Image source: Telegraph.co.uk
Without further ado, let’s dive into part two of our ongoing series about the core qualities of the world’s best artists.
1. Finding the Balance Between Order and Chaos
Artists are known to be free-spirited, and for good reason: freeing yourself from everyday concerns allows your mind to wander into the unknown and tap into new wellsprings of creativity. On the downside, though, we live in a concrete world that does care about daily concerns. Temporarily forgetting about your finances may help you become more creative, but I can guarantee you that your bill collectors aren’t about to forget your debts.
Image source: Dwilson.wordpress.com
That’s why it’s so important for artists to find the correct balance between order and chaos. Too much order can hurt an artist’s creative potential. Too much chaos can cause an artist to miss deadlines and become undisciplined. Find your balance by cultivating both aspects of your personality.
2. Unapologetic Innovation
All creatives need to innovate, but careers call for different levels of innovation. Marketing groups, for example, tend to err on the side of caution. They have to come up with a clever marketing campaign that doesn’t offend anybody or make a company look bad. Artists (like the ones who have exhibitions at galleries) have to be as innovative as humanly possible, even if that means offending millions of people. Banksy pisses off people left and right, and look where his no-apology art has taken him.
Image source: Whitehotmagazine.com
Visual effects artists fall somewhere between these two extremes, often leaning towards the side of the marketer. Visual effects artists are usually making a product for mass consumption, after all, so they can’t be too offensive.
As a visual effects artist you need to discover the appropriate level of innovation and political correctness for your specific job. If you are too daring then you could spark controversy and tick off your employers. If you are too conservative then your artwork will be dull and uninspired.
3. Courage
Yep, you’re going to have to grow a pair (whether that is a pair of ovaries or cajones depends on the individual artist). You’re never going to become a truly great artist if you aren’t willing to put your fears aside and step up to the plate.
Image source: Plpnetwork.com
If every fiber of your artistic being is screaming at you that your boss is ruining a piece of artwork by making a bad decision, are you going to step up and confront your boss? Or are you going to bite your tongue and do nothing? I’m not telling you to argue with your boss or fight with your coworkers — I’m saying that you have to learn how to be assertive if you really want to leave a mark on the world. Sometimes you will be overruled, but other times your passion will shine through and convince others to let you make truly great art.
Right at this very second, hundreds or possibly even thousands of artists across the world are practicing their artistic skills. Don’t get left in the dust! At the Gnomon School, you’ll learn invaluable techniques that can help you take your art skills to the next level. Discover new and exciting sources of inspiration! Learn art techniques from veterans of the industry! Learn how to create a niche for yourself in this ever-growing market! Are you ready to become a better artist? Get started today!