One of the most daunting aspects of pursing a creative or artistic career for many aspiring artists is not knowing how to learn the craft. So, we asked some very talented artists and creatives to talk to us about how they learned their crafts and we hope their stories will help you in your journey.

Kevin Inman

I think the best way to improve, whether it’s a hobby or something you want to do professionally, is to follow your passion. I’ve been painting since I was in high school, and it’s always been a labor of love. Is there a way I could have ‘sped up’ my learning process? As an art teacher, I tend to think that learning is a slow, iterative process. It’s OK to get frustrated, it’s OK if we try things and fail. I learned a lot in school, but I learned more just by doing. I took classes, visited museums, read books, listened to lectures and artist talks, and spent time painting. I didn’t set out to have a career in the arts- I just wanted to enjoy my passion for painting and one thing led to another. Read more>>

Jedimanda

I learned to sew in college, and from there I started to work in Costume Shops locally and create costumes for the stage. From that knowledge, I turned my design knowledge to design and create cosplays for myself. It was my turn to wear my beautiful creations. I don’t think I would want to speed up any process, looking back. Each skill I learn while making cosplays leads me to learn something and then another skill, so on and so on. This organic way of learning is perfect for me. Read more>>

Richard Rudis

It was a multi phase, where separate points in life meet and point the way. A battle damaged veteran with an engineering background finds Tibetan Buddhism as a refuge – housing vibrational healing as a path. I could not have mosted faster – I was far too young. The skill was routed in necessity and profound curiosity. My original obstacle was myself which was altered by wrathful intervention. Read more>>

Alex Tha Great

Spoken Word is a very intricate art form. I believe that any poet is honestly born a writer, they just discover their talent is a gift at different times in life. For me, I learned more of the technicality behind the craft from studying other greats. I entered the world of slam poetry and participating in national slam competitions really did help me to hone in on my craft. I participated in all of the side events that would happen including the writing workshops and I would perform on any and every open mic I could get in. You have to practice the craft to get a good groove with it. Read more>>

Juan Manuel Rangel

I learned mostly by exploring by myself. For the guitar; I attempted to get a lesson from my father -he knew enough chords to play songs and I thought that was all there was to playing guitar. However, that lesson was not very fruitful and we stopped about 15 minutes in. A few months later, I was at a newsstand (remember those?) looking for am independent music magazine I liked and came across a songbook that featured two of my favorite bands. Read more>>

Ashlee Sanford

I was introduced to the art of oil painting when I was in high school. I took an advanced course that taught me the basics of using this medium. Knowing what I know now, I should have followed my gut instinct and stayed in painting.  Instead, I followed the norm, went to school graduated got a 9-5, and got away from art. Later, I realize that all along art was something that makes me happy and can be turned into a career. The skills that I found most essential as a visual artist is to have your own style and be very self-disciplined in completing your pieces. I’d also add never compare your work to someone else’s, be in competition with yourself. Read more>>