11 Creative Stereotypes (clichés gone rogue)
Just some randos from my sketchbook…
Myths, half-truths, clichés. It’s all a ruse. Still, generalizations are everywhere. So I thought I’d add my $0.02.
I’m an artist and musician based out of Tokyo and these are the top artist stereotypes I notice.
These come from my own experiences, observations and research. So if you’ve got another art stereotype I haven’t listed, let us know in the comments.
Alright, let’s get to it.
1. Artists Are Eccentric
Let’s start out with the eccentric artist.
But first, let’s all agree that being eccentric is good. And fun.
But so is the opposite.
My point? There’s no right or wrong personality, for art-ing or otherwise.
Creative personalities do think outside boxes and see the world differently, which can lead to unconventional thinking and a tendency for embracing oddities.
But at the end of the day, this stereotype is simply a blanket judgment, leaving many creatives out in the cold.
2. Artists Always “Look the Part”
This was a close second. But there’s definitely an image of what an artist “should” look like. I mean, I’ve been guilty of this.
You know, that mental image of some bed-headed, hipster-chic painter in a swanky warehouse, with a story to draw. But you know, in reality, we come in all sorts of flavors.
From my typical college days to my stint overseas as an English teacher (and more recently, my life as a digital nomad), my “look” has changed a lot.
But underneath all these coats and identity outfits, I was still the same abstract-realist sketchbook artist with a guitar.
So, just like the first artist stereotype, artists don’t always look like artists. Musicians don’t always look like musicians. And creatives don’t always look, well, creative.
Who knows, that accountant down the street might actually be working on weekend masterpieces.
Explore more:
➤ Fashion + Creativity Are Good Friends
3. Creative Work Needs A Deep Specific Meaning
Adding deeper meaning or messaging to artwork is powerful. But for me, I rarely start there. Meaning usually comes in retrospect…or never at all.
Sometimes, that’s the audience’s job.
Like when I’m making music, it’s usually mood-based. Unplanned and vibes.
David Bowie talks about this in an interview, about how so many artists he knew would only name their work after they were done with it.
Plus, meaning is different for everyone. Especially if it’s not clear.
For some, it might look like some deep socio-political commentary. For others, it evokes emotion and inspiration. But for the artist, it may simply be their creativity playing willy nilly with paintbrushes, no meaning.
4. Creativity Is Innate
The idea that you’re either born with it or not has been sufficiently debunked. Neuroplasticity and mounds of examples tell us we can all get better at something.
Our brains are dynamic. We can all unlock new capabilities, make fresh connections and learn different skills. And art is no different. Artists are constantly evolving, learning and growing.
I can recognize that some personalities and wiring may have extra innateness for creativity, but artists don’t come out of the womb swimming in ideas and artistic prowess.
I think we have two overarching skill sets to explore here: creative soft skills and creative hard skills.
Hard skills can always be learned by anyone. They’re the technical learnings and abilities (i.e., how to draw and color theory or songwriting and music production).
But soft skills can be learned too, although they may take some more work…or at least a different approach. Especially if you have programmed habits. Time management, communication, openness to feedback, adaptability, emotional intelligence…
Some people might have a leg up (for whatever reason…we can speculate on that another time). But becoming an artist with zero background or “natural talent” is probably more common than not.
5. All Artists Are Eager to Share Their Work + Gain A Following
Let’s set a scene.
Someone stumbles into your private studio and immediately starts questioning why you’re not sharing it…or famous. Or rich.
The reality is not everyone wants to share or even monetize their art. For a lot of creatives, it’s just a part of their life they’re happy with keeping private. We all art for different reasons.
There’s this notion that if you’re creating art or music, then you should be sharing it and trying to gain a following, or monetizing it.
Don’t get me wrong, those are awesome freaking goals, for sure. But they’re not required or any indication of art value or talent.
So let’s put this stereotype to bed, it’s dang tired.
6. Artists Aren’t Entrepreneurial
The modern artist is more like an entrepreneur than ever before.
It’s a whole different game with social media, digital networking and all the monetization opportunities online.
Besides the craft, we gotta handle distribution, funnels and audience growth, sales and marketing…and lots more.
So many hats to wear.
If you’re trying to go full-time with your art, then congrats, you’re an artrepreneur.
7. Art Requires Education
I never went to art or music school. I just spent decades in trial and error. Mimicking and failing and testing and practicing and YouTubing.
I never spent any time remembering technical terms, instrument anatomy or creativity history.
I learned something else: how to translate the ideas in my head into sounds and images. But ask me the name of the technical chords I played, or the painting technique I used, and I’m worthless.
(this probably doesn’t help my imposter syndrome lol)
The point is this: textbook knowledge doesn’t direct the quality of artwork.
The willingness of the artist to be vulnerable, to practice, to develop their voice and share it…that’s what matters.
8. Struggle Makes the Best Art
This one is important. I used to think that great art came from the tormented trenches of emotional war. So untrue.
Here’s a great quote from David Lynch:
“Anger and depression and sorrow are beautiful things in a story, but they are like poison to the artist. You must have clarity to create.”
Music and art are great emotional outlets, but trust me, creating under emotional pressure or struggle is near impossible.
And if you can do it, then you are amazing.
9. The Poor, Broke Artist Myth
This is the classic creator stereotype: artists are broke. But the truth is, they aren’t broke, the stereotype is.
It’s surprising this story persists. After all, we are in the creator economy and I think most people are aware of the opportunity shift.
You can make money doing art.
Still, there is some truth to this idea. Artists and their work are often way undervalued or not fully appreciated. Our contribution to society can be difficult for non-creatives to fully realize.
Plus, the idea of the tortured artist is somewhat romanticized in popular culture.
Let’s not even bring up AI and what that’s taken.
Still, artists can make awesome livings these days.
Artists aren’t broke or tortured. But they could always use some more love, so be sure to support your creators.
10. Mainstream Stuff Isn’t Creative
Who says you can’t enjoy Justin Bieber followed up by Erykah Badu?
Let’s nip this stereotype in the bud.
I don’t want to debate whether indie artists or pop stars are more creative. I there are levels of creativity, but why make it a contest?
(unless you call yourself an AI artist…that doesn’t count lol)
Art is about creative confidence and I can appreciate scripted, catchy tunes as much as avant-garde novelty. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone there.
11. Artists Gotta Be Contrarian
This idea is building off the previous concept, that artists don’t enjoy mainstream things.
The cliché that you need to be contrarian to be a “real” artist is like this persisting, unwritten rule we can’t help but feel.
And I get it. There can be truth to it. Just take one of my favorite quotes:
“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.”
But just because you’re creating (or enjoying) something within the confines of a proven script doesn't make it non-artistic. There’s still creativity. There’s still art.
I do think that atypical thinking is essential for artistic growth. But definitely don’t write off someone whose art doesn’t seem contrarian enough.
Often, this type of work is just a stepping stone, a prequel to something more original.
So that’s my list. You have any more? Lemme know below. Otherwise,
later ✌️
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Live creatively…