Is it a creative or artistic process? It is whatever you want to call it; it is a process. In this process, artists engage in a sequence of steps, a continuum of stages and actions unique to each artist, and it often intertwines intuition with method and chaos with order–it is about surveying the territory and engaging in an adventure. This process should be profoundly personal and potentially nonlinear, imaginatively could transcend the limits of body, time, and space. It is about embracing uncertainty, challenging limits, and continually evolving your practice. Your artistic endeavors are as much about the process as they are about the final product. Although there is no formula for producing an original artwork, iterative actions through the artist’s systematic methodologies can reveal unexpected results during the processual phases. 

In the realm of art, through the engagement of your processes in the context of your ideas, become your oracle… Know your art; know yourself. The inner-artist is a voice, a calling, and the action of diving deep into discovering the interior of one’s unconscious mind through artistic expression. The unconscious is implausible; it has no ethics and no morals. These limits are formed as consciousness emerges from the subconscious layers into the world, so we constantly need to reconnect to it. The unconscious is honest, unexpected, unpredictable, infinite, irreverent, and inexhaustible; it is the source of all sources. Art becomes a path of personal exploration, manifesting to us as both an answer and a question.

This text invites you to reflect on where you stand: I want to be an artist, I think I am an artist, or I am an artist. These are three distinct positions, each offering a chance for self-assessment and clarity. By understanding where you are, you can begin to map your path forward—whether it’s pursuing art more deeply, redefining your goals, or affirming your current direction. This reflection is not about right or wrong; it is about aligning your actions with your aspirations and taking intentional steps toward how you want art to be part of your life. Before fully committing to a career as a professional artist, it is essential to undertake a thorough self-assessment and understand the context and realities in which you are entering and participating. Becoming a professional artist requires significant time, effort, and hard work. Determining whether this path aligns with your personal and professional aspirations is vital. 

Approaching the various entities within the art world—institutions, galleries, curators, and collectors—requires more than enthusiasm for your work. It demands a deep understanding of the interconnected ecosystem these entities form and how your actions, professionalism, and approach can shape your relationships. Each entity serves a distinct function, but they are all interwoven, creating a dynamic network that artists must navigate thoughtfully and strategically.

Building a solid and resourceful network is crucial for creating a healthy and prosperous economic environment for artists. Still, it does not always need to be an instrumental approach. Having people around you that you trust and can rely on is invaluable. Investing your time and energy into fostering friendly relationships with fellow artists is not just beneficial—it is often a cornerstone of a fulfilling and sustainable artistic career. These relationships can create a supportive, enriching, and joyful environment. One of the most significant benefits of forming strong connections with other artists is the creation of a supportive community. Such a network provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which can be exceptionally comforting in the often solitary pursuit of creating art. Investing in these relationships gives you a support system that can offer guidance, share in your successes, and help you overcome challenges.

Within art, the economies of exchange are multifaceted and complex, involving a rich tapestry of networks, friendships, mediators, and institutions. These exchanges transcend mere financial transactions, encompassing the social, cultural, and symbolic capital that circulates within the distinctive ecosystems in the art world. Economic exchanges in the art world are deeply intertwined with cultural narratives, social relationships, and global market dynamics, creating a unique and intricate economic landscape. This unruled system refers to the informal exchanges of services, influence, and access between various stakeholders, including institutions, curators, artists, and collectors. While not always monetary, these exchanges play a crucial role in shaping careers, creating opportunities, and enhancing the visibility of artworks.

For all its inspiration and beauty, the art world is also a complex and layered ecosystem. Much of its flow is dictated by unwritten rules—those invisible yet pervasive norms and expectations that guide how artists, curators, collectors, and institutions interact. These rules are not necessarily codified in manuals or openly discussed, yet they profoundly impact how the art world operates. I think we can be better equipped to maneuver in this terrain with clarity and intention by recognizing and understanding them. So, what do we mean by these unwritten rules? In broad terms, they are the subtle social codes, power dynamics, and cultural expectations that influence everything from how artworks are priced to how opportunities are distributed. These norms may seem intimidating or opaque initially, but understanding their logic can help us engage with them more effectively.

As a professional artist, I understand that your primary focus is creating and sharing your art. However, being aware of your legal obligations and intellectual rights is equally important. Ignorance in these areas can jeopardize your career and business. Understanding and protecting your rights ensures that your work is respected and appropriately monetized, providing a solid foundation for your professional practice. Legal obligations encompass a range of issues, from contracts and taxes to the protection of your intellectual property. As an artist, you are also a business owner, and neglecting these responsibilities can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Familiarizing yourself with the legal aspects of your professional operation is not just a precaution but a necessity and personal obligation.

Commercializing your art as a visual artist often faces a complex paradox: meeting market demands and achieving financial stability while maintaining their creative freedom and artistic integrity. This tension can be particularly challenging, as the pressures to produce commercially viable work can sometimes conflict with the desire to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries. Understanding how to navigate this paradox is essential for artists who seek to build sustainable careers without compromising their authentic vision.