Many people assume, when you say that you're a self-taught artist (as I am), that you've literally taught yourself everything you know about art and have not learned a thing from anyone else. In my case (in most cases), this couldn't be further from the truth.
I've had scores of teachers, throughout my art journey. From watching my dad paint when I was a little girl to following tutorials on YouTube and Deviant Art. There has always been a guide of some sort to instruct, inspire, and help me to hone my artistic skills.
I often say that I'm a perpetual student and I hope to never lose that mindset. I'm constantly learning, in art: new techniques, new mediums, new perspectives, new concepts - it really never ends and that is one of the beautiful things about art. Whether I'm looking up how to render tulle in graphite (I couldn't find any info on that, btw. lol) or just noticing the way that shadows fall across a person's face when they're half-lit, I'm learning.
To be self-taught, by and large, simply means to have no formal training in art. I've only ever taken one college art class (and that was in Art Appreciation) and I do not have an art degree. What I do have is a passion for art, a thirst for knowledge, and years and years of practice. However, had I leaned only on my own understanding and never sought out information through books, tutorials, videos, other artists, etc. I would not possess anywhere near the artistic skills that I do, today. Period. So, education is important, no matter the route you take to get it.
Are you a #self-taught #artist? Do you have an #art #degree? Let me know what your experience has been!
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