How To Become the Greatest Artist Ever

How To Become The Greatest Artist Ever

By: Pauly Steez

First and foremost; I would like to say that becoming the greatest artist ever is a subjective goal and can vary depending on individual tastes and preferences. I remember a fellow visual artist asked me in college, what was my goals with my art, and all I could think about was that I wanted to be recognized as the greatest. I don’t know if that ambition came from my sports background, and the dog mentality one has to have to reach GOAT status, or if it was my pure lack of understanding behind the idea of their being a “greatest artist ever”. However, these are some general tips that can help you on your artistic journey to becoming your greatest, or the greatest ever:

1. Practice regularly: The more you practice your craft, the better you will become. Dedicate time each day to honing your skills and experimenting with different techniques. They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a master…Well I challenge you to say what’s passed a master? Because I surpassed 10,000 hours last week.

2. Study the masters: Learn from the work of renowned artists in your field. Study their techniques, styles, and creative processes to gain inspiration and insight. If you’re an abstract painter, maybe studying Gerhard Richter for his color use, or if you're a film maker, understanding the set design of Stanley Kubrick can give you the foundations and knowledge to create your own magic.

3. Experiment and take risks: Don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of your creativity. Take risks and explore different styles and mediums to find what works best for you. Pablo Picasso was infamous for shedding a style he took years to master, only to chart into new territory that waned away from familiarity. Although it seems you are starting anew, you are taking old information and techniques into new atmospheres, that ultimately guides your new work and processes.

4. Seek feedback: Share your work with others and ask for constructive criticism. Feedback from fellow artists and art enthusiasts can help you identify areas for improvement and grow as an artist. Criticism should be looked at as the antidote to self-absorption. Sometimes we have to step back to see the bigger picture. I am someone who was against criticism because you can’t “see what I see”. But that’s what makes constructive criticism unique, and valuable. Getting a fresh perspective on a problem you may have been wrestling with for weeks, can be just the gem you needed to unearthe.

5. Stay inspired: Surround yourself with inspiration by visiting art galleries, reading books, and exploring different forms of art. Stay curious and open-minded to new ideas and perspectives. The exciting thing about being an artist, is the world is your muse. You can make a simple trip to Walmart, and stroll down the Video Games Aisles, or the Toy Aisles for that piece of inspiration you have been searching. Life is a painting waiting to be studied.

6. Stay dedicated and persistent: Becoming a great artist takes time, effort, and perseverance. Stay committed to your craft and don't get discouraged by setbacks or challenges. Life has its moments where all you can do is focus on survival, whether it be working a 9-5 job, aiding a sick family member, or picking up the pieces to a broken heart. The pleasure of being an artist is, this can all be used as fuel to spark creative ideas, and future works. Even in a time of stillness, know that your art will see you again. And you must promise that to yourself if you want to become the greatest ever.

Remember, being the greatest artist is a personal goal and ultimately comes down to how you define success in your own artistic journey. Keep pushing yourself, stay true to your vision, and continue to grow and evolve as an artist.

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced” – Vincent Van Gogh