E38 Becoming a Pro Artist: How Long Does It Really Take?

Author: Tim Mcburnie
Published: Wed 14 Aug 2024
Episode Link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/da0d56c8

Check out my Free Brainstorming Workshop: https://mightyartisan.com/worldbuilding Learn to silence your inner critic. Ignite creative ideas. And watch a live demo of these techniques in action.

---

This is The Thirty Eighth Episode of the Visual Scholar Podcast - With Tim Mcburnie.

Let's talk about how long it takes to reach the mythical 'pro' level of art.

This concept is something many people ask me about. And it's one of those markers that many of us consider to be really important.

But it's also a moving target, and is not always as significant as people make it out to be.

So in this episode I am going to unpack some of the considerations around improving your art and getting to a good level of skill... and how long it takes.

Below is in Automagically generated summary so you can check out the content and also to help with search functionality!

--- --DURATION TO REACH PROFESSIONAL LEVEL IN ART

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: It took me about 10 years to reach a professional level, starting from high school. This journey included navigating through various educational paths and job experiences.

GENERAL OBSERVATION: For students in structured educational settings, such as colleges, it generally takes about three to four years to build foundational skills, with additional time needed to refine skills to industry standards.

--COMMON TRAPS IN LEARNING ART

EARLY DISILLUSIONMENT: Many artists become discouraged by the slow visible progress and complex skill acquisition, which can extend the learning period.

INCONSISTENCY: Fluctuations in learning intensity and focus can hinder steady progress. Artists often experience periods where skills seem to regress due to new challenges or advanced techniques.

--PACING YOUR ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

SETTING REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Understanding that becoming proficient takes years is crucial to maintaining motivation and persistence.

CONSISTENT PRACTICE: Regular practice and application of skills are essential for continuous improvement and avoiding long stagnant periods.

--SPEEDRUN STRATEGY FOR ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT

FOCUSED SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Concentrate on the specific skills that are directly relevant to your desired area of professional art. This approach minimizes wasted effort on unnecessary breadth.

AVOIDING OVER-DIVERSIFICATION: While exploring different artistic styles and mediums can be enriching, it can also distract from developing the depth needed for professional work. ---

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

02:28 Welcome

02:50 Here's the Outline for this Episode!

06:34 How Long It Took Me To Get To A Professional Level

18:54 How Long It Can Take Students Now...

25:42 What Are The Traps That Cost You Time?

46:09 The Secrets To Pacing Yourself

56:29 The Speedrun Playbook...

1:05:20 The Analytical Takeaway

1:06:32 The Simple Takeaway

1:07:25 The Practical Takeaway

1:09:30 The Philosophical Takeaway

1:15:12 Out!

---

The Visual Scholar Podcast is designed to help you demystify the world of Art, Productivity, and Creativity. So you can get better faster, and enjoy your Art Journey.

We discuss Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Entertainment Design. Along with Productivity and Career Advice.

You Can Find The Visual Scholar Podcast In These Places:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-visual-scholar/id1678505411

Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6VbdwbiZqy8nqb90ruKQCX?si=21b9c1d02c85419f

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MightyArtisan

Show Homepage:

https://visualscholar.mightyartisan.com

Where To Find More About Tim Mcburnie:

Learn Drawing and Illustration at The Drawing Codex:

www.thedrawingcodex.com

Take Your Career and Productivity To The Next Level:

www.mightyartisan.com