HOW TO BECOME AN ARTIST - Here is the answer! + FOOD: Broccoli Cheese Bites

Artwork by Banksy

ART:

IS THERE A PREDETERMINED PATH 

TO BECOME AN ARTIST?

To help people understand how becoming an "artist" (writer, actor, musician, etc.) differs from being a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant, a CEO, or other professional, here is the ANSWER.

People often ask, "How do I go about making it in the arts?" 

NOTE: If any "artist" ever feels like they have "made-it" in the arts, that means their decline has begun.

IS THERE A PATH TO BEING AN ARTIST?

For institutions and institutionalized careers: Think the word "PUSH."

There are programs and rules defining each profession - how to get there - and those programs must be followed and accomplished. The "professional goal" PUSHes the individual through a mostly predetermined path. With a certificate in hand, the door opens and the profession begins.

FACT: In institutionalized careers, rules PUSH you toward your career goal.

For careers in the arts: Think the word "PULL."

FIRST, you must understand YOUR PASSION TO BE AN ARTIST determines whether or not you will ever be a professional artist, because it is your passion that keeps you trying, one step forward - then two steps back - then missteps, getting up and trying a different approach - slipping - then standing up and trying again. 

SECOND, there is no predetermined path! You must accept the fact it is up to you to PULL whatever you need toward you. You must draw to you the people and resources needed to create what you want to happen. You must actually be responsible for making it happen.

FACT: In the Arts you must PULL what you need toward you. 

As an artist you must attract the people and resources you need. IT'S UP TO YOU, AND ONLY YOU, TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE and MAKE YOUR ART CAREER HAPPEN.

If we all knew we were going to ultimately be successful in the arts, it would be so much easier. SO you must act "as-if" you WILL be successful. It is up to you, your passion and your persistence to make an art career happen. 

(At least now you know! You can look sadly at those "waiting" for lighting to strike or "waiting" for others to do it for them, or "waiting" for their white knight to ride up and give them everything they want.)

NEED MOTIVATION?: Your contribution to the world will only occur if you give your art, your best effort... and then some... and then some... etc... etc. 

Of course it's hard, otherwise everyone would be an "artist" and if you are an "artist," you have no choice, this is your assignment! Perfect your skills, go out and PULL the needed people and resources, toward you! 

What could be better than making a contribution or two or three to the world?

(Source: Parts of this comment were inspired by John Hagel's TED talk on business.)

FOOD

Baked Broccoli Cheese Bites

Only 4 ingredients and oh so good.

INGREDIENTS

- 16 oz. fresh steamed broccoli, chopped

- 1 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese

- 3 eggs 

- 1 cup of seasoned Italian breadcrumbs

- salt & pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl 

- Form small patties and lay them on a parchment lined baking sheet

- Bake at 375*F 

- Turn the patties over after 15 minutes

- Bake another 10 minutes

- Let cool and serve!

Until later,
Jack

ARTSnFOOD, is an online publication dedicated to "The Pursuit of Happiness through the Arts and Food." ™ All rights reserved for all content. Concept, Original Art, Original Text & "Original or Assigned Photography" are © Copyright 2013 Jack A. Atkinson under all International intellectual property and copyright laws. All photographs were taken and/or used with permission. Artworks © individual artists, fabricators, respective owners or assignees.