10 Lies People Believe About Art

I hear it all the time….”I can’t even draw a stick figure.” Where is all of this negativity towards creativity originating? I’m not really sure. However, I’ve made a list of 10 lies that people believe about art and creativity that I’d like to share with you. I hope it boosts your confidence a bit and give you the courage to do something crafty today!

The Lies Vs. The Truth

Lie #1: Art is a luxury item not attainable by everyday people.

Truth: Art is for everyone! If you can’t afford what you want, make it yourself! That’s what I did and that mindset is what jump started my entire art business!

Lie #2: You need to spend a lot of money to create real art.

Truth: You can spend pennies and create art. You can go to thrift stores and find canvas prints or framed art and give it new life. You can paint on just about anything and you can buy acrylic paint just about anywhere! Don’t allow money to get in the way. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are!

Lie #3: You need an art degree to be a “real” artist.

Truth: Nope. You do not. There are many “real” artists making a real difference and real money that do not have a college degree at all (including me!) AND there are blog posts floating around out there with advice for those with art degrees who are trying to navigate the online space. The art world is changing and has been for a while now. The internet has really changed the game for artists.

Lie #4: You need to charge people huge amounts of money for your original work because you need to charge what you are worth.

Truth: You need to charge people what they will pay you for your art. Your worth is invaluable and putting it in terms of dollars is unwise and dangerous. Don’t underestimate your talent, but don’t base your worth on the amount of money your art will sell for either.

Lie #5: You can’t show people how you make things. They will steal your ideas.

Truth: Sharing how to create art is the most rewarding part of my business. Yes, people paint their own version of the piece that I teach, but it always looks unique to them and a little different from mine. Everyone’s ability to create is a bit like a fingerprint. Everyone has their own way of doing things! I stress to my students that they need to make it their own. Copying is part of learning, but you don’t stop there. We each have our own collage of experiences, influences, and unique abilities. That’s what gives us our own style.

Lie #6: If I can’t paint or draw realistic paintings, then it’s not real art.

Truth: Art is so much more than trying to duplicate something in a realistic way. Painting is not photography. If we could somehow channel our 6-year-old selves and allow the fun, messy, creative ideas to return. If we could remember the fun of art before we were criticized or trained to think a certain way about it, I believe many more people would enjoy creating again.

Lie #7: I’ll learn to paint when I have more time.

Truth: You’ll never have more time. Everyone has the same hours in a day. You have to make time in your day for art. You will make time for the things that you really want to do.

Lie #8: I can’t even draw a stick figure.

Truth: Yes you can. This is the sentence I always hear. I don’t know where this popular way of insulting your own creativity originated, but it’s not true. You can be creative. Yes you can draw, paint, collage, sculpt, cook, decorate, and organize. I believe that you can do whatever you set your mind to doing! Don’t let some cliché keep you from trying.

Lie #9: Being an artist is not a real job.

Truth: Yes it is! Not only is it a real job, it’s a FUN job! It’s a job that can be rewarding in ways that most jobs cannot even begin to offer. And, by the way, if you are a creative person that downplays your job and refers to it in a derogatory way (for example: “oh I just play at painting”)….stop doing that, please. 🙂

Lie #10: Art is not important.

Truth: Everyone needs art in their lives. It doesn’t have to be painting or drawing. It could be music, writing, cooking, gardening, or decorating. Can you imagine how dull and drab our world would be without art, music, color, and creativity?

We were all created by The Creator… in the image of The Creator.

I believe we all have the ability and desire to be creative in some form.

Don’t allow negativity, past experiences, or flat out lies to hold you back.

Art is important.

You can be creative, and yes, you can draw a stick figure.

Have you found yourself saying any of these things? Have you always wanted to learn to paint, but just haven’t taken the leap? Try my free palette knife painting lesson. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with yourself 🙂

Get the Free Lesson Here: https://artbyamandahilburn.com/free-palette-knife-painting-lesson/