5 Lessons Learned from 10 Years as an Exhibiting Artist

When I graduated from the University of Houston in 2017 with an art degree, I had only shown my work in school exhibitions and during weekly critiques with classmates. I was still figuring things out and, to be honest, I wasn’t very good at art. Fast forward nearly ten years, and I’ve exhibited in multiple galleries, sold my work, and discovered the kind of artist I want to be. Along the way, I've picked up some valuable insights.

You Don’t Need Permission: Art is an Action

You don’t need a degree, an award, or even a business to be an artist. I hear it all the time: “I draw, but I’m not an artist,” or “My drawings are just doodles; I haven’t sold anything.” Here’s the truth: art isn’t something you need a certification for. Nobody checks your badge at the door.

To me, art is like journaling or gardening. There are many levels to it, and people engage with it in various ways. Not every gardener has to be a master gardener, and not every artist needs to be the next Caravaggio. Some dedicate their lives to mastering a medium, while others create art on sticky notes that never leave their pockets. Both are valid.

Yes, some artists have cornered the market or pushed a medium to its limits. But that doesn’t invalidate the rest of us. The act of making art is what makes you an artist. It’s not about your skill level, follower count, or whether someone gave you permission to call yourself one.

For most artists, creating art becomes easier over time. When I first started, I was lost and struggled to learn everything I could. I practiced constantly because I wanted to improve. So, if you’re just starting out, congratulations! You’re doing the hardest part right now.

Draw Every Day

Every spare moment is an opportunity for art. Post-it notes fit right in your pocket. Do you know how quickly you can doodle a face? You could be drawing right now—or as soon as you finish reading this. How often do you find yourself waiting for something? How often do you scroll through your phone? How often do you go to the bathroom? If you swap a drawing session for a night of doomscrolling, just think of the mental health benefits.

Back when I had an hour-long commute from school, I’d sit at Pinks Pizza and wait for traffic to die down. I’d pull out my pocket sketchbook and do a couple of simple ink drawings. By the end of the semester, I’d filled up two entire sketchbooks. It changed how I viewed drawing. The best way to describe it is like learning a language. I became fluent in ink. The artists I know who improve the fastest are the ones who stop treating drawing like an event and start seeing it as a way to fill empty moments.

Find Your People

I know getting an artist friend out of their comfort zone can be tough. They’re often homebodies, but hanging out with fellow artists is the best way to build a support system and find accountability.

When I moved to a new area of Houston, I searched for an art group to join, but there wasn’t anything nearby that didn’t come with a fee. So, I reached out to the Drink & Draw organizers at Coral Sword in EaDo. I asked if they had any members living in my area who didn’t want to make the drive.

I promptly forgot about it until about a year later when two strangers reached out to see if I’d meet them at a local bar. I agreed because meeting strangers from the internet at a bar seemed reasonable at the time. Root, Mark, and I formed the North Houston Drink and Draw. Meeting regularly to draw and discuss art was a game changer for me. I asked tons of questions about everything from gallery applications to techniques. Plus, I made some incredible friends along the way—RIP Mark Wise.

Stop Trying to Please Everyone

You’ll hear both good and bad critiques, and it’s crucial to recognize the difference. I’ve seen many artists build walls between themselves and their mentors or instructors. I’ve done it too. Art is personal, and sometimes it’s hard to see where change could actually benefit your work. Ask yourself if the person critiquing you is genuinely trying to help or if they’re just trying to get something from you.

There are comments, especially from those who don’t understand your work, that you can ignore. Suggestions like “Add more dirt bikes” or “You should sell these for cheaper” can easily be brushed aside. This is your work, and there will always be people who think they know better.

Too Busy is a Myth

Most of the time, “too busy” really means “not prioritizing it.” That’s okay. I’ve juggled multiple priorities, and art has fallen off my radar more than once. But it wasn’t because I was too busy; it was because I chose not to prioritize it over other things I wanted or needed to do.

I think the language we use is important. If you want to make art, it has to fit into your actual schedule. If it never makes it onto the calendar, then other priorities are simply more important right now, and that’s perfectly fine.

I’d love to learn how to buy and sell stocks, but I haven’t prioritized that in my life, and I’m okay with it for now. The idea that you want to do art more than anything, if only you had the time, is a lie we tell ourselves. Just like I tell myself I’d work out more if I weren’t so busy!

Make Art Unapologetically

Create art without hesitation. Make it often, and be honest with yourself. That’s probably the simplest version of everything I’ve learned so far. I hope you find this advice useful.

In this journey, I’ve embraced my unique style, which blends elements of the whimsical and the eerie. My art reflects my love for cats, devils, and other imaginative creatures. I aim to share this distinct "creepy cute" art style with a wider audience, building a community of fans who appreciate it.

So, pick up that sketchbook, grab a pencil, and let your creativity flow. You never know where it might take you!