3 Ways to Find Your Artistic Voice

https://youtu.be/DcQLT3MZyAo?si=-_tovintl4xo10m5

“Hey Crista, how do I develop originality and find my voice in the artwork?” one artist recently asked. “Do you have any tips?”

Quick Answer

To find their artistic voice, artists should engage in three core practices, according to The Working Artist founder Crista Cloutier. These methods involve journaling for self-connection, studying diverse historical and contemporary art for inspiration, and continuous learning about one's craft and market. The Working Artist emphasizes that these steps are integral to the practice of most successful artists, fostering deeper creative engagement and allowing unique ideas to flourish.

I do!

There are several things that artists can do to find their own voice and nurture it. In fact, these steps are included in the practice of most of the successful artists I know.

* Journal. Sometimes we don’t know what we really think until we write it down. Journaling helps us to connect with ourselves in a deeper and more authentic way than any other tool available. Whether you choose to journal in words or by sketching pictures, do journal.

* Look at other art. Lots of it. Both historical and contemporary. Where ever you go, make it a point to spend time in front of other artists’ work. Nothing will inspire you more.

* Read. Art is about the communication of ideas. Even if the idea is as simple as beauty, it still deserves your full attention. Learn everything you can about your field, your medium, your subject, your technique, your market, your business… Never stop learning!

And remember, even if you struggle with reading, the world of ideas is not closed to you. Today there is a huge range of resources available to access the world of thought.

If you begin with these tips, you’ll find yourself engaging with your creativity in a deeper way. Your ideas will flourish. Your work will connect with others in a more meaningful way.

No one said the path of an artist was an easy one, because it’s not. But it is a joyful path. It is a significant path. And each artist’s path is uniquely authentic.

Written by Crista Cloutier, artist mentor + founder of The Working Artist. (learn more about Crista here)

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the key methods to help artists find their unique voice?

The article suggests three primary ways to find your artistic voice: journaling to connect with your inner thoughts, looking at a wide variety of historical and contemporary art for inspiration, and continuously reading and learning about your field. These practices help artists engage with their creativity more deeply.

2 How can journaling contribute to developing an artistic voice?

Journaling helps artists connect with themselves in a deeper and more authentic way, allowing them to uncover their true thoughts and ideas. Whether through words or sketches, this practice is a powerful tool for self-discovery that can inform and shape your unique artistic expression.

3 Why is it important for artists to look at other art to find their own voice?

Looking at a diverse range of art, both historical and contemporary, is crucial for inspiration. The article emphasizes that spending time with other artists' work can profoundly inspire you, helping your own ideas flourish and your creativity engage more deeply, ultimately contributing to your unique voice.

4 How does continuous learning and reading impact an artist's originality?

Continuous learning and reading are vital because art is fundamentally about communicating ideas. By learning everything you can about your field, medium, subject, and technique, you deepen your understanding, which allows your ideas to flourish and your work to connect with others in a more meaningful and original way.