9 Common Art Myths Busted

Art is a wonderful and diverse profession with branches extending way beyond a typical field. It includes some of the commonest career fields ranging from digital art, calligraphy, architecture, drawing, dance, motion picture, literature, painting, music, photography, sculpture, print-making, to theater.

Art was established as a profession in the early 19th century. Since then, it has been used for health and healing, therapy, running households, calming the soul, and several other uses. However, with the awareness of art and its various forms, misconceptions were also added to it. 

Being an artist in today’s society, it is essential to know all the good and harsh realities so you can make informed decisions. With numerous artistic professions come numerous misconceptions and myths. Is there any truth to them? Is it just a way to distract creative individuals from achieving their goals or convince them to switch fields? It’s time to find out!

9 Common Art Myths

1. You Need Formal Education and Training to Get Successful in the Art Field
2. The More Expensive an Art Piece is, the Better it is
3. Artists Must Choose the Hard Way to Excel
4. An Artist Can’t Do Marketing; Their Art Should Speak for Itself!
5. Being an Artist is Easy
6. You Don’t Need A Lot of Paint Brushes as An Artist. All Can Do the Same Job!
7. Art Doesn’t Get You a Luxurious Life
8. Don’t Paint in Cold Temperatures
9. Primer is the Only Prep You Need

Common Art Myths Busted

If you are already in the art profession or are skeptical about getting into it due to various rumors and doubts, don’t worry! We’ve got you.

There are several common art myths about the profession circulating in the industry. While some are true, most rumors are only personal experiences that are no more than coincidences or misleading information that has spread from one source to another with no solid ground. 

But it’s normal to be slightly wary about your decisions associated with art. It is human behavior to get intrigued about certain pieces of information which may or may not be truth-based. These art myths often become the reason for several artistic individuals to choose careers other than art. Therefore, breaking them down and debunking them is imperative. Let’s learn more about the 9 common art myths.

1. You Need Formal Education and Training to Get Successful in the Art Field

There is no doubt that learning and improving in any field, with the help of mentors and experts, is necessary. Established and experienced artists will only add to your artistic knowledge, helping you get through challenges and difficult tasks. They will help you adapt to and learn the smart techniques needed to stay afloat and excel in the art field without compromising your mental or physical health.

However, not all artists have the opportunity or liberty to study in big art institutions or work under successful artists and mentors, unfortunately. This could occur because of various reasons, including financial constraints, family restrictions, or physical disabilities.

Not being able to afford or manage certifications in no way means you will not excel in the art field. Although such situations often leave artists feeling dejected and unmotivated, the truth is the opposite. An artist’s limit is only their mind. All of them possess the capability to go beyond expectations regardless of their education and professional degrees. 

This does not mean that professional art degrees carry any less value. Each certification adds to your portfolio, knowledge, and experience. It gives you a bigger push towards your goals and aims. However, having no degree also doesn’t mean you cannot practice art. An artist’s success without a professional education can never be disregarded.

Apart from countless online courses, renowned online art galleries also give beginner and expert artists the opportunity to come forward and share their unique talents with the world. Art galleries, online and in person, believe that each art piece is valuable and appreciable. Therefore, they promote all artists’ work regardless of their expertise level.

2. The More Expensive an Art Piece Is, the Better It Is

Now, this myth is one of the most popular ones. You probably have heard it once or perhaps a hundred times, and some may even think it is correct. After all, won’t the quality be better if they are charging more money? Doesn’t it mean the art piece will last longer and have a better quality overall? Incorrect!

The proportional relationship between art and money is related to art consumer psychology. An example is that when an average individual is given the option of buying between an expensive and cheap option, they go for the former, thinking that luxury and quality come at a high cost. However, this is not always true. 

Artists of all levels, new and experienced, can create the most magical pieces even within a limited budget. A good and reliable way to practice when buying art is to consider the composition, technique, and concept behind the art first and only then see the price. Do not go beyond your budget only because a piece is overpriced; several stunning art pieces are also available at affordable rates. The next time you wonder why some artworks are more valuable than others, remember what you read here.

3. Artists Must Choose the Hard Way to Excel 

This is a stereotypical statement that has been around for far too long. It is one of the prime reasons why art enthusiasts are deterred from this wonderful field, putting their interest and talent to waste. Whoever tells you artists must choose the hard way to excel tells them they need to rethink their opinions. 

Understand and practice the belief that artists can also make money without getting out of their comfort zone, just like in any other professional path. Art is not simply a pastime or hobby to be practiced when you are ‘free’ or ‘bored,’ but an entire career that can earn you success and a good living. 

4. An Artist Can’t Do Marketing, Their Art Should Speak for Itself!

You may have come across artists saying, ‘I don’t need any marketing. My work speaks for itself!’ But unluckily, these artists are either those who have seen the tough days and are now enjoying fame or the overconfident ones who think they don’t need help. 

You may also hear this statement from artists who believe that marketing does not make much difference in sales or hinders an artist’s creative energy. Some may also believe that art galleries are solely responsible for driving sales. 

However, this is not the case. While some art galleries often help make significant profits by selling your art, they are not entirely responsible for marketing. If you want your art to become popular and sell at a good price, making some effort on your own is also essential.

Without marketing, the world will remain oblivious to the endless talent that is depicted in your art paintings.

Not utilizing the several platforms that are now available for marketing, you will only sell a few pieces. This is not because your art is not worth the price or less than any artist’s, but simply because it is hidden in obscurity. Artwork Archive fairly notes, “…there is a lot of competition and a lot of noise out there. If you want to see active sales, you need to take an active role in your sales.”

Marketing your work is in your best interest, as the more the advertisement, the faster the product sells. There is unyielding competition and a lot of noise in the industry. Therefore, creating your artist brand, marketing your art, targeting a particular type of audience, optimizing your social media (like growing your audience through Instagram) and keeping it updated, and staying consistent with prospective collaborators and clients are all imperative.

5. Being an Artist Is Easy 

Whoever tells you this, hand them a paintbrush and canvas, and tell them to paint a landscape that will attract a considerable audience, sell online, and get you a show at physical and online art galleries, and all this within a time limit. They will understand just how easy it is to be an artist in today’s art scene.

Art is not a 9-5 job but an instinct and revelation that are on tap 24/7. When there is an idea, the artist has to note it down or begin painting almost immediately. There is no set or definite pattern for art. It is a combination of innovative ideas that have to be different each time the artist picks a brush. 

Being an artist means that you are also an entrepreneur, administrator, and boss. An artist is given no direction externally but has to build everything on their own right from the foundation. They are expected to paint even if they aren’t in the mood. Each painting has to be finished with the same effort and interest just as the others.

6. You Don’t Need a Lot of Paint Brushes as an Artist. All Can Do the Same Job!

Have you ever seen a professional makeup artist using a blending eyeshadow brush for drawing eyeliner or an eyeliner brush for blending? Most likely not! That is because each brush is used for different detailing.

There are several things that make up a landscape, such as trees, sky, animals, flowers, humans, houses, sunsets, clouds, lakes, etc. All require different shading and patterns, which need different types of brushes. Some of these include liner, wash, round, angular wash, and fan brushes.

Each brush has a different effect and makes diverse patterns. It’s true that some brushes are all-rounders and can paint several things, but the right detailing is only done with the appropriate brush. The different sizes will help you cover small, medium, and large areas, paint various subjects and form suitable patterns. 

7. Art Doesn’t Get You a Luxurious Life

Does any profession earn you a luxurious life right from the beginning? The answer is no! All career options require you to start from somewhere. While some artists start right from scratch, others may have better platforms to work from. Working your way up gradually and with determination is what will earn you a luxurious life, regardless of the profession.

Moreover, art does not mean painting canvases only. No artist should restrict themselves to one particular niche unless that is what you are only interested in. Try digital art, oil painting, watercolors, acrylic painting, pastels, literati painting, hot-wax painting, spray painting, and the list goes on. In addition to painting, you can dance, sing, make sculptures, perform theater and music, or practice architecture to earn a good, luxurious life. 

8. Don’t Paint in Cold Temperatures

It was a widely accepted rule back in the old days that painting in the cold would lead to increased paint thickness that doesn’t spread evenly and easily. However, the paint formulations today allow artists to paint at almost any time of the year.

Experts suggest the ideal painting temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the range between 35 -100 degrees Fahrenheit also works along with low humidity for easier drying. 

9. Primer Is The Only Prep You Need

While you may want it to be true as an artist, this is not the case. Using a primer is a part of the process, but adding sand, cleaning, and spackle is also important.  As Joshua Blackburn, director of design and construction at Evolving Home, says, “Priming alone is not enough if there are gouges, old paint, accumulated dirt, and debris, or other blemishes on the surface.”

Common Art Myths – Bottom Line

We hope to have given you greater clarity about the world of art and what it means to be a professional artist. Busting these common art myths is important for any beginner artist or anyone who’s thinking about getting into art as a profession. Dispelling misconceptions and having the right mindset about something you’re passionate about helps a lot.