Artist Talk & Demo: Insights on Becoming a Full-Time Artist

I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a bottle and the goal was always to be a “full time” artist. When I finally did go full time, it wasn’t exactly as I imagined. There have been many hurdles, and I just want to share a few of the ways I’ve navigated these challenges in hopes that you might get some information that will be helpful no matter where you are on your art journey. ALL ARTISTS WELCOME

Being a “Full-Time” artist- do you know anyone who paints 40 hours a week?

Finding your “Thing”- painting, sculpting, realism, abstraction, metal work, printmaking, beads, encaustics, pet portraits, narrowing it down and honing your skills. There are some easy ways to find your “thing”

Bringing your “A-game” – Are you a morning person? Scheduling your day based on your energy levels to maximize yourself, what to do when you you’re stuck or “not feeling it”

The “Voices” I think we’ve all heard them, the voices in our heads saying that the art we make isn’t good enough or that we need to make “something that sells” or that hyper realistic portraits and landscapes are the only art of real value

Community- the importance of an art community. Meeting with an individual or small group of artists regularly can be life changing.

About the artist:

Susan Rossiter is a Mixed Media Artist inspired by the colors, shapes and patterns of the 50’s through the 70’s. By Mixed Media, I simply mean using more than just painting in my pieces. In college I studied fine art metals, printmaking, design, and art history as well as painting and drawing. I incorporate all of it into making my own unique papers and collage elements. Texture, composition and color auditions play a big part in my process, and I love my job- it gives me those good brain chemicals. I work and live in Ohio, between two studios and teach all over the country. My strengths are discipline, focus and an absurd sense of humor. Susan has had extensive training from GOLDEN Artist Colors and Silver Brush LTD and has conducted countless demonstrations and fun, project/process focused workshops online, in Ohio and all over the United States for artists of any skill level.

Host or Publisher Artists Council