What Does it Mean to Look Like an Artist?

As an artist, people often recognize me regardless of what I’m wearing. I dress conservatively, predominantly in neutral colors, but occasionally, a simple chunky piece of jewelry will catch their eye. However, it’s not my outward appearance, but rather my demeanor, that truly sets me apart.

Artist Demeanor vs. Outfit

Visual artists tend to be quite quiet and appear somewhat withdrawn. This solitude is necessary for the act of painting, even if collaboration is involved. Occasionally, you might encounter an artist with wild hair and unconventional clothing, which is often a young artist's way of belonging to their 'tribe.' By the time we reach a certain age, these fashion statements become less significant.

The Artist Stereotype

A common stereotype exists about what an artist should look like. Artist and non-artist differ not in how they look, but in how they perceive themselves and those around them. For example, a local artist once told me, “You just don’t look weird enough for an artist.” She suggested I buy a grungy overcoat to stand out more, which was undoubtedly a joke. She pointed out that we are more concerned with looking weird than feeling weird.

Personal Style and Artistic Emotion

For me, the key to looking like an artist is about personal style and the attitude one brings to the day’s activities. It involves a simple routine: waking up, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and dressing appropriately for the day’s activities. Most importantly, it means cherishing the moment when I can just focus on creating art.

Artists, more often than not, choose clothes that make them feel good. Certain pieces of clothing resonate with us, the fun or humor a hat or a scarf might inspire, or a comfortable sweater that matches anything. The average person, even if they love a piece of clothing, is likely to feel too uncomfortable to wear something that makes them stand out.

Some artists may dress very normally, but being an artist means being more emotionally comfortable with standing out. In order to create, you must be willing to embrace your unique appearance. It's this willingness to be different that makes an artist, an artist.