Every artist in existence has formulated a process to which they can create art. Some artists’ plans are drawn out and carefully curated, while others are influenced based on how they feel in the moment. By talking to experienced artists, new artists can learn how to approach their projects appropriately and develop works that speak to their soul.
The question that many people ask is, what is art? While this question is incredibly subjective, I would argue that art is something that living beings create in order to express themselves. For some this could look like making a song or a painting, while for others it could be something as simple as cooking a good meal or doing makeup. It could even be argued that art is everywhere and inherently in everything that we do. But how should we develop our own art and how do other artists actually make their creations?
The Fuquay-Varina High School Art Department houses many talented teenage artists, some of which also create artwork for and outside of school. With their artwork lining the hallways, it is undeniable that they have developed a method to their creations.
“My creative outlet is anything that I am capable of creating,” said junior artist Paige Maxfield. “Maybe I’m not good at writing or drawing or making music, but I’m putting my creativity into it, and it drives me to improve even more.”
Advice that many experienced artists recommend is consistency. It’s important to remember that art doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘perfect,’ but the consistency of practicing how to create will improve the quality of your work over time. Along with practice, it’s also important to have an outlet to let out stress. For many, art is that outlet.
“I usually like scrapbooking. I think just putting a bunch of trash and random stuff onto a page and making it look good helps me chill out,” said sophomore artist Chad McNamara. “Sometimes I plan out if I have a couple of the same cutouts, but most of the time I just stick things in until I think it looks okay.”
Another element of creating art that many artists enjoy is the therapeutic aspect. The practice of creating art has been scientifically proven to relieve stress for artists, and is often used in therapeutic offices with young patients for the same reason.
“I use my art to process my emotions or get energy out,” said senior artist Rein Petit, “[For my] creative process, I sketch a lot, and if I don’t give up on it, then I’ll make the colors match my emotions.”
When it comes to developing a style, it’s important to build a good foundation of education about other art forms as well as to expand one’s horizons about the world. Seeing different perspectives and learning about new things is good for the human psyche and promotes more diverse art. It’s especially important for new artists to explore different genres of art so they can find a niche that speaks to them.
“[For new artists, try] Indulging in art that is in a different field from what you make. If you draw, try listening to music to see how it sparks your creativity,” said junior Paige Maxfield.
Another piece of advice that many experienced artists give to new artists is the infamous quote, ‘comparison is the thief of joy.’ It’s important to make art that speaks to you, it doesn’t need to make sense to other people because that’s not the point of creation.
“Just do what you think looks good; if it pleases you that’s really all you need,” said sophomore Chad McNamara. “Also don’t strive to make it look like other people’s. This might sound like basic advice, but trust me, you have got to be unique.”
It is also advised by experienced artists to look into actual art classes. To study the elements and principles of art is to build one’s knowledge of the art world, leading to improvement in personal art.
“Practice facial proportions a lot,” said senior Rein Petit.
Understanding how to create artworks is an important part of the learning curve for new artists, which is why developing a method to create is a standard process for most. Through self expression and consistency, creating art can be a fulfilling and timeless skill to have in a world of modern technology and AI. When times feel uncertain, art has and forever will continue to be a reflection of the unbreakable human spirit, highlighting our unity as members of the human race.
