Hobbyist or Pro Artist... What's the Difference?

2/28/2017

I make my living as a full-time vocational artist, speaker, author and leader of an artist mentoring group. Because of that dynamic, I get asked one question a lot in almost every situation I find myself. It goes something like this: "I'm a (fill in the blank) artist and I want to start selling my work (or start making money, start thriving, etc) but I just can't seem to choose a direction. I like everything. What should I do?"

This question and ones like it encapsulate the dilema in which many emerging artists find themselves; that is how to go from the proverbial here to there. How do I move from being a hobbyist to a more serious part-time or full-time artist. It's a big frustration for many that keeps them up at night, causes confusion and even anxiety about their purpose in life. However, it doesn't have to be that way.

I want to compare and contract the way hobbyists approach their art practice vs the way professional artists approach theirs. This is not to say that all hobbyists are immature or that all professionals have 'made it'... However, in my experience in working with artists and from my own journey, these attributes are true for many. Hopefully this comparison will give you some insight into where you are now and how to start moving in the direction you want... to be a thriving artist!

Hobbyists...

Time Management: Typically wait for complete clarity before taking a step. They pursue their art when they have free time as a pass-time and opportunity for personal enjoyment.

Artistic Style: Lots of experimentation with mediums, styles & expressions. No cohesive artistic voice, just a desire to express, have fun and create. Can feel like a "jack of all trades, master of none".

Inspiration: Feels inspired to create sporadically but doesn't necessarily act on the inspiration. Needs to feel inspired to start the creative process.

Growth: Slower progress because they can be impulsive, impatient and lack focus. Likes to take short cuts, be "good enough" and can tend to give up easily.

Spiritual: Can enjoy connecting with God during the creative process but tends to continually ask for the 'new thing' or the 'download' needed to fast track the process. Can need external affirmation, constant encouragement and specific leadership before feeling comfortable in moving forward. Doesn't enjoy the business and sales side of being an artist.

Sales: Infrequent or non-existent sales of their work. Gives alot of work away to friends and family, enjoys art as a place for spiritual processing with the Lord but struggles to place monetary value on their work. No established presentation or pricing strategy.

Business: Sees the business side of thing as a barrier or difficulty that is unnecessary and to be avoided or at best, a necessary evil.

Success: Equals a wonderful creative experience but with no clear picture of where their art might lead them. Led by wishful thinking, fervent hope and leaps of faith.

Professionals...

Time Management: Take actionable steps, not waiting for total clarity in every situation. They prioritize regular studio time as an important part of their routine and protect that time as valuable.

Artistic Style: Developed a cohesive, artistic voice within a certain medium or collection of media that is easily recognizable as "them". Developed mastery of skills needed within their creative medium. Experiments within their style, voice and mediums.

Inspiration: Cultivates and stewards inspiration as a regular part of life through journaling, sketching, documenting and experiences. Likes to feel inspired when creating but also trusts inspiration to develop during the creative process.

Growth: Faster growth because they are focused, patient, growth oriented and always learning. Tends to be persistent and desiring excellence in all they do.

Spiritual: Enjoys connecting with God during every part of being an artist including creating, selling, connecting and artistic development. Encourages themselves in the Lord and asks for guidance and confirmation regarding goal-centered strategies. Is firm in their identity as a son.

Sales: Regular sales to a known clientele within a standardized pricing and presentation model. Confident in the quality and value of their work and willing to charge a premium.

Business: Understands that their business and the systems and tools within it create the vehicle by which their art comes into the marketplace. They understand that to thrive as an artist, one must work IN the business (their art) and ON the business (the back end things like marketing, bookkeeping, sales, logistics, etc).

Success: Defined by a clear vision for their life, their art and their business. Thoughtfully builds a bridge to the future based on where they are currently and where they want to go.

Find out more about my online artist mentoring group where I'm helping artists of almost every creative medium learn to thrive creatively, spiritually and financially.

3 Comments

Beth McCash

3/1/2017 07:22:41 am

This is really helpful, Matt! Plain and clear, I can see where I stand in each category. Now I can focus more on the weak areas while being encouraged by the growth I've already had in others. Thank you!

Amy Layne Litzelman link

3/18/2017 06:01:49 pm

Great article! Clear and (in my experience) accurate differentiation between hobbyists and pros. Sometimes all we need is a clear picture so we can see how to step from one to the other. Thankful to be moving forward and loving the process!

Lydia C

3/20/2017 08:15:53 am

This is excellent! I'm a mom about to launch my youngest to college. I'm transitioning from hobby to semi-pro, I think. My husband and I run a community theater group. But Holy Spirit is prompting both Rich and me saying, "You need to paint." I've already been asked to speak about my paintings to our best art guild in the area and a member subsequently paid my first year fee to have me join the group. But I have A LOT of work to do. This article really helps. Thanks.