In a way much like choosing a love, choosing an art form is something that can be changed on a daily basis. The point is to have fun. This article deals with questions and answers—rough sketches and all—in the hopes you will reach out and do something creative. You reveal yourself in art and it’s time to make a choice.
Instructions
1. Discovering an art form. Discovering an art form is not the same as just finding a job. Many failed business people are good artists. Discovering an art form is not quite beginning one--you are in the dreaming state here. Consider the steps of whatever you do, not as rules to follow, but pictures to guide you. It can be fun and glorious but it can be frustrating. In the end, who you are and what you are will reveal itself in your art. The joy in discovering art leads to making your own unique art.
2. Know who you are when choosing an art form. What will you like and what best fits you? For example, a man who thinks of himself in images should somehow create them. It can be the image of a film screen (directing), the colors on a canvas, or even the photographs of an old, dark cabin. Know who you are when choosing your art and know it will choose you too, eventually.
3. Knowing what you like. Knowing what you like is the next crucial ingredient to this mix. Now, this does not mean “I love Stephen King; I will write horror,” or “Jackson Pollack was great, so I will paint like him.” Don't choose to be second. Choose an art form because you want to come in first, not emulate someone else. Instead say, “I want to write poems based upon my dreams.” Now we’re talking.
4. Creating the art every day. Pursue the art form and take to the pages or the sketches or the musical instrument every day. In his book for screenwriters titled “Emotional Structure,” writer Peter Dunne pointed out that you are only a writer on the days you write, so write every day. This can be applied to anything: you are only a painter on the days you paint and a sculptor on the days you sculpt. The art form needs to be chosen. Remember, you can always backtrack and change it, but take a few steps towards it every day, exploring what you can do with the art.
5. Deciding your talents in the rough. You will learn as you go, and you'll see what works for you and what doesn’t. Learning means dealing with pain and failure, not just glory and success. In choosing an art form, be mindful of the person you are. If you are impatient, become a short story writer. If you like something big, go for the widest possible canvass. If you like toying with words, write song lyrics. Choosing is up to you. The natural talent will show and the learned talent even more. When looking at your roughs, you will be expressing yourself as an artist. There are few things better than that.
