Comments on: Amateur vs. Professional Artist

By: Kayleen Stewart

Kayleen Stewart — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:24:25 +0000

I would have to disagree a bit on this opinion. My definition of a professional artist is one who takes great care with his or work and presents them in as professional manner as possible at all times. I would label the professional you describe simply a full time promoted artist – quote: “whether or not he/she has achieved a high level of competence. ” unquote I would also put an “emerging professional artist” in the same class as an “established professional” if they are both competent and dedicated. These artists both warrant resect and admiration for their professionalism and dedication regardless of their popularity or audience quota.

By: Tammy Vitale

Tammy Vitale — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 16:37:22 +0000

I like “emerging” much better than I like “amateur.” As for professional, I heard, back in the 70s when I was still emerging (which wasn’t used then), that if you sell, had sold or were trying to sell your art, then you are professional. And although I was only selling from behind my secretarial desk at that point in time, I still considered myself a professional. Saying out loud that I am an artist took quite a few more years. I heartily agree with Pam Tremble that until we name are art as having both a business and a creative side and claim space for both, we will sell ourselves short. Tammy Vitale

By: Pam Tremble

Pam Tremble — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:59:09 +0000

I disagree with the “semi-professional” comment. If you are an artist who is a business owner (i.e. professional artist), you’re a professional no matter what else you do in other areas of your life. Even if you only work your art business on a “part-time” basis, you’re still a business owner full-time. I think this is a trap that many small business owners fall into … thinking that their business is just something they do on the side. Until we begin to recognize our art business as a full-fledged part of who we are, I think we are in danger of letting our business become stagnant. I like Karen Thumm’s assessment of professional vs. amateur and it hits the mark fairly well. ~Pam

By: phillippa lack

phillippa lack — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 15:06:07 +0000

So true, Claire. And doing a JOB and trying to be an artist is not an easy thing to do. It is a constant balancing act. I’ve always felt that if I could just have the TIME to really get focused solely on my painting, it would mae such a diffrence.

By: Claire Taylor

Claire Taylor — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:05:15 +0000

Don’t forget the semi-professional-those of us who still must hold a “regular” job while working towards the goal of earning a living exclusively from our art. Of course, skill level varies in this category, too!