Is the term “artist” simply assigned to those who paint, draw, or cook? Or is there more to being an artist than owning a great easel or a luxe set of oil paints? 

“Guess what? You don’t have to go to art school to be an artist,” says NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power in this month’s auditorial episode, which poses the question: “What does it really mean to be an artist?” along with its inevitable follow-up: “How do you know if you are one?” In today’s episode, Scott weighs in on the famously thorny topic, challenging preconceived notions (including his own) about the nature of art, creativity, empathy, and ego. 

“It strikes me that being an artist is not just a job; it’s a calling,” says Scott, reflecting on the artist’s innate compulsion to create, make, and express themselves. “It’s how we’re wired. It’s who we are,” he continues. Scott touches on the less common traits that characterize a “real artist,” including curiosity, open-mindedness, discernment, and compassion: “Whether we see [opportunities, problems, or injustices] that other people don’t see, [artists] are not myopic,” he says.

The standard industry definition of an artist celebrates a limited few while excluding others. But Scott suspects there might be more to being an artist than swanky gallery parties, high-end clients, or name recognition. Throughout the episode, he also touches on profit as a secondary motive, imposter syndrome among the creative classes, and suspicion surrounding tradition and the status quo. 

In today’s episode, you’ll discover why Scott is an artist (and you might be too!). Tune in to the episode on the player below to hear 10 uncommon traits, signs, and signals of an artist with a capital “A.”

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why even Sourdough’s view of what a “real artist” is can be seen as conservative.
• An artist’s complicated relationship with imposter syndrome.
• How artists see the world through a unique lens.
• Reasons that many artists dislike or distrust the status quo.
• Why profit is a secondary motivation for artists.
• What it might mean if you enjoy being around art and artists.
• The empathetic artist’s tendency to find human greed incomprehensible.
• An argument for why artists are global citizens.
• Why you don’t have to go to art school to be an artist!
• Artists as innately open-minded, curious, and discerning.
• The compulsion to create that drives many artists.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/10-reasons-why-i-am-an-artist