How to Be a Self Taught Artist

Download Article
Download Article

Do you have a passion for art? Believe it or not, you don’t need a special degree or certification to get your art career started. While being a self-taught artist isn’t easy, it’s definitely not impossible, either. With enough focus, drive, and determination, you might see your art goals become a reality. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you get started on your artistic journey.

1

Learn the basics.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-1.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Art fundamentals, like perspective, anatomy, and composition are important building blocks in your art career. [1] These skills may seem basic, but they’ll make a big difference in your future art pieces. [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Read and watch tutorials.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As you first get started, Google specific art skills or concepts that you’d like to focus on. [3] Videos and articles are easy, free ways to hone your craft. [4]
    • You might search “oil painting techniques” or “how to draw hands” online.
3

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    From traditional sketches to digital art, there are tons of classes out there that can help you refine specific art skill sets. [5] Search online for classes run by professional artists—these are great, hands-on ways to improve your skills. [6]
    • A lot of professional classes cost money. However, some universities offer free art classes. [7]
    • Sites like Udemy and Skillshare are great places to find online classes.
    2. Advertisement
4

Start with small projects.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t try to make a large, complicated painting or portrait right off the bat. Instead, grab a small canvas and work from there—this will be a lot easier and much less overwhelming than following an in-depth tutorial for a big painting. [8]
    • An 8 by 8 in (20 by 20 cm) canvas is a great place to start.
5

Study other artists.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don’t directly copy or trace another artist’s work; instead, focus on the specific brush techniques they used, and how they layered and blended different aspects of their work. [9]
    • Iconic artists, like Da Vinci and Van Gogh, are great to reference and learn from. [10]
    2. Advertisement
6

Practice regularly.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s okay if your schedule is jam-packed. Even a half-hour of drawing each day can help you improve and grow! [11]
7

Document all your art.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/10\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A social media account, like Twitter or Instagram, is a great way to chart your starting point and an even greater way to track your progress. Once you’ve created a lot of art, you might even compare your older works to your newer ones and see what’s changed. [12]
    2. Advertisement
8

Join the art community.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Network with artists on social media, or enter art competitions and exhibitions. You might also interact with other artists through forums and demonstrations. [13]
9

Ask for feedback.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ask a friend or art acquaintance to take a look at your artwork. They can help point out areas of improvement, so you know what to focus on in the future. [14]
    2. Advertisement
10

Go easy on yourself.

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg\/aid12474149-v4-728px-Be-a-Self-Taught-Artist-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Becoming a self-taught artist is a long journey. Instead, love and accept your art for what it is instead of expecting it to be of professional caliber right away. [15]

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What should I do to become an artist?
    Jeanine Hattas Wilson
    Professional Painter
    Jeanine Hattas Wilson is a Professional Painter and the President of Hattas Public Murals, Inc. With nearly 20 years of experience, Jeanine specializes in creating, overseeing, designing, and painting murals. Jeanine holds a BA in Advertising from Marquette University and a Studio Painting Minor from The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She has studied at The Atelier Artien in Paris, France, Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, and under renowned artists such as Robert Liberace, Michael Siegel, and William Cochran. To date, Hattas Public Murals has painted nearly 5,000 commissioned works of art in homes and commercial and public spaces.
    Jeanine Hattas Wilson
    Professional Painter
    Expert Answer
    You should keep learning and try out different things. You can take courses to develop your skills. Visit museums and observe historical and contemporary art pieces. Always research and get inspiration from various sources.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Being a self-taught artist comes with its share of challenges, but you’re in good company. Well-known artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Rousseau, and Frida Kahlo were all self-taught. [16]
        Thanks


      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Identify a Painting
      How to
      Critique Artwork
      How to
      Make a Mannequin
      How to Create a 3D Model Using Design Software
      How to Host a Successful Art Exhibition
      How to
      Design a Playbill
      How to Animate in Procreate
      How to
      Write in Calligraphy
      How to
      Do Digital Art on Your Phone
      Quick Ways to Change Layer Opacity in Procreate & Procreate Pocket
      How to
      Sign a Painting
      How to Use Procreate to Make Stickers
      How to
      Write With a Calligraphy Pen
      How to
      Mat Artwork
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.erikalancaster.com/art-blog/5-tips-for-the-serious-self-taught-artist
      3. ↑ https://www.awberyart.com/blog/10-tips-for-self-taught-artist
      4. ↑ Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
      5. ↑ Jeanine Hattas Wilson. Professional Painter. Expert Interview. 19 May 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.creativebloq.com/features/online-art-classes
      7. ↑ https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-university-art-classes-free-online
      8. ↑ https://www.awberyart.com/blog/10-tips-for-self-taught-artist
      9. ↑ https://www.awberyart.com/blog/10-tips-for-self-taught-artist
      1. ↑ https://drawpaintacademy.com/7-tips-for-the-self-taught-artist/
      2. ↑ https://drawpaintacademy.com/7-tips-for-the-self-taught-artist/
      3. ↑ https://drawpaintacademy.com/7-tips-for-the-self-taught-artist/
      4. ↑ https://www.erikalancaster.com/art-blog/5-tips-for-the-serious-self-taught-artist
      5. ↑ https://www.awberyart.com/blog/10-tips-for-self-taught-artist
      6. ↑ https://drawpaintacademy.com/7-tips-for-the-self-taught-artist/
      7. ↑ https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-8-famous-artists-self-taught

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,759 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement