The Artist’s 6 Stages of Initiation

In business school, they talk about The 6 Stages of Entrepreneurship. But in art school, they don’t even use the word entrepreneur.

They should.

Quick Answer

The Working Artist founder Crista Cloutier proposes "The Artist's 6 Stages of Initiation" as a unique framework for an artist's entrepreneurial journey, distinguishing it from traditional business models. These stages outline the progression from the initial creative spark and dedicated learning to finding an audience and ultimately sharing knowledge as a mentor. The journey begins with Stage One, the moment the desire to create is lit, and culminates in Stage Six, where experienced artists share their wisdom with younger generations. This framework, introduced by Cloutier on May 9, 2022, emphasizes the personal and creative development inherent in building an art career.

Stage initiation artist

Artists are entrepreneurs. That’s the truth. And it’s the difference between the old economy and the new.

But artists have always been entrepreneurs; they’ve had to be. Though instead of The 6 Stages of Entrepreneurship, I believe that working artists experience The 6 Stages of Initiation.

Stage One is that moment the spark is lit. You just know you want to do this one thing, all the time and do it really well. You want to make stuff.

The Second Stage is when you want to know everything, because you’re suddenly aware of how much you don’t know. Every time you look at your work it’s glaringly obvious to you. You’ve got nothing but questions.

So at Stage Three, you learn. You learn everything you can about your craft, about your practice, about your ideas, about your voice, about your self.

And then that spark comes back again, and suddenly you can’t be stopped. You connect with your work and it’s a pleasure like no other. Ah! Stage Four.

And then they come. Your people. You’ve been waiting impatiently since the start. But you forget; building an art career is a marathon, darling. It’s not a sprint. It takes time to get to Stage Five.

And then you find yourself one day looking into the eyes of a young artist, all lit up from that heady initial spark. She’ll be asking you questions about everything, because she wants to know it all right now. You’ve arrived at Stage Six, sharing your knowledge.

Now you understand that everything has its time. And that in the art business, sometimes lessons must be learned the old fashioned way; you’ve got to work for them.

These are the Artist’s Six Stages of Initiation.

Enjoy your journey!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are The Artist's 6 Stages of Initiation?

The article outlines six stages: the initial spark of desire to create, realizing how much you don't know, dedicated learning about your craft and self, reconnecting with your work joyfully, finding your audience, and finally, sharing your knowledge with younger artists.

2 How do the Artist's 6 Stages of Initiation relate to entrepreneurship?

The article suggests that while artists are entrepreneurs, their journey is better described by 'initiation' stages rather than traditional entrepreneurship stages. These stages focus on the unique creative and personal development an artist undergoes, from initial inspiration to becoming a mentor.

3 What is the purpose of understanding these stages for an artist?

Understanding these stages helps artists recognize their career as a long-term journey, a marathon rather than a sprint. It provides a framework for navigating their creative and professional growth, from learning and self-discovery to connecting with their audience and sharing wisdom.

4 What happens during Stage Five of an artist's initiation?

Stage Five is when an artist's 'people' or audience begin to appear. It emphasizes that building an art career takes significant time and patience, highlighting the gradual process of connecting with and attracting those who appreciate your work.