Advice for Artists: My Tips for a Successful Art Career

Ryan Kirby shares valuable career advice for artists. With over 12 years of self-employment experience, Ryan discusses his journey, challenges, and insights gained along the way. From debunking stereotypes about artists to emphasizing the importance of starting, this solo episode of the Art of Hunting Podcast provides practical tips and encouragement for artists pursuing success in the modern era. Discover how embracing technology and breaking free from traditional gatekeepers can empower artists to carve their own paths to success. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights to inspire and guide you on your artistic journey.
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[@1977Mappy]

Great info, & content. Thank you for sharing

[@kwlovesb]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Ryan! It's a tough balance being a creative in business, and I really appreciate your taking the time to build up the community of artists out here trying to make a go of it.
I do take issue with a couple of your comments, though. The mindset advice you got from Andy Stanley is a winner, but please, don't recommend the guy. He's seriously messed up theologically, denying the authority of Scripture.
Secondly, I have to disagree about the supplies issue. Student grade paints are cheaper, but have less pigment and more filler, so aren't worth the money and give horrible results. You don't have to go with the most expensive available, but student grade is a sure fail. Bad brushes are bad brushes. I've had student after student think the problem was with them when the issue was just a lousy brush (especially with watercolor.) There are inexpensive brushes available (Hobby Lobby, Polar Flo) that work great. They won't last long, but they're cheap without being wretched. I tell beginners to buy a little bit better than they think they can afford. They're learning. No, great material don't make you a great artist, but they do set you up for the best learning scenario possible. Who knows how many people have given up because they started with lousy supplies? You can cheap out on palettes (one of mine is a $3 glass cutting board from TJ Max), easels, etc., but not on paint and brushes. I'm sure when you hunt that inexpensive camo is ok, but do we cheap out on broad heads or turkey loads? No way. When it comes down to it, we give ourselves and our quarry the best tools for the best possible outcome.
Thanks again for the video. It's well-done, thought provoking, and encouraging. I hope you'll be doing more!

[@RyanKirbyArt]

Well, all I can do is speak from my experience. Personally, I grew the most when I took my paint brushes away entirely and made myself paint with just a palette knife. Or work with just three colors. Or took pencils and erasers away, forcing myself to slow down and draw with a pen. Or draw left handed. The point is that real creativity thrives within constraints because you have to think differently, not fall back on the tools and techniques that you know. I'd be 10 times the bowhunter I am if I switched to a recurve for a few seasons and hunted in blue jeans, then went back to the compound. 😉

[@kwlovesb]

@@RyanKirbyArt yes! You are so right that creativity thrives within constraints. I just disagree that lousy materials are a constraint that will lead to creativity. If you switched to a recurve, would you use a good one, not the most expensive, but a good oe? Or would you go with the cheapest that can't even sling an arrow the same way every time? Some things are constraints, and some things are hindrances. Constraints bring growth, hindrances set us back, and may even give us the impression that we're less capable than we are.
I love your list of the ways you've constrained yourself. They're really helpful examples of challenging constraints that will push us forward as artists.