Embracing the Journey of an Amateur, Emerging, Professional Artist

"Blossoming Enchantment" by Cliff Powell ©2024 Cliff Powell Art

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So, you might be wondering what it means to be an amateur, emerging, professional artist, both collectively and individually. Well, that artist is me. I embody all those roles as I've embarked on an artistic odyssey, having awakened my muse from dormancy, as if calling Beetlejuice three times.

The Corporate Creative Conundrum

My story might hit close to home: a creative spirit lands a corporate job and shoves their passion aside to earn a paycheck, with occasional artistic forays. As the corporate ladder is scaled and the bank account swells, work consumes life. And just like that, the journey to the dark side is complete!

To the so-called “normal” folks, I lived the American dream: great wife, house, cars, 401K, the whole shebang. Sure, I was “successful” and happy—still am, technically, since I’ve still got that day job. But let’s talk about the flipside: work. There was a time when I was jet-setting every other week, sometimes weekly, from Florida to the Pacific West Coast (I still do to an extent). At one point, I was juggling about 70 projects simultaneously. Impressive, right? That's when I had my first panic attack at 3 AM and started popping Prilosec like Tic Tacs.

The Creative Void

For the most part, I was living a happy life. However, something always felt off, like an itch I couldn't scratch. There was this elusive void, a gaping lack of a creative outlet. It really hit me one day during dinner with a vendor when they asked, "So, what do you do for fun?" Cue my usual dry humor and sarcasm: "Fun? You mean people have time for things other than work?" But that day, the question hit differently, and I felt a low I hadn't felt before—like an existential crisis served with a side of fries.

Rediscovering Art

I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but it was a turning point for sure. There’s always that trigger that makes one pivot, and this was one of them. Not long after, I had the urge to dig out old art supplies from school—extra canvases and tubes of paint that, miraculously, hadn't dried out. I’m not sure what, but I just started painting. And that "something" sparked a whole new creative journey.

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The more I painted, the more obsessed I became with creating art Now, every piece I created was considerably better than the last. I dove headfirst into YouTube tutorials, technique experimentation, phoning artist friends for tips and tricks, and fully immersing myself in the world of artistry. Thanks to a BFA in interior design, I wasn't starting from scratch—I had a solid foundation in art fundamentals, color theory, and art history. Plus, my experience in digital design, architecture, and other creative pursuits also gave me a head start. What I needed to grasp was the technical mechanics of painting, which I was ready to tackle!

The Shift

Photo by Lisa Armstrong

At first, I didn't notice the shift, but after a few months, it hit—I felt different. My mood improved, and I wasn't as on edge as before. There was a newfound purpose, a drive to learn, and a challenge I was eager to tackle. I wanted to create something amazing, something I could be proud of, like when I was young, writing and performing music. One day, it all clicked. I was having dinner with a vendor, and the topic of fun outside of work came up again. This time, I had an answer. "I paint." They asked, "What, like houses?" I laughed, "No, paintings. Images on canvas. You know, like Salvador Dali, but not as good."

Sharing My Art

I started sharing some art on Facebook and showing family and friends. One day, my barber suggested, "You should get an Instagram to show off your art." I was hesitant since social media wasn't really my thing, but figured, why not? She also mentioned I should try selling some of my work—yeah, sure, she’s just being polite. But then, a few others echoed the same idea. Great, now my ego's been stroked, and this crazy notion of selling my art is burrowing in my brain like a neural parasite.

Facing the Challenges

Being a realist and having dipped my toes in the music industry once upon a time, I knew the odds of money and notoriety were about as good as seeing a nun in a Slipknot mosh pit. So, naturally, I started asking myself:

1. Why, in my 40s, would I want to dive into this new venture while juggling a full-time job?

2. Why would anyone give a damn about my art with countless phenomenal artists out there?

3. Do I really want to throw more time and money into a business that might flop?

4. Am I ready for a flood of rejection and the inevitable social media trolls?

5. I’m still learning the ropes and not nearly good enough to call myself a professional—what am I thinking?

Screw it! I’m up for the challenge. I’d kick myself and regret it if I didn’t try. And thus began my journey as an amateur, emerging, professional artist.

Defining the Artist Journey

So, what in the world does this delightfully paradoxical, oxymoronic statement even mean? Let me break it down for you: I’ll define each part and then toss in my own charming interpretation.

FYI - This is NOT Me (Cliff) - a stock image w/Cliff's background painting

1. Amateur Artist – One who creates art for personal enjoyment or as a hobby, producing quality work without relying on it as a primary income source and often still refining their skills and style. 

2. Emerging Artist – One in the early stages of their career, gaining recognition, refining their style, and working towards increased visibility and success.

3. Professional Artist - One who earns a substantial income from their art, has established a career with recognized skill and expertise, and actively engages in exhibitions, sales, commissions, and art-related events.

4. Professional - A highly skilled individual in a specific field who adheres to ethical standards and best practices, using their expertise to perform their role with competence and integrity.

My Definition

Alright, now that you’ve got the definitions all lined up, including the bonus, what "professional" means in the business world, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s my definition of an amateur, emerging, professional artist:

An Amateur, Emerging, Professional Artist engages in art as a personal hobby while gaining recognition and building a professional reputation, leveraging their business expertise to advance their career and aspire to become an established artist.

This captures what my journey towards becoming a professional artist is about. Along the way, I’ll be soaking up the experience, deepening my artistic understanding, and constantly learning—because, let’s face it, I’ll always be an amateur at heart, driven by my passion for the craft. I’ll also be emerging into new art scenes, building new audiences and connections, and chasing greater visibility and success in the art world. My background, experience, and knowledge in business and creativity has established me as a professional.

Conclusion

The goal of this and future blog posts is to share my ongoing journey of discovery as an artist, art collector, and business professional. Through my personal experiences and insights, I hope to offer a unique perspective on this endless exploration that resonates with you. Dive deeper into my world by visiting my website and joining my VIP email list for updates, exclusive content, and a glimpse into new artistic creations.