so difficult to call yourself an artist?
Recently, in a monthly Accelerant Success Call, the topic came up about resistance to calling oneself an artist. We dug around and poked at it.
First, we explored the definition of the word “artist.” As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, (and this is the definition I like best from all the dictionary definitions I read – and yes, I’m picking and choosing!),
an artist is: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination.
Other definitions we considered were:
“An artist is someone who makes art.” Simple and to the point.
“An artist is a person who enjoys the art of self-expression.” That’s a good one too!
For me, part of being an artist is your ability and tendency to see and experience the world differently and then express that experience and seeing through some form of art whether as a painting, a musical composition, a novel, a dance, a poem.
Let’s have a look at why it can be so difficult to call yourself an artist. From the conversation I had with Accelers, several key insights emerged regarding the question of whether or not to identify as an artist.
Struggle with Self-Identification
Some of our group grappled with calling themselves artists due to feelings of inadequacy or a perception of not meeting certain standards. And I had to ask, what standard is that? Who set that standard? Some believe their lack of formal training (via university, college, or atelier training) means they cannot be called an artist. It’s as if without this type of study, the title “artist” cannot be bestowed.
One participant reflected on their reluctance to adopt the title of “artist,” recalling how they introduced themselves as “trying to be an artist” or “learning to be an artist.” They said it was only through the unwavering encouragement of a friend, who insisted that they were already an artist in their own right, that they began to shed their self-imposed limitations.
External Validation
The conversation delved deeper into the role of external validation that can play a significant role in how we perceive ourselves as artists. Encouragement from friends and peers can often shift one’s perspective and instill confidence in one’s artistic identity. The same can happen when we’re accepted into shows. And yet, even when others exclaim their admiration about what we do, we still can resist accepting the identification of “artist.” Sigh.
On the other hand, negative comments can wreak havoc with our self-esteem, ramping up our self-doubt about who we are and what we think we’re doing, “playing” at being an artist.
Commitment and Time
Some participants in the meeting expressed the need for a certain level of commitment and experience before comfortably adopting the title of artist. For some, this involves a period of learning and growth, while for others, it’s about dedicating oneself to the craft over time.
Okay, I can see that. But then the question arises: When? When will you decide it’s okay to call yourself an artist? What will tell you that you have enough learning, that your dedication is real? That’s it’s now time?
Reframing the Notion of “Amateur”
There was discussion around using the term “amateur” instead of “artist.” Others argued that that term suggested a hobbyist or a dilettante, someone not invested in their practice. And this certainly wasn’t the case with this group of Accelerant individuals!! They are fully invested!
I brought up the idea that perhaps they were confusing the meaning of the word “artist” with the meaning of the phrase “professional artist” ie someone who makes their living from art. There were nods, accepting that possibility, and yet still…resistance.
Personal Fulfillment vs. External Recognition
Over the conversation, the distinction was made between creating art for personal fulfillment versus seeking external validation through exhibitions or sales.
It was agreed that both paths are valid, and being an artist is ultimately about following one’s passion and expressing oneself authentically. This still didn’t make it any easier for some in the group to accept the identity of the artist.
Community and Support
Throughout the discussion, the importance of community and support networks emerged. From art workshops to conferences, it was agreed that these spaces provide opportunities for learning, growth, and camaraderie among fellow artists. They offer a sanctuary where doubts can be voiced, fears can be confronted, and artistic dreams can be nurtured. And maybe, in these times, the notion of being an artist isn’t so far-fetched after all.
Negative Judgment by Others
One thing that occurred to me after the call was this:
- Do we resist the title of “artist” because we somehow think it sounds boastful?
- Are we proclaiming an existence that we feel others will judge negatively or even with a harsh derision?
- Is this perceived reality a way for us to avoid embracing our role in the world, perhaps as a new role very different from the career to which we devoted much of our life?
- Is it because we compare the way we lived with that career, often going to work, showing up for others, being judged against an evident scale on how successful we were? Instead, now we’re at home, often isolated in our studios, with only our pastels, our paper, our process, our own thoughts.
As artists, we don’t have an easy way to measure our work. Where do we stand on the comparison scale with others? Yes, entering shows can offer some way to measure but certainly, it’s not the be-all and end-all. And is this comparison even necessary for our acceptance of an artistic way of being?
In the end, I think it’s the belief in ourselves, in what we do and bring to others, in our confidence, in our commitment, in our conscious choice to express ourselves in this way, in our courage to express what we feel, that allows us to embrace our identity as artists.
Is this why it’s so difficult to identify as an artist? Do we feel like imposters when we say the words to ourselves or to others? Are we so full of self-doubt?
I remember the first time I wrote “Artist” as my employment in a border control/immigration form and how incredibly liberating that was, to finally say yes, this is what I do.
Being an artist is a deeply personal journey. It is one influenced by self-perception, external validation, society’s beliefs, commitment, perseverance, expression, community support, and one’s own confidence. And I say, grab hold of this identity, with pride and joy. Celebrate the fact that you are different and it is this very difference that you offer to others, helping them see in a new way!
Call yourself an artist.
Say it to yourself in the mirror.
Get used to the sounds coming out of your mouth.
Then next time you’re at a gathering and someone asks you what you do, boldly and without hesitation say: I am an artist.
Do you call yourself an artist?
Let me know your thoughts about this topic in the comments.
Until next time,
~ Gail
PS. If you still can’t quite say “I am an artist,” then how about this instead: I am a creator!
29 thoughts on “Do You Call Yourself An Artist?”
Really relate to this excellent post. I like the idea of creator.
For me I hesitate with artist because I have an inner benchmark that says when I one day sell a painting to someone who is not a friend, then I am an artist.
Thanks Linda! Thanks for sharing your hesitation out loud. And now I hope you might rethink this benchmark! Or/and you hit that benchmark soon!!
(Hi Linda!)
They are all just labels given to us by society, what does it matter?
I was an architect and now I’m an artist I never felt the need to shout this from the roof tops as the opinion of others is not what I seek.
If someone asks me what I do I may just say I like to paint, there is no self worth in titles.
Thanks for your thoughts Roy. It’s interesting that you were an architect which is a respected and artistic profession. Perhaps the move to artist was seamless for you, having a good grounding and foundation in art. Also, you are evidently easy with the identity of artist. True, it’s a label, but sometimes a label helps us embrace being that person. It’s an interesting paradox!
Are you an artist if you think of yourself as a perpetual student and no one outside your home sees what you do?
What do you think Sherridan?
Perhaps reviewing those definitions at the beginning of the post may help 😁
And…are you hiding and why?
Good question. I need to answer that. . . Thank you
I do call myself an artist. It’s not my ‘career”, but I know it’s something I am. I’m other things too but this is the one thing that is closest to my true inner being. I still have lots of doubt and dissatisfaction around my work. I still sometimes compare my art with other people’s and think my stuff is lacking. I often feel inadequate about where I am in my artistic journey and where I wish I was or think I should be. Sometimes I don’t want to walk into my studio and sometimes I wonder what the heck I’m doing…but even through all of this and even after days and days of failure (which happen all the time) I don’t hesitate to call myself an artist. It’s not about “talent”, it’s not the work that gets produced. It’s the fact that I show up and do it.
Bonnie, your response gave me goosebumps! Because….everything you said could have come out of my mouth!!
It’s so funny how so many of us are in the same boat yet we think we are paddling alone. Thank you for the reply and the post!
Exactly! It’s good to know we are not alone, not by a long shot!!
Gail, I can’t tell you how welcome this blog was to my life. Even though I say to others “I am an artist” part of me is hesitant and my negative inner voice says, “no you’re not!”. So much of what you said we question comes into play…not meeting standards imposed by what we perceive others impose on us, lack of formal training, not being a “professional artist”. All these things are beautifully said in your blog and more thoughts to reflect on as well.
I feel people impose a certain idealism about what an artist is for them and they inflict this on artists: for instance, people think that because you are an artist you can instantly draw, paint, sketch everything such as: portraits, buildings, landscapes, seascapes which they can recognize and you can do all of these to perfection, particularly as they watch.Otherwise the feedback is instant disappointment for what you do.
Thank you for providing such important positive feedback that I can reflect on and learn from.
Jan, I love hearing that this article was a timely article! Thank you for sharing your experiences and reflections on this topic. And I agree about how others may define what an artist is…to them…It’s an interesting conundrum!
I don’t have a problem saying I’m an artist, but only because all my friends tell me I am one every time I’m with them. A support group is so very important!
Hah hah – brilliant!!
Dear Gail
What an uplifting feeling I had from reading your Do you call yourself an Artist! Full of encouragement to embrace the role of artist in our lives be it through the journey of making art or through exhibitions and selling. I have struggled with this question my whole life and mostly called myself a copyist that could draw with little time until retirement to commit to continuous painting. I finally made the leap to call myself an artist only when I took up doing pastels in 2021. I am again reminded why I love your How to Pastel blogs as they really motivate me to think about my practice.
Finally I have left a comment as promised to you in the Gold Coast Workshop.
Yours in Art
Sue
Hi Sue!!! I’m so happy to see you comment. 🎉 And thank you for openly sharing your own struggle with this issue. I’m delighted that you are now calling yourself an artist!
And by the way, I thought of you when I was writing the post, not so much related to the content but that I included a photo of students from Gold Coast which included you AND I almost put a PS at the end to call you out hah hah. But look, I didn’t need to!! Now…please don’t think this is your last one 😬🤣
Hi Gail your article was so interesting. I could agree with any /all those reasons for reluctantly calling myself an artist. A friend recently introduced me to one of her friends and said that I am an artist. I agree I am a hobby artist but certainly not a professional artist. I have only taken art classes since I retired and feel I still have so much to learn about art that I could hardly claim to be an artist. Still it is something I am passionate about, and just want to get better at! Many thanks for your thoughts!
Hi Len -thanks for your thoughts and your separation of hobby and professional.
And perhaps you can try calling yourself an artist in the wee hours of the morning.
Your passion and wanting to improve are all signs!!
Hi Gail
Loved this blogpost. I agree with one of the comments here that when I sell something or put a work in a show then I will feel like I can say I am an artist. But I do tell everyone that I paint…I am a painter. Is that different?
I will say that the first couple years of my pastel journey I mostly avoided organized groups and just worked alone in my studio. Once I got “involved” with plein air groups or art organizations I came to realize that even very talented painters/artists can have bad days. They end up with a mess after a morning out painting plein air or a day in the studio. It made me realize that this is a journey. There’s no end where you graduate and forever more create nothing but beautiful work! The moral of that story is the quicker you pal up with other artists the more you can rely on a sympathetic shoulder when you have an off day.
And I registered for France April 2025……can not wait!!!
Sharon
Hey Sharon, it’s funny how we find it easier to call ourselves “a painter” rather than “an artist.” Perhaps because there’s not so much baggage attached to the word “painter.” A while back, I when I was asked what I did for a living and I said “I’m a painter” they asked if I painted houses or commercial and how did I feel about being upon ladders and scaffolds!!! They couldn’t conceive that being “a painter” meant anything else. Sigh.
Thanks for your addition to the conversation and for pointing out how important it is to have a community of artists around you.
AND that art is a journey – we continue to grow and learn as we explore and challenge ourselves.
And that YES, we ALL have bad paintings, bad days, bad seasons!!
See you in France 😁🎉
I’ve alway been an artist. It is because of how I see things and how I express myself. I choose to paint with pastels, but it could be ANY medium, even musicians are artists. So are actors. I even think people that are into flowers, planting, cut flower arrangements, also interior designers and people who sew are artists. Creative expression is how I define an artist. I don’t think it has anything to do with sales, ribbons or pats on the back. Artists think differently and see differently. I believe we have this need to express ourselves. It’s who I am to my core, I’ve known it since I was very young. Some people discover it later in life.
You are so right Christine!! I love the idea that creative expression = artist. As you say, we think and see differently and yes, at our core, that is who we are.
I call myself a “wannabe artist,” and will continue to do so until I obtain the skills necessary to meet my standards. Your blog is a very interesting view on the subject, and I did enjoy reading it! Thanks!
Thanks Russ for sharing where you’re at with regard to this question.
My question to you: what are your standards and how will you know when you reach them?
Thank you for this post. For many years I would apologise because my works are very realistic. I now reluctantly call myself an artist, as I allow myself to follow my dreams and paint what fulfills my artistic urges. Due also to the fact that other people have thought well enough of my paintings to buy them!!!
Hey Nola, I hope now you aren’t apologising for your work but owning it! I love that you are painting what fulfils YOUR artistic urges. You do YOU!!! And congratulations on your sales. That always feels good.
I have been painting for about 18 years or so and now own my own gallery in which only my paintings are exhibited. I used to shy away from calling myself an artist. “Just a painter.” I still would have to sit for a while and toss around thoughts about what it is that confers the title of artist on that painter. I have found though that my explanation for me of how it is that I AM an artist is that on Monday nights, after my Mo’zArt Gallery has closed, I sit alone with good music playing and a glass of wine and sit back and look at my paintings hanging on the walls and leaning against the furniture and enjoy the “show”. Not unlike going to a concert and enjoying the musician’s creation of music that emotionally touches me. For someone who used to dread Mondays, Monday is now my favorite day.
Hey Dennis, thanks for sharing your story with this resistance. I LOVE this idea of sitting with your own work and enjoying the show! 👏 🍷