Portrait Artist Forum - "Professional Artist"

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"Professional Artist"

I would like to pose a question. How does one know when they have become a "professional" portrait artist? Is there a non-professional portrait artist? Is the criterion the amount of money one receives for a portrait, or the number of portraits completed? Would being a "professional" portrait artist denote that that is your sole occupation and source of income?

The local art guild states that if you have received a total sum of $1200.00 in your art career, you are now listed in their opinion, as a "professional".

Just curious what others may think about this.

I'm sure this question will elicit a wide variety of responses. I think the problem with this type of query is that those responding might be tempted to come up with a reply that may tend to be on the side of self-justifying. The reason for this is that many want to be considered professional and it is can be argued that those who receive money, and are able to live on that income are indeed professional.

However, I would like to raise the bar and differentiate between a professional and what I would term a "true" professional.

I'm sure we've all paid money to have a task performed, and have been disappointed by the result. We inevitably say this is not a professional job! We may ask for a refund, choose to be bitter, or even engage legal counsel.

To me however, a professional is someone who delivers a consistent product every time. One who meets or exceeds the expectations of their client. Someone who refuses to leave things to chance. Someone who is willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get the job done to the best of their ability. The key is consistency. Ultimately this attitude must be coupled with consummate skill if we are to define one as a

Marvin, well said.

For once I don't feel the need to add a thing except agreement. And that is saying a lot from me, as my long posts on this Forum will attest.

Marvin,

You are so eloquent. Beautifully expressed from a true professional. I do wonder, with all the wonderful artists to pick from, what is it about William McGregor Paxton that you so admire? Why he above all others? I understand that you consider him to be the ultimate true professional, but what specifically do you so admire? Can you share with me and with others your favorite writings on this artist?

True professional artists therefore are no different than any other true professional. It all boils down to what comes from within. Calling upon an inner spirit to accomplish the difficult and not settling for the mediocre. I can relate what you said to my experience in the operating room. Thanks for clearing the fog. I can see clearly now.

Alicia,

Thank you for your kind words. I'll gather some thoughts about Paxton and post them on the Artists of the Past string.

It is my experience that true professionals in all walks of life are very rare indeed.

Alicia,

I just posted a little homage to Paxton in Artists of the Past.

http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...=7479#post7479

Professional vs. Amateur

AMATEUR

Quote:

synonyms AMATEUR, DILETTANTE, DABBLER, TYRO mean a person who follows a pursuit without attaining proficiency or professional status. AMATEUR often applies to one practicing an art without mastery of its essentials (a painting obviously done by an amateur); in sports it may also suggest not so much lack of skill but avoidance of direct remuneration (remained an amateur despite lucrative offers). DILETTANTE may apply to the lover of an art rather than its skilled practitioner but usually implies elegant trifling in the arts and an absence of serious commitment (had no patience for dilettantes). DABBLER suggests desultory habits of work and lack of persistence (a dabbler who started novels but never finished them). TYRO implies inexperience often combined with audacity with resulting crudeness or blundering (shows talent but is still a mere tyro).

PROFESSIONAL

Quote:

1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b : engaged in one of the learned professions c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

Quote:

2 a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs (a professional golfer) b: having a particular profession as a permanent career (a professional soldier) c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return (professional football)

Hmm. For myself, although I have sold over 1,200.00 in paintings, I would consider myself neither an amateur nor a professional. I fit somewhere in between.

I am a professional Gemologist. Heck, why be humble, I am an expert in my field. I am also a painter, an enthusiast who happens to make money at it. Until I trade shingles I will identify myself as such.

ENTHUSIAST

Quote:

: a person filled with enthusiasm : as a : one who is ardently attached to a cause, object, or pursuit <a sports car enthusiast> b : one who tends to become ardently absorbed in an interest

Thanks for doing that, Marvin.

:thumbsup: [QUOTE]To me however, a professional is someone who delivers a consistent product every time. One who meets or exceeds the expectations of their client. Someone who refuses to leave things to chance. Someone who is willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get the job done to the best of their ability. The key is consistency. Ultimately this attitude must be coupled with consummate skill if we are to define one as a

Quote:

...but still cannot see how anyone can make an entire living on painting as it seems so much by chance as the market is ever-changing.

Horrors! This sounds like something that those darn "misguided" school guidance counselors say to the talented kid who just wants to grow up and paint for a living.

Don't forget that people who paint for a living can also make money in peripheral ways, like teaching. Some of us also sell landscapes and still lifes between portrait commissions. I also hear that there is a big print market out there.

Heck, you don't even have to have a lot of talent or skill to make money as a painter (i.e., Kinkade).

There are buyers of art out there who have lots of money, and taste is no object. :)