The Power of an Artist Manifesto (a.k.a get out of the way of your own damn self)
A {FREE} GUIDE to creating your NORTH STAR
When I was teaching full time and raising my daughter, the biggest and perhaps single external factor that kept me from creating my own art (with regularity) was time.
Yet, here I am, almost 12 years later and I have more time than I’ve ever had before and I still somehow feel like I have hurdles to overcome. Old mindsets, faulty belief systems and fears at work that are holding me back on my creative journey.
In other words, it is often my own damn self that gets in the way and here are a few examples of these road blocks and some sneaky underlying fears that may be holding you back:
social media distraction
procrastination : underlying fear of failure
fear of taking risks: underlying fear of SUCCEEDING
fear of facing a blank canvas: underlying feelings of doubt like I have no new ideas, I have nothing original (or important) to say
laziness: burnt out, or the need of support or motivation
holding back emotionally: not allowing myself to be vulnerable
lack of direction or clarity of vision
This is where an ARTIST MANIFESTO comes into play.
An artist manifesto is more than a statement; it's a declaration of identity, an intellectual self-portrait, and a roadmap of artistic intentions.
Historically, manifestos have propelled the avant-garde, asserting bold visions and igniting creative revolutions. Crafting your own artist manifesto isn't just a rite of passage; it’s an opportunity to introspect, articulate your values, and share your unique perspective with the world, and moreover give you structure that can act as a template from which you can work. Think of it as your NORTH STAR. A promise you make to yourself each time to sit down to write, paint or work.
Described by the critic John Elderfield as a set of "artistic intentions," they are a valuable insight into the mind of the artist.
Further down the page, I have outlined a STEP BY STEP GUIDE to create an ARTIST MANIFESTO for your artistic objectives. So be sure to check that out!
However, you may also need a kinder, gentler approach that also helps to motivate your sensitive artist soul and encourage a more heart-led approach. This one is almost more like a mantra and
Feel free to PRINT or SHARE!
How to Create an Artist Manifesto: A Step by Step Guide
An art manifesto is not just a statement, but a compass for your artistic voyage.
An artist manifesto is more than a statement; it's a declaration of identity, an intellectual self-portrait, and a roadmap of artistic intentions. Historically, manifestos have propelled the avant-garde, asserting bold visions and igniting creative revolutions. Crafting your own artist manifesto isn't just a rite of passage; it’s an opportunity to introspect, articulate your values, and share your unique perspective with the world. In this guide, we'll walk you through creating an artist manifesto that resonates with who you are and what your art stands for.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Artistic Core
Before you put pen to paper, it's important to introspect and consider what drives you as an artist. Ask yourself:
What am I trying to communicate through my work?
Which values matter most to me?
What is my vision for the future of my art?
What change do I want to invoke within my viewers or the art community?
Reflection helps crystallize your thoughts and ensures your manifesto is rooted in genuine personal convictions.
Step 2: Explore Historical Manifestos
Gain inspiration by exploring previous manifestos that have shaped the art world. Examining the writings of movements like Dadaism, Surrealism, or Futurism can guide your understanding of a manifesto’s potential impact. Learn from the formality, fervour, and phrasing that past artists have employed to share their vision.
Step 3: Define Your Intentions
Your manifesto should outline the profound artistic intentions that propel your work. Ask yourself what challenges you set up for your art. What rules do you follow, or which ones do you break? Be clear about the ways you challenge yourself and your work. Make a list of these internal guidelines that shape your artistic process.
Step 4: Write Freely and Passionately
Start drafting your manifesto with no edit in mind. Write freely about what you believe in and aim to achieve through your art. This could be raw, passionate, and unfiltered—the heart of a manifesto is emotion just as much as it is intellect.
Step 5: Structure Your Manifesto
Organise your thoughts. Most manifestos follow a clear structure with:
A powerful opening statement
Core artistic principles and beliefs
Descriptions of your method and style
Your aspirations for the impact of your work
However, the beauty of a manifesto lies in its potential to break free from convention; feel free to structure yours in a way that best conveys your artistic spirit.
Step 6: Edit for Clarity and Impact
Refine your manifesto for clarity and cogency. Every sentence should serve to emphasise your vision and core values. Remove any passages that aren't directly contributing to the overarching message you wish to convey.
Step 7: Share Your Manifesto
Publish your manifesto on your website, social media, or art exhibitions. Use it as a blueprint to measure the current and future trajectory of your work. A manifesto is meant to be read, provoke thought, and inspire—so ensure it reaches an audience.
Conclusion
Crafting an artist manifesto is an integral part of conceptualising your identity and your work's impact in the wider world. Through it, you're not only revealing your personal and professional ethos but also inviting others to understand and engage with your art on a deeper level. Utilise this guide to articulate a manifesto that truly resonates with your creative spirit and challenges you to realise your artistic potential.
Checklist:
[ ] Reflect on your own artistic motivations and goals
[ ] Research and gain inspiration from historic manifestos
[ ] Outline your unique artistic intentions
[ ] Draft freely, focusing on passion and emotion
[ ] Structure your thoughts coherently
[ ] Edit for clarity, conciseness, and impact
[ ] Share your manifesto widely
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