4 reasons you should get involved in visual art immediately
For most of us, 2020 has been a punch to the face. It has left us grieving, confused, angry, frustrated, and with more questions than ever about how we're going to move forward. So what do we do ? Turn to the internet for answers. If your question is "How do I make money in a pandemic if I've lost my job?", "How do I cope with the anxiety and depression that's overwhelming me?" or even "What should I do this weekend?", then keep reading and I promise I'll show you how art is the answer, no matter the question.
1. Artists make money.
9 out of 10 times when you tell someone that you're an artist, their first question is "Do you really make money with your art?". That's because society has painted (pun definitely intended) the artist as a social recluse dressed in all black that holes up in a small apartment surviving on a diet of coffee and ramen noodles. And while this is true for some (my diet really isn't that far off from this description), it isn't an accurate representation of the financial potential that MOST artists have. And if you're looking for an easy to maintain, legal source of secondary income, art might be something for you to look into. And I don't just mean selling paintings. You can give art lessons, get into graphic design, paint unique plant pots, do body paintings for maternity shoots, do Sip and Paints...any activity you can think of can be enhanced by art. You just have to know how to market it (more on this in a later blog).
2. Art is good for your mental health.
There are few stress relievers better than creating. The best part about this benefit is that it requires absolutely no skill or previous training in order for you to experience it. The next time your boss is nagging at you or you need a break from navigating virtual schooling with your kids, go to your nearest art store and buy a canvas, and just two colours. Pour the paint into a plastic cup, swirl the colours around without mixing them completely, place your canvas face down over the cup, and flip it over. And there. You just made art. Not only does it boost our confidence when our friends come over and "ooh" and "you made that?" at our paintings, but studies have shown that engaging in art-related activities can promote self-discovery and improve self-esteem, as well as provide a healthy way for us to express difficult and confusing emotions (such as those associated with the emotional roller-coaster that is 2020).
3. Art is COVID-19 safe
Okay, so maybe art isn't the answer to COVID-19. But it is one of the few activities that pose very little risk to spreading the virus, for one simple reason. You can do it by yourself. It's great to have activities that you share with your friends (we'll get to this in the next point), but sometimes coordinating around everyone's schedules can be frustrating. Luckily, art is something that you can do anywhere, at anytime, and all by yourself. Just make sure you sanitize your supplies and observe the safety guidelines in your area when you go shopping for your art supplies.
4. "All your friends are doing it"
Making friends as adults can be difficult. Maybe last year we would have been able to invite each other out after work for dinner or a couple drinks, but with most places being closed or having really strict guidelines on social distancing, it can make finding activities to bond with our friends even more challenging than before. That's where art comes in. You can take a pottery class together or have your own Sip and Paint at home. You'd be surprised at how much you learn about a person when you witness them in their creative process. Paint Stain is even offering Sip and Paint boxes for two. So you don't have to worry about what you're going to do this weekend. If you and your friends have never tried art before and you're up for a different kind of adventure this weekend, then click here to order one now.