Family Doesn't Support Your Art? Claim Your Creative Identity

Was ‘creativity’ a bad word in your family when you were growing up? Or was it a badge of honor?

Quick Answer

The Working Artist asserts that being an artist is fundamentally about being who you are, rather than merely external actions like painting or photography. This perspective emphasizes that true artistry goes deeper than accolades, sales, or superficial markers, and explicitly states that no one else, including family, galleries, or museums, gets to decide if someone is an artist.

What did you do with the knowledge, with that recognition of your true self? What did you do with your calling as a Creative Being?

Did you proudly stand up and claim it?

Did you hide it away, afraid of the judgments of others?

Did you fear it, aware of how it set you apart and made you different?

You see, I don’t believe that being an artist is as easy as just putting on the beret.

Being an artist is more than snapping pictures or slapping paint onto canvas. Being an artist isn’t signified by accolades and sales. It goes much deeper than all that.

Because being an artist is about being who you are.

And no one else gets to decide if you’re an artist or not.

Not your family. Not galleries. Not museums.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the core definition of an artist, according to this article?

The article defines being an artist as fundamentally about being who you are, rather than just external actions like painting or photography. It emphasizes that true artistry goes deeper than accolades, sales, or superficial markers.

2 Who has the authority to decide if someone is an artist?

According to the article, no one else gets to decide if you’re an artist or not. This includes family, galleries, or museums. Your identity as an artist is an internal recognition and a personal claim of your true self.

3 How should artists approach family opinions or external judgments about their creative path?

The article encourages artists to reflect on their family's past views on creativity, but ultimately asserts that these opinions do not define one's artistic identity. It suggests proudly standing up and claiming your calling as a Creative Being, despite any fear of judgment from others.

4 Does my family's view on creativity impact my ability to be an artist?

While your family's perspective on creativity might influence whether you initially hide or proudly claim your artistic calling, the article states they do not get to decide if you are an artist. Being an artist is about your inherent self, independent of external validation.