A professional Artist, how is classified?

There are numerous interpretations of who a professional Artist is!

1-Some people believe that he/she is the one who makes living from his/her artwork.

2-Others believe that he/she is the one who pays fee to no one, but only pays percentage upon sale! However, we find different opinions, that a professional artist is independently seles and collects full sale price!

3-Another perspective of who the professional artist is; who has developed a certain style over the years. His/her style can easily recognized by viewers, even without seeing the signature.

4-Other opinion is that professional artist who paints full time and has nothing to do with representation or sale!

5-A different opinion; that a professional artist who has collected impressive number of Awards.

6-The one who obtained education or professional training in the art field.

Time to ask, what is the meaning of word professional?

1-It is the characteristic of a person and how he/she represents his/herself.

2-A person who is engaging in and following a line of style or activity with set of ethical standers.

3-A person who have consciousness of one’s limitations and goals while displaying courteousness to others.

4-A professional person who takes his/her responsibility seriously and follow through with dignity.

5-A person who holds in-depth knowledge related to his/her activities.

Back to the common comprehension of who is the professional artist! In my opinion that a professional artist is the one who has developed a well-recognized style. Who is independent which means takes full control of his/her artwork where he pays percentage to no one. A professional artist is who has his/her own collectors and pays his own fees and makes his own contacts. Carries himself/herself in proficient manners displaying the skills, experiences and abilities earned over the years. In addition to the above, of course, holding art education and awards is a plus and making a name only comes with years of investment. Who wants to reach the sky, must learn to fly!

©Mona Youssef - Gallerist- Fine artist