Erika Lancaster-Artist, Content Creator & Online Art Tutor
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • LEARN ART
  • SHOP ART & MERCH
  • MY ART TOOLS
  • ABOUT ME
Learn more about my FREE mini-courses for beginners!

10 Perfect Gift Ideas for Artists Who Paint

11/28/2019

0 Comments

 
Gift Ideas for Artists Who Paint
Follow

*This post contains affiliate links. I receive small commissions for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
​These commissions help me keep this site up and running, in order for me to keep providing helpful and inspiring art content. :)

​
​

Looking for some meaningful and practical gift ideas that your artsy friend/significant other/family member would absolutely love to receive this Christmas? What items could help encourage an artist to keep creating and pursuing his/her creative passions?

​
First and foremost, I'd like to take a moment to thank you for reading this post, as it most likely means that you're interested in celebrating your friend or loved one's individuality and passion for art, and want to encourage him/her to keep going. As an artist myself, I can tell you that knowing people close to me support my decision to pursue art means everything, especially when one is just starting out.

I'm all about encouraging fellow artists to keep going because I 100% believe the world would be a better place with more art and artists in it. 

All this said, no matter how mysterious and complex people make us artists to be, we're honestly an easy bunch to buy presents for. Not only do we tend to wear our hearts (and minds) on our sleeves more than others, but there are things we need to constantly replace in order to keep feeding our need for creation.

​We also need to constantly seek ways to stay inspired and motivated, and a huge variety of things can get our creative minds going.


In this blog post, I'll be sharing a list of ten awesome gift ideas that your artistic friend will absolutely love. I've made sure to include options for both males and females, as well as an explanation as to why each item is so great.

Enjoy! 

​

​

​

Perfect Gifts for Artists on Amazon and Artist Merch Studio


I personally love buying art supplies, as well as Christmas gifts for my loved ones from the comfort of my own home through Amazon.

Another awesome option is getting a little something for your loved one over at my new Etsy shop, Artist Merch Studio! I'm filling up the shop with statement tees and mugs that are created especially for painters, illustrators and crafters. 

​Click on the images below to learn more about each item on this list.



​​

​
Gift for artists over at Artist Merch Studio!



​

1. A Sketchbook (or Two)

Gifts for artists- Illo sketchbook
Illo Sketchbook 180 GSM Paper (8x8). Click on image to find out more about this item.


An artist can only paint as well as he/she can draw, and keeping sketchbooks is a great way for us to continue sharpening our drawing and observational skills throughout our journeys. Not to mention, sketchbooks are portable, allowing us to stay creative wherever we go, and provide a chronological record of our progress that we'll keep forever.

You can honestly never go wrong with giving an artist a sketchbook. 

Find out more about why sketchbooks are such an essential part of an artist's journey in this blog post.  
​
​


​

2. A Statement Cell Phone Case

Gifts for artists- watercolor cell phone case
ChiChiC Anti-Scratch Slim Flexible Rubber Cases Cover for Apple iPhone 7 8 4.7 Inch

Not only do artists love making their passions known to those around them, but many of us working artists actually depend on it. Especially when an artist is just starting out, it's incredibly important to get the word out about what it is we do so that we can start building up those connections and experience. 

An eye-catching statement accessory like this artsy cell phone case is a great way for us to transmit our originality and love for art, but also encourages other people to strike up a conversation with us.


​

​

3. A Leather Pencil/Paintbrush Case

Gifts for artists- Flyshine Canvas Artist Brush Holder Rollup Pouch
Flyshine Canvas Artist Brush Holder Rollup Pouch. Click on image to find out more about this item.

An artist's supplies are his/her tools for creation, and they must be taken care of. This can definitely be a challenge when we do sketching and painting outside of our studios. A quality paintbrush case or pouch like this canvas roll-up ensures that our favorite paintbrushes will be kept safe.
​
I love the practicality of a roll-up pouch like this one, as there is no space wasted and paintbrushes can be organized/kept in place perfectly. 


​
​

Gift for artists over at Artist Merch Studio!


​
​
​

4. A Painter's Apron

Gifts for artists- Artist Canvas Unisex Apron with Pockets
Artist Canvas Unisex Apron with Pockets. Click on image to find out more about this item.

The struggle is real for us artists to keep our clothes free of paint, which can be a problem because a lot of us prefer to spend our money on more art supplies, than on new clothes!

A canvas apron like this one is durable, wraps around the back for a higher level of protection, and I love that it includes different pockets for paintbrushes, rags and other things we might need to have on hand while painting. It's perfect for both males and females.
​



​

5. Highly Moisturizing Hand Lotion

Gifts for artists- Hand lotion
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Hand Lotion, Lavender (12 oz). Click on image to find out more about this item.

Hand lotion is a total must for artists, especially in the winter time.  We're constantly washing paint and other harsh liquids off our hands, which makes them extremely dry and itchy. I personally have bottles everywhere, including my studio, and always carry a tube with my in my bag. 

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day line offers a variety of scents like Lavender, Lemon Verbena, and Peppermint. They are perfect for those of us who need a higher amount of protection/moisture, as they are created especially for people who work with their hands. 

We must take care of our hands because without them we can't create!




​

6. Artist Socks

Gifts for artists- paint water mugs
Chalier Famous Painting Art Socks (4-6 Pairs)

What better way to keep your feet warm this Winter than by wrapping them in some bright and colorful art? 

A pair of these socks will not only keep your artist friend warm and cozy while working in the studio, but will also remind him/her to remember to have fun!

Us artists can get pretty intense (and self-berating) while creating, and it's so important to remember to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously.




7. A Color Wheel Umbrella

Gifts for artists- Color Wheel Umbrella
Streamline Rainbow Color Wheel Umbrella. Click on image to find out more about this item.

An umbrella like this one is not only beautiful and inspiring to look at, but is also large and sturdy to help us keep our work safe when walking to and from vehicles in the pouring rain (which can be very challenging).

What better way to  let that artist in your life know that you're there for him/her than providing a canopy of protection from the rain?



​
​

8. An Inspiring Enamel Pin

GIfts for artists- Painter's Palette Enamel Lapel Pin
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Bob Ross and Happy Tree Enamel Pin Set - 2 Unique Colored Metal Lapel Pins

On the lookout for something small, but meaningful? Enamel pins are all the rage now-a-days and are a perfect little surprise that your artsy friend will be able to actually wear or stick on his/her bag while out and about.

This is another perfect accessory that can not only help us express our individuality and love for art, but can also be a conversational piece. Making time for conversation with others is essential for us, especially because artists tend to be alone a lot. 

Some of us forget what it's like to talk with others.

​True story. 

​


​

9. A Helpful Art Book

Gifts for artists- great art books
Living and Sustaining a Creative Life (Sharon Louden) and Art & Fear (David Bayles/Ted Orland) Books -Click on image to find out more about these items.

An artist's life can definitely get lonely and sometimes we need to be reminded of how others have gone through what we're going through. We also need to be inspired by stories from other artists who have reached success so that we can keep working hard to make our dreams come true. 

Both of the books above are, in my opinion, must-reads for any serious artist. 

Living and Sustaining a Creative Life is a compilation of 40 personal stories/essays by working artists. Each one of them shares his/her own experiences and struggles as they have pursued making a living as an artist. This book helps us understand the reality of what it's like to sustain a professional creative career over time.


Art and Fear is a very popular book amongst creatives of all kinds. This book tackles artistic insecurities, and the internal and external challenges that professional artists face throughout their journeys. Finishing projects, getting our work out there and receiving critique are difficult tasks that artists must learn how to do/handle. This is a book to read over and over again. 

​
​
​

10. An Easel

Gifts for artists- Table easel
US Art Supply Tall Tabletop Adjustable H-Frame Wood Studio Artist Easel. Click on image to find out more about this item.

As a painter myself, I have a variety of easels. I enjoy standing when I'm creating my larger pieces, but a desk easel like this one is absolutely perfect for smaller and more relaxing works to enjoy on weekend mornings. Switching from one easel to another is a great way to reset my mind from a piece I'm creating for selling purposes, and one I'm creating for myself.

This easel is sleek, sturdy, and is perfectly sized, even for beginner artists working in a small studio.



​




​
​
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
​-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Direct feedback from me
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Live Q&A sessions
-Live classes on Art Fundamentals and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
​
*Click below to learn more!
Join my art Patreon community


​

Interview with Artist Chrissie Murphy
Watercolor Supplies for Beginners and Essential Things to Know
Color Psychology and It's Use in Art
0 Comments

5 Tips for the (Serious) Self-Taught Artist

8/21/2019

0 Comments

 
5 Tips for the Self Taught Artist
Follow

Do you need to go to art school to become a highly-skilled and successful artist? What experiences do art schools provide that being self-taught doesn't? As a beginner artist going down the self-taught route, what can I do to ensure steady artistic progress and get to a point at which I'll be able to actually sell my work?


Throughout the years, I've had the honor of meeting many successful artists both online and offline. Some of them did go to art school and some of them didn't. 

There are highly successful artists who didn't go to university at all and took up low-paying/low-stress jobs until they advanced their skills enough and started making an income from their art sales.

There are artists who reach success later on in life, after having completed university studies and years of working in a completely different field.

There are others who did attend art school only to realize it was a total waste of time, as they had to learn all of the techniques they were personally interested in, on their own.

There are others who did go to an amazing art school that allowed them to advance their skills immensely in an inspiring and challenging learning environment, and also created great contacts that helped them fast-forward their careers post-graduation.

Finally, I've met people who went to art school and created breathtaking work, but gave up and started on a different path after they realized that making a consistent income from art involves learning about sales and marketing, as well as being willing to push past their comfort zones.


The scenarios are really never-ending, and there is no right or wrong way to go about it.

Every artist has to forge his/her own path, depending on his/her own goals, as well as the situation they are personally in. 

You need to define what success means to you personally. 

Does it mean being able to create artwork your proud to share, but not necessarily earning an income from? Perhaps just a side-income?

Does it mean getting your artwork shown and sold by popular galleries?

Do you want to get known on an international level and sell on your own terms?

Does it mean earning enough of an income through art sales that you're able to live comfortably? If so, what does living comfortably for you actually entail?  How much of an income would you have to be making each month in order to live that way?




Today, I'll be sharing the five key things that successful self-taught artists do since the beginning of their journeys, which enable them to make faster progress in both their cold artistic skills, as well as their confidence and ability to share and speak professionally about their art. 

But first, I'd like to clarify a couple of things.

I personally did go to art school. I was lucky to be given a scholarship and was able to attend a great university through which I learned from experienced professors not only in the Graphic Design field, but also from artists teaching (very basic) drawing, painting, silk-screening and photography. 

It was through university courses that I learned about Art Fundamentals, how to talk about art, experienced what it's like to create an original project from scratch and pushed myself to see a piece through until completion, which is so, incredibly important.

I leaned about the importance of sticking to deadlines, managing multiple projects simultaneously and experienced what it's like to get my work critiqued by skilled professors who literally tore my work down in front of large groups (eeek!).


Picture
Click on image to visit original source on Unsplash.com.


​This said, in terms of painting, which is how I make the majority of my income now-a-days, I'm mostly self-taught. 

And though I'm thankful for having the opportunity to go to art school, based on my experience post-graduation, as well as what I've gathered from other artists who've I've had the chance of meeting, it's definitely not necessary to have an art degree in order to become successful. 

Especially because, in today's world, we're able to experience and learn all of these things art schools offer through the internet. More specifically, through blog posts, video tutorials, courses offered by skilled artists who are willing to share their techniques and knowledge, and online communities.


This said, having all of this information and possibilities at our fingertips can often be confusing and overwhelming, especially when we're just getting started.

Many beginners don't know where to start or skip over fundamentals, just to be disappointed with their creations or with the fact that no one is liking/buying their work after they've put very little time and effort in. 



Before getting into the tips, I want to briefly explain what being "self-taught" means to me, as there are different opinions on what this entails. 

To be perfectly honest, I don't feel there's such a thing as a 100% self-taught artist.

Reason being, whoever is serious about improving in any field, will most likely be taking it upon themselves to look for material to learn from, whether it's books, videos or classes. These resources were, of course, put together by someone else and as consumers of such content, we're getting directly or indirectly influenced by them in some shape, way or form. 

Most of us, even started drawing by copying other artists' work. In a sense, we were learning from other artists even back then, as we were replicating those shapes, lines, colors, etc.

Throughout our lives we've all been influenced by artists around us and were exposed to all kinds of art that were created in or before our time. And the artists who created that work were also influenced by artists around them and art that came before their time. 

We're all influenced by others, whether we want to admit it or not. This goes for people who've been to art school or haven't been to art school. 

We're all a wonderful mishmash created by the culture we've been brought up in, the people who've been around us throughout our lives, and the different kinds of art (design, music, literature, cinema, etc.) that have impacted us in the point and time we've been living. 


For the sake of this post, however, I'll explain what I would personally consider to be a self-taught artist.

I
n my opinion, being a self-taught artist implies not attending art school, or any kind of academy in which a full art curriculum has been laid down for you to follow over a relatively long period of time.


A self-taught artist, for the most part, decides on his/her goals, searches for resources and learning material (whether it's books, workshops, classes, figure-drawing sessions, online courses, etc.) and goes through his/her own self-imposed "curriculum", so to speak. 

Though an artist that did attend art school still has to continue doing all of these things after having obtained his/her degree in order to continue improving (the learning never stops), a self-taught artist didn't go through that initial "formal" training. *That formal training could have been amazing, or it could have been useless. 

​


In my opinion, taking a workshop a couple of times a year, or following individual tutorials online, doesn't really count as formal or in-depth training (unless one takes a very complete course through which you're able to obtain direct feedback from the instructor). 

Most likely, one-off workshops or stand-alone video tutorials will not lead to steady or significant progress unless the artist actually prioritizes his/her work enough to continue working consistently and complementing those classes or tutorials with other resources in a coherent way, depending on his/her current skill level and goals. 

Short workshops or week-long art retreats are super fun, but usually, students are basically copying the instructor's techniques and are not taught Art Fundamentals, which are what will allow them to create original, visually pleasing compositions from scratch. 

I know because I've taught those workshops. Because there's a very small amount of time, the instructor ends up giving his/her students the fish, instead of teaching them to fish for themselves. 


The instructor's goal is (usually) to give you a taste of what creating art is like, and to facilitate an experience that will enable you to have a quick art win (oftentimes something pretty that you can take home). It's not to encourage you to find your own style or give you the tools necessary for you to make significant progress in your journey on an individual level. 

Short workshops and video tutorials don't allow for adequate feedback on part of the instructor or deep conversations amongst students, which are key in order to improve at a deeper level. Oftentimes we're unable to see our own mistakes when we're just getting started. Not to mention, it's incredibly important to get used to sharing and talking about both our art, as well as art created by others. 


Next, I'll be sharing five key things you can do to ensure you're getting the most out of the resources offered by the Internet and make faster, meaningful progress as an artist.


​
Tips for Self-Taught Artists
Click on image to visit original source on Unsplash.com.



​
​5 Tips for Beginner, Self-Taught Artists


​

1. Don't ignore Art Fundamentals


​Something I often see in beginners that fail to cover the basics, is that they're unable to create certain effects their looking to create, or end up very frustrated because their artworks don't turn out the way they see them in their heads and have no idea why this is.

Learning about Elements and Principles of Art, as well as Composition, Perspective, Anatomy Basics, etc., will enable you to create original, visually pleasing, powerful artwork on your own, without having to depend on other artists' work as inspiration. 


The successful self-taught artists I've met made it a point to learn the basics and continue improving upon fundamentals as their journey moves forward. They understand that it's important to have a solid base to jump off from. 

Learn them for free, pay for a course, do whatever you'd like, but never underestimate the importance of learning the basics. This will set you up for success and the knowledge you'll gain will permeate into everything you do and any kind of artwork you choose to create.

*Over at my Patreon membership site, I offer not only real-time drawing/painting tutorials, direct feedback from me on your work and live Q&A's, but also full classes on Art Fundamentals which cover all the basics you need to know as a beginner just starting out and much more for only $15 a month. 

​
​
​

2. Embrace exploration and enjoy the journey


​Oftentimes, beginners only give importance to the end-product and make very little time for studies and explorations. They jump straight to the canvas and/or judge their worth as an artist by how well the product turned out, ignoring the growth and self-discovery that can come throughout the creative process. 

​Successful artists, formally trained or not, understand that getting great at drawing or painting takes time and dedication, just like any other learned skill. They understand that there are gradual steps to follow, and that by learning certain skills first, and gaining confidence incrementally, they will be facilitating more complex tasks for themselves.


It's mind-boggling to me how many times I've had people reach out saying they're ready to draw someone's portrait in full-likeness when they haven't even taken time to learn basic facial proportions or have practiced drawing techniques that will enable them to recreate three-dimensional form and skin/hair textures. 

While it's true that we have access to an immense amount of information online, most beginners don't know where to start and get lost because they aren't aware of the sequence they should be learning topics in, or how to break complex compositions or subjects apart in order to study them separately and ensure greater success. 

*This is why I offer one-on-one, individualized classes via Skype designed around your own current skill level and goals. These classes allow me to fully focus on my students individually and I'm able to offer in-depth feedback, as well as provide specific assignments that help them stay consistent and make much faster progress. *Email me to learn about my rates and availabilities. Spots are filling up fast!



​
​

3. Join some kind of artist group or community and try to obtain (constructive) feedback from artists that are a bit farther ahead than you are


As artists, spending time around like-minded creatives is essential in order to stay motivated and consistent. There's a large part of an artist's work that gets done in isolation, but we ultimately create art to share it with the world.

​
A local or online group/community will help you stay consistent, which is absolutely key if what you're looking for is meaningful progress. The Internet provides us with many different options to join art communities via membership sites, Facebook groups and online forums. 

This said, the more public these groups are, the less likely you are to gain constructive feedback and support in a timely manner. Also, the more likely you are to come across people who will be very harsh in their judgements or comments, which can be detrimental for the beginner.

If you're looking to advance your skills for free, just make sure that you're taking your time to look for communities that are positive, constructive and inspiring. 


As an email subscriber, you have free access to my closed Facebook group, Art in Harmony. This is an incredible community full of positive, engaged artists of all levels and mediums that are looking to help and inspire each other. I'm also there several times a week providing art challenges, drawing and painting tips, and inspiration. Join me and over 750 artists from around the world by becoming an email insider here.

Though it's very easy to share your work through social media channels and groups, and even get a few likes here and there, it's not that easy to get actual constructive feedback from artists that are further along in their journeys. 

​
It's also through both obtaining and giving constructive feedback, that we improve and are able to practice our communicational skills. To become a professional and make consistent art sales in the future, we need to become better at talking about our work.

Why? Because the whole idea of "I'm letting my art talk for itself", will just get you so far. 

Your audience needs to be able to connect with you. If they don't connect with you, the artist behind the work, you'll have trouble building an audience and making consistent sales. 
​

​

​
Crafters Gonna Craft Artist T Shirt on Etsy
The Only Time I Feel Alive Is When I'm Painting Artist T-Shirt on Etsy
'Til Death We Do Art Artist T-Shirt on Etsy
Visit the Artist Merch Studio Etsy shop!

​

​

4. Stay consistent and stay focused on your goal


​Arguably, being a self-taught artist requires more discipline than being formally trained, as you need to establish deadlines and working times for yourself from the very beginning. It is entirely up to you to hold yourself accountable and stay consistent. 

It's important to understand that, as with all learned skills, becoming great requires consistency and patience. Though some artists may have been incredibly fortunate to have parents or family-members who were artists themselves and were thus able to develop certain sensibilities and skills at a very young age, none of us are born knowing how to draw or paint. 

This is actually a good thing! It means anyone can learn to draw or paint.


This said, I know how hard it can be to make time for your art as a busy adult. Even as a full-time working artist, there are tons of things that need to get done and get in the way of actually creating art. 

Whatever situation you're personally in ("regular" full-time job, kids, etc.), accept it fully, remain grateful and create practical, realistic goals for yourself. Commit to them. 

It doesn't matter if you only have a short amount of time each day to work on your art. What matters is staying consistent over time and not giving up. Even a few 20-30 minute sketches several times a week will help you make progress. 

In my blog post/YouTube video How to Make Time for Your Art as a Busy Person, I share the specific things I did to improve my artistic skills while I was still working at my last "regular", highly-demanding teaching position.

Remember there will never be a perfect time to do anything. If you want to succeed at the goals you set for yourself, it's going to be up to you to make them a priority. 



​

​​5. Realize how far you've come and stay positive


​As artists, we're often our own worst critics. It's easy to forget how far we've come since we started. It's important to acknowledge every-single-piece as a step in the right direction. Even if the outcome wasn't what you expected it to be, you're still moving closer to your goal.

If you keep going, in a few months you'll be lightyears away from the version of you who never got started at all. Lightyears. 

Imagine the artist you can be a year from now if you commit and push forward. 
​

I 100% believe that working on maintaining a positive mindset is an essential part of being a successful artist and being able to keep that success going over time. 

During the actual creative process, remaining positive and believing in yourself is going to make it much more likely for you to actually succeed. If you think you can't do something, you probably won't be able to do it. The mind is a very powerful thing. 

Remaining positive is also incredibly important throughout the tasks we do after or in between the creation of art, such as applying for art shows or galleries, sharing our work via social media, responding to feedback, selling our work, communicating with clients when working on commissions, etc.

​The more you're able to stay positive in these kinds of situations, the more likely you are to be seen as a professional and reach sustained success. 

A while back I shared a blog post/YouTube video in which I explain all the things I make sure to do on a weekly basis to ensure I stay healthy and productive as an artist. Read it here. 


Finally, always believe in yourself and celebrate each and every little victory. Most importantly, celebrate yourself.

Though you may not feel like it right now, you are an artist and you are capable of doing whatever you set your mind to.



Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this helpful. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your journey. 

​

​

Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
​-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Direct feedback from me
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Live Q&A sessions
-Live classes on Art Fundamentals and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
​
*Click below to learn more!
Patreon Art Community

​








My 5 Favorite Podcasts for Artists
Artistic Perfectionism and How to Overcome It
Drawing from Direct Observation Tips to Improve
0 Comments

Artistic Perfectionism & How to Overcome It

7/5/2019

0 Comments

 
Artistic Perfectionism and How to Overcome it
Follow


Do you love creating art but often get frustrated with yourself because the outcomes of your drawings or paintings aren't what you expected them to be? Are you constantly comparing yourself to other artists you come across online or through social media? Do you feel anxious to get to where others are, even though you know they've been at it for far longer than you have?


​“Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything. ”
-Eugene Delacroix​


Today I'll be sharing a video in which I explain why artistic perfectionism is something that we should do our best to move past. I'll also be sharing a couple of my own experiences as a recovering perfectionist and specific tips that will help you overcome this harmful habit so that you can make faster progress.

I believe perfectionism is amongst the worst habits that we can have as creative beings. It oftentimes paralyzes us from even getting started or stops us from creating the amount of work we should be doing in order to truly progress artistically. 

As artists, we shouldn't be striving to achieve masterpieces with every-single-piece we create and should give importance to the entire creative process, not only the end-product. This includes explorations and smaller studies we may have to do prior to starting a larger piece.

It's these imperfect, messy works that allow us to get to know ourselves artistically, as well as what we want to put out into the world.

​Hope you enjoy!


​
If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. I share a brand new video every-single-Friday with art tips, drawing and painting tutorials, and encouragement for aspiring artists!



I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey!  :)

​Thanks so much for popping by today!
​



​
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
​-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Direct feedback from me
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Live Q&A sessions
-Live classes on Art Fundamentals and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
​
*Click below to learn more!

​
Learn drawing and watercolor painting on Patreon


​

My 5 Favorite Podcasts for Artists
How to Draw a Face for Beginners
Differences Between Watercolor Paint and Watercolor Pencils
0 Comments

My 5 Favorite Podcasts for Artists

5/27/2019

0 Comments

 
Best Podcasts for Artists
Follow

​
How does one go about making a living as an artist? How do working artists manage to juggle their art production, marketing, all of the administrative tasks that come with running a business and their own personal life? What does it really take to be able to sell art online? How can we deal with artistic burnout/creative block in order to keep producing consistently?


Podcasts and YouTube videos created by working artists and art-business experts have been  invaluable for me ever since I first started planning on leaving my last "normal" full-time position, up until today, as I navigate the challenges of online creative entrepreneurship (while still teaching and selling locally). Today, I'll be sharing my top five. 

Honestly, if it weren't for all of these amazing people sharing their own experiences and advice so generously, I don't think I'd be here today. I simply wouldn't of had the courage to leave my many years of working as an employee and starting my own art business. 

Check out my past blog post/YouTube video titled How I Became an Artistpreneur to learn everything I did to prepare to leave my last full-time job.

I absolutely love listening to these podcasts as I draw or paint and I highly recommend all of them to anyone who's just getting started with selling their art or wants to make any amount of income through their artistic skills. All of these are both inspiring and incredibly useful as they provide practical, actionable tips to help get your art career up-and-running.  
​

I talk more about each of the podcasts in this video and you'll be able to find direct links to all of them below.
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel! I share a new video every-single-Friday with art tips, drawing/painting tutorials and encouragement for aspiring artists. 



​

Best Podcasts for Artists

​
​1. Creative Pep Talk 

http://www.creativepeptalk.com/episodes/

2. Art Biz Coach Podcast
https://artbizsuccess.com/podcasts/

3. The Jealous Curator (Art for Your Ear) 
http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/art-for-your-ear-podcast/
​
4. The Thriving Artist 
https://clarkhulingsfund.org/chfpodcast/
​

5. Beyond the Studio
https://www.beyondthe.studio/


​
Hope you enjoy them and find them inspiring and helpful!



​

​
​
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
​-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Direct feedback from me
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
​
*Click below to learn more!
Art Patreon Community


​

Why Sketchbooks are Essential Tools for Artists and Tips
How I Left My Job and Became an Artistpreneur
Fatal Artist Habits and Practical Tips
0 Comments

My Best Secrets to Avoid or Overcome Artistic Block

5/8/2019

0 Comments

 
TIPS TO AVOID OVERCOME ARTISTIC BLOCK
Follow

Do you frequently go through periods of feeling too unmotivated or uninspired to work on your art? Do other artists' posts on social media make you feel behind, inadequate, and/or like you'll never be able to reach their skill level? Do you often struggle with finding new ideas to create original and meaningful artwork, and wonder how other artists seem to be able to constantly pump out new work?



​In the video included in this post, I'll be sharing ten specific things I do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis that help me avoid art block, as well as practical tips to overcome it. It's important to understand that burnout happens to all kinds of creators from time to time. Every-single-one of us goes through periods in which we're unable to produce the same amount of work (or the level of work) that we know we could be producing.

There's nothing wrong with you and this says nothing about your abilities. If it happens frequently, though, it's essential to set systems in place that will help you move past them and continue progressing towards your goals as quickly as possible. 



Being an artist is tough!

If we really want to improve our skills and make a living (or side income) from our art one day, it's essential to stay determined and disciplined.  We have to consistently create new work and have the courage to share it, as well as our inner thoughts, with the world. Even when no one seems to be paying attention. 


We're also often very hard on ourselves and expect the outcome of our work to be perfect, even when we're exhausted after having been at work (or school) all day. Even when it's our first time using a specific medium, technique or we're drawing/painting a subject we've never tried before. 


Many times, creative burnout happens because we're not taking care of our physical and mental well-being, and/or aren't setting goals wisely. Read about the top five things I do every-single-week to stay happy, healthy and productive as an artist in my blog post: 5 Essential Self-Care Tips for Artists and Creatives.

And if your art is what you're actually doing for a living (or plan to be doing for a living), you also need to make time for countless other activities, aside from creating your art.
Activities that not only aren't fun, but that will also require you to step out of your comfort zone constantly. *It's worth it though!

Not to mention, if we didn't have the immense fortune of being born into a family of successful artists that can share their path(s) with us, or didn't have the luck to be financially well-off to the point that we had the time to discover ourselves artistically from a young age, we're probably going to have to work "normal" jobs for at least a few years while staying consistent with our art routines.

In my blog post How to Make Time for Your Art I share the specific things I did while I was still working at my last, highly-demanding, full time position in order to ensure I was advancing my art skills. These are all specific actions I took that eventually allowed me to leave that job and start my own art business.


Let's get into the video!



If you enjoyed this video, make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel. I publish a new one every-single-Friday sharing art tips, drawing/painting tutorials and encouragement for aspiring artists!

​
​

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new, or got inspired to go and create a sketch for yourself. I wish you tons of progress and enjoyment in your artistic journey!  :)

​Thanks so much for popping by today!

​
​

​
Become a Patreon community member to get access to:

-Real-time drawing/painting tutorials with full walkthrough commentary
-Weekly sketchbook prompts to help you stay consistent and progressing your art skills
-Downloadable outline drawings, reference pictures and supply lists
-Direct feedback from me
-Downloadable workbook titled How to Discover Your Artistic Voice
-Instant access to a growing vault of original reference pictures that you can use for your own art
-Special thanks in YouTube videos and opportunities to get your work shared
-Participation in polls to decide new blog post and YouTube video topics
-Live classes and Monthly Creative Assignments
+ much more!
​
*Click below to learn more!
Art Patreon community





​

Fatal Artist Habits to Avoid
Break Out Of Art Block Tool
Why Sketchbooks are Essential Tools for Artists
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Drawing and Watercolor Painting Tutorials

    ​
    Best Art YouTube Channel

    ​
    Best Art Blog Helpful Resources for Artists

    ​


    ​

    Popular Posts

    Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting With Watercolors
    Why Sketchbooks Are Essential Tools for Artists
    Sketching Tips for Beginners
    Common Watercolor Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    ​
    ​
    Statement apparel and accessories for artists
    Statement apparel and accessories for artists
    Statement apparel and accessories for artists
    Statement apparel and accessories for artists
    Statement apparel and accessories for artists

    ​

    dickblick.com

    ​

    Categories

    All
    Art
    Art Business
    Artist Interviews
    Artist Struggles
    Art Process
    Art Studio
    Art Supplies
    Creativity
    Drawing
    Experimentation
    Exploration
    Freebies
    Free Downloadables
    Guest Posts
    Inspiration
    Interior Decor
    Links To Useful Sites
    My Artwork For Sale
    My Illustration
    My Journey
    Paintings
    Painting With Oils
    Photography
    Sketchbook
    Student Art Shows
    Studies
    Teaching Art
    Tutorials
    Videos
    Watercolors


    ​
    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites
    ​to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


    www.erikalancaster.com
    is a participant in the 
    Shareasale.com Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
    ​

    RSS Feed

©  2019  Erika Lancaster.  All rights reserved.
              Website Disclaimer              Privacy Policy              ​Terms and Conditions
  • HOME
  • BLOG
  • LEARN ART
  • SHOP ART & MERCH
  • MY ART TOOLS
  • ABOUT ME