Art Development for Teens and Adults

My love and knowledge of art grew as I became an adult.  I took every art class I could at school. I chose to go to college and take art classes as electives while choosing a career in medicine. Following school, I chose to enjoy art as a hobby. Learning from books and workshops to develop my art talent, because it gave me joy. Then, I chose to make a living doing what I love, creating and teaching art. 

I hope you noticed how many times I used "choice" in the paragraph above. It was intentional, because our teenage years and beyond are important times in our life where we create our lives through our choices.  Our choices shape our future, determine who we are, what we become and where we go in our life.  That is why I call the artistic development stage from 13 and up, the Creator Stage. This is when we are creating our lives. 

The Creator Stage

During the creator stage we lead busy lives and sometimes we feel like we don't really have time for art or doing the things we love.  We have a lot vying to be on our list of priorities and a lot of responsibilities. With all of the other obligations filling our lives during the creator stage, it's often difficult to take time for our hobbies. 

If you want to find time to do something creative and you love art, the first step  is allowing art to be a priority, making time for it even if it is 10 minutes a day or 30 minutes a week. Schedule it!  I invite you to create with me.  I created Createful Art  to make it easier for you to get creative in hopes that I could  make a positive difference in your life and the lives of others who love art. 

Art Development At this Stage 

During the Creator Stage, artists continue developing their art skills towards realism but also begin developing their own styles. The more an artist practices creating, the greater their abilities become. During this stage we, as artists, begin to notice our preferences in art techniques, and mediums.  

At this point in life, if you love to create art, you either enjoy it as a hobby or you choose to pursue art as a career. My focus here is primarily to you, the hobby artist. After all, this is also how most career artists start out until they find their niche.  And, pursuing a hobby in art is an excellent way to be creative, express yourself, and find happiness.  

If you're looking for guidance as a career artist, then don't worry. The resources available here on Createful Art in the Creator Space can help you in many ways. We cover topics that are relevant to any artist at any level including marketing your talent, introducing new mediums, tools, and projects to keep the creative juices flowing. 

Great Art Projects for Creators

Whether creators pursue art through a hobby or career, they are also creating for either fun, or learning, or both. 

So, what do Creators enjoy doing? And, what should you, the creator, keep in mind as you pursue your artistic endeavors?

1. Be inspired.  All creators, hobby artists included, love to create what inspires them to do so.  If you see something that you love and have a desire to create it, then give it a try. If you see others enjoying the creative process and it inspires you to create something yourself, great! Use the inspiration around you to get you creating.  

2. Keep in mind the time. Time is an important factor. We all only have so much of it, and have so many things vying for the little bit we do have. Most hobby artists have very little time to devote to art. Nothing is worse than starting a project and never finishing it. Or finding a project to work on, but never getting started because it's been tossed into the pile of "maybe someday I'll get to it when I have time". If you are lucky and have a couple of hours to sit down and work on art, then go for it. Otherwise, find projects that are simple and quick to complete. Or find projects that can be broken into simple steps (see the next point). 

3. Can I get step-by-step instructions and are the steps easy to understand? All artists start out as beginners and nothing is worse than art lessons, tutorials, or workshops that leave an artist in the dust. It's discouraging. Breaking down projects into simple steps makes them much easier to follow. With the added bonus, that if a project isn't finished before being interrupted, simple steps make it easier to come back and finish the project.

4. Create art with purpose. This is particularly true for the hobby artist, who loves to create art with, and for, family and friends because it benefits their relationship. They love to create things for their home.  And, sharing their talent is a great motivator for why they do what they do.  Finding a purpose for the art we create makes our life and the lives of those around us better and spreads joy.  But only if we are willing to make time for it.

​So, let's take the time to be creative!

We are all Creators!  You can find inspiring art projects that have the factors we discussed in mind and so much more at Createful Art!  Come join the party and subscribe to the newsletter!   Become a part of a community of like minded people that love art too.  ​

The focus of art at the Creator Stage should be:

• Learning the elements of art.
• Keeping art simple (supplies, time, steps).
• Appreciating art through classes, galleries, museums, and other art events.
• Creating just for fun.
• Creating art for the home.
• If you're a parent, creating art that can be done with kids.
• Exploring new art techniques.
• Choosing courses or workshops based on interest.
• Learning how to market your talent (for extra money or to channel a career).
• Devoting time to creativity exercises and activities to improve creativity in other aspects of life​.

I hope that understanding the art stages can help you and your teens enjoy it more and find resources that will interest and help you.

Art has certainly been a important part of my life and gives me so much joy. I hope it does for you in your life too. 

If you love art, the please take the time and subscribe to my newsletter. The newsletter is the best way to keep up to date on the latest art projects, find opportunities to learn something new, and expand your knowledge of art.