Can you call yourself an artist?

If not, why? What is an artist anyway??? Well, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary an artist is, “: a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination.” Technically, an artist is someone who creates art. That’s it. No accolades needed, no notoriety required. Just someone who does creative stuff.

And yet, if you are creative and you can’t call yourself an artist, why is that? Have you ever though about it? 

I believe our society has taught us that it’s only accessible to an elite few.

If you haven’t gone to art school, made it into a prestigious gallery, or have been made famous by association with another big artist, you're probably feeling some imposter syndrome about calling yourself an artist. Those are pretty specific terms that happen to few people in the grand scheme of things, but that isn’t the definition of an artist. 

I want to give you permission today, to call yourself an artist.

Try it right now. Say it out loud to yourself. Yes, it totally feels weird, but try it anyway. Then do it again, and again, and again. You'll find it gets easier every time. 

I challenge you to say it every day, at least once. You'll find after a week or 10 days you will feel different. You will start to give yourself permission, and it will feel great.

The truth is if you create art you ARE an artist!

I don't want to see you deprived of your rightful title any longer! This is the foundation of your artist mindset. You must take possession of your place in the world if you want to do anything art related. 

Others may argue because they don’t understand, but that's okay. They are probably still under the misconception that an artist has to have gallery representation, or some sort of notoriety, etc. 

That’s one reason why I created Mastering the Waters my new watercolor membership. It’s a safe online space for you to learn, grow, share, make good friends who will support you, and to learn how to be the artist you dream of.

So instead, save your declaration for those of us who understand. Go for it. You'll have me, and a community of supportive people right here to cheer you on!

The reality is it takes more than desire, skill, and talent to call yourself an artist. It requires confidence.

I want to help you find that! I want to be the one in the corner rooting for you!

Click the button below to learn what you’ll get inside Mastering the Waters my new watercolor membership!