Top Five Things Artists Can Learn From Their Peers

Written By Stephanie Broder

When artists and creatives work together, great things happen! Whether you are studying the work and career of an artist you admire, working directly with a peer, or having a mentorship relationship with more advanced artists, there’s lots to learn.

Art books are a great way to study the work of other artists up close and personal

Here are the top five things artists can learn from studying or studying with other artists:

  1. Techniques and Methods: Artists can learn new techniques, methods, and processes by observing and discussing the work of others. Something in their art has pulled you in, and something is working. Spend some time analyzing all the aspects of the piece, from colour and value to design and composition. There’s plenty of information to be gleaned just from a focused study of another artist’s work.

  2. Creative Inspiration: Exposure to the diverse styles, themes, and concepts of other artists can provide fresh inspiration and spark new ideas. Don’t be afraid to borrow bits and pieces from artists you admire while carefully avoiding the temptation to copy directly. Maybe a colour palette can be adapted to your work or a particular way of stylizing noses! You never know what will influence your work, and the more creative content you put into your brain, the less likely your creative output will look exactly like someone else’s work.

  3. Artistic Trajectory and Style: By studying the evolution of another artist’s career and vision, artists can gain insights into developing their own unique voice. Follow artists new and old in the industry, follow artists for years, watch their career unfold, and read about historical artists and their path - the more you can learn about the many ways artists create work and work to create, the better prepared you will be!

  4. Critical Feedback and Perspective: Engaging with other artists allows for the exchange of constructive criticism and feedback. While showing your work to non-artistic friends and family can be a comforting ego boost, the best feedback you can get is from someone who understands your craft and creative goals. While it can be hard to hear critical feedback, I guarantee it is the greatest motivator for improvement. It can help you get outside your head, see your work from a new lens and make a plan of attack for improvement.

  5. Accountability and Celebration: Working with other artists is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Other artists can watch your growth and improvement and encourage you through periods of stagnation. They can understand your projects and long-term goals from a nuanced level to help motivate you to cross that finish line. And when you get your art show, book deal, event table or, heck, even just a beautiful new post for your Instagram - you know they will be there with you to celebrate!

Stephanie Broder
Previous

Top Five Reasons You Might Need an Art Coach in 2024
Next

Top Ten Figure Drawing Tips for Illustrators