Many artists proudly or timidly call themselves self-taught artists, often as a way of distinguishing their path from those with a formal art education. And while there is a grain of truth that not attending an art school means you are not following an institutional curriculum, the reality is that all artists are self-taught to some extent. Failure is an option and a path alone; failing only means starting again. No matter where or how you begin, the process of becoming an artist always requires teaching yourself, either through trial and error, through observing others, through experimenting, through researching, through doing. Teaching yourself art is not just about acquiring skills; it is about learning how to learn, question, and create structure within uncertainty.

Artistic validation is a complex and deeply personal part of an artist's journey. It is how we come to understand and affirm the value of our work, whether through our sense of achievement, recognition from our peers, or acknowledgment from collectors, galleries, or institutions. For many artists, validation feels like a mirror held up to their practice, but the reflection always depends on who is holding it. And here is the tricky part: validation only carries meaning when it connects to the audience, community, or context that empowers your artistic image. 

Writing is an art that takes many forms. Before you start putting words together, it is essential to ask yourself: What kind of text am I writing, and what do I want it to achieve? Are you crafting a creative text where language becomes part of your artistic expression? Are you writing a formal application where clarity and professionalism matter most? Is this a text about yourself, like an artist statement or bio, or is it about your work, perhaps a story, a description, or an interpretation of your artistic process?

Negotiation is an inevitable, yet often daunting, part of an artist’s journey. Whether it is discussing the price of a piece, the terms of an exhibition, or the rights to reproduce their work, artists constantly find themselves in a space of mediation. There is always a mediator between the artist and whoever is on the other side of the transaction—be it a collector, a gallery, a publisher, or an institution. Sometimes, this mediator is a third party, like a gallerist or agent. Still, the artist must often step into this role themselves, wearing the negotiator's hat, even if it feels unnatural or uncomfortable.

This text invites you to reflect on where you stand: I want to be an artist, I think I am an artist, or I am an artist. These are three distinct positions, each offering a chance for self-assessment and clarity. By understanding where you are, you can begin to map your path forward—whether it’s pursuing art more deeply, redefining your goals, or affirming your current direction. This reflection is not about right or wrong; it is about aligning your actions with your aspirations and taking intentional steps toward how you want art to be part of your life. Before fully committing to a career as a professional artist, it is essential to undertake a thorough self-assessment and understand the context and realities in which you are entering and participating. Becoming a professional artist requires significant time, effort, and hard work. Determining whether this path aligns with your personal and professional aspirations is vital. 

Approaching the various entities within the art world—institutions, galleries, curators, and collectors—requires more than enthusiasm for your work. It demands a deep understanding of the interconnected ecosystem these entities form and how your actions, professionalism, and approach can shape your relationships. Each entity serves a distinct function, but they are all interwoven, creating a dynamic network that artists must navigate thoughtfully and strategically.

Building a solid and resourceful network is crucial for creating a healthy and prosperous economic environment for artists. Still, it does not always need to be an instrumental approach. Having people around you that you trust and can rely on is invaluable. Investing your time and energy into fostering friendly relationships with fellow artists is not just beneficial—it is often a cornerstone of a fulfilling and sustainable artistic career. These relationships can create a supportive, enriching, and joyful environment. One of the most significant benefits of forming strong connections with other artists is the creation of a supportive community. Such a network provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which can be exceptionally comforting in the often solitary pursuit of creating art. Investing in these relationships gives you a support system that can offer guidance, share in your successes, and help you overcome challenges.

Within art, the economies of exchange are multifaceted and complex, involving a rich tapestry of networks, friendships, mediators, and institutions. These exchanges transcend mere financial transactions, encompassing the social, cultural, and symbolic capital that circulates within the distinctive ecosystems in the art world. Economic exchanges in the art world are deeply intertwined with cultural narratives, social relationships, and global market dynamics, creating a unique and intricate economic landscape. This unruled system refers to the informal exchanges of services, influence, and access between various stakeholders, including institutions, curators, artists, and collectors. While not always monetary, these exchanges play a crucial role in shaping careers, creating opportunities, and enhancing the visibility of artworks.

For all its inspiration and beauty, the art world is also a complex and layered ecosystem. Much of its flow is dictated by unwritten rules—those invisible yet pervasive norms and expectations that guide how artists, curators, collectors, and institutions interact. These rules are not necessarily codified in manuals or openly discussed, yet they profoundly impact how the art world operates. I think we can be better equipped to maneuver in this terrain with clarity and intention by recognizing and understanding them. So, what do we mean by these unwritten rules? In broad terms, they are the subtle social codes, power dynamics, and cultural expectations that influence everything from how artworks are priced to how opportunities are distributed. These norms may seem intimidating or opaque initially, but understanding their logic can help us engage with them more effectively.