Have you described yourself as ‘artsy’, ‘artistic’, ‘craftsy’? Do these words feel safer than ‘Artist’?
I felt the same way.
Calling myself an artist, despite the fact that I was creating art on a regular basis with the intent to exhibit and eventually sell my art, felt physically painful.
About 5 years into my ‘taking art seriously’ journey, I met a Filipino artist who invited me to exhibit some of my paintings at an upcoming exhibit at the local museum. It was a life-changing moment in a lot of ways, but what I remember most was him taking a look at my painting hanging on the wall and saying, ‘There, now you can go ahead and call yourself an artist’.
So I did.
The truth is, I could’ve called myself an artist long before that point, but I needed someone to encourage, prod, and validate me as an artist. I needed permission and I didn’t yet have the maturity to give it to myself.
I guess what I’m saying is that if you make art on a regular basis, have a designated studio space, sometimes sell your creations, exhibit, take classes/courses/workshops to hone your skill, or a myriad of other art practices, you my friend are an artist. Go ahead and say it out loud. It feels good.
-Belinda