Art education is a part of the requirement of becoming a good artist. It is true that not all attend a formal training, some are self-taught, but all are educated to some degree, even if only through practice.
Small children begin drawing and perfecting their skills as they grow. We usually see round heads with hair coming out from the top and stick bodies with stick limbs in the beginning. Most children begin by drawing their family, house and family pets. Later they experiment with other items.
Some lose interest and others continue pursuing the field. With practice their skill flourishes. As they continue to draw they not only get more accurate with the depictions but they also get quicker at the drawing itself.
The key is that an artist must learn to memorize what things look like. They must truly understand the human anatomy and how it moves. Not only basic human anatomy but the differences in the human body as it ages.
The many fabrics can pose a challenge to the artist as well. A leather blanket would certainly drape differently than one made of cotton. Lighting is the essential ingredient that can make a drawing come to life. All artists must study lighting and learn that it travels in a straight line but it reflects off some objects and is absorbed by others.
Consider the changes in the skin from infancy to old age. That must be shown in art. The same is true when the model is a young tree as opposed to that of a tree that is 50 years old. The bark would be very different indeed!
So you see, every artist is trained to some degree, whether he attends a class or not he must be taught. There are many good books on the subjects of art and drawing that can assist with the mechanics of drawing but only the artist can provide the essential element. That is the key ingredient without which the finished product will never be considered art.
I am referring to the mindset of an artist. Just as I mentioned, an artist takes into account even the smallest detail of his surroundings and notes it to memory, for he never knows when it may come into use.
Regardless of the culture or genre, music is something everyone has in common. It moves all of us, to the point where some long to create and recreate it. This is how musicians are born. Coupled with mainstream media sensations like American Idol, the plethora of new artists has inspired even more to express themselves through music. As we all know, this is one of the hardest professions to succeed in as the competition is fierce and the music industry itself is even more so. For every artist that ascends into the spotlight, thousands more fail.
So, what is it that makes a good artist? What separates Rhianna from the talented singer forced to work the night club scene? What's the difference between Lil Wayne and the unsigned hype ripping the mic on battle night? There are many aspects that shape every musician but one of the most important of all is the producer.
Role of the Producer
Many often wonder what it is exactly a music producer does. To put it simple, the significance of the producer to music is equal to that of the director to film. When you watch a movie or sitcom, what you see are the efforts of numerous participants. This goes from the script and music score writers to makeup artists and set designers. All these elements are pieced together by one person - the director. It is the director's vision that determines how these essentials come together and portray the story on the screen. The producer has similar responsibilities when it comes to recording a music project.
The music producer plays a tremendous role in the finished product that hits the streets and greets the ears of the listener. They work side by side with the artist, helping them choose the songs they want to record, grasping a sense of their vision for each track. After hearing the artist's melody and lyrics, they can recommend the instruments and beats that best suit the emotional and artistic performance of the recording. When all the tracks are done, the producer goes to work, taking every element, carefully balancing and melding them together. They determine the effects that should be used as well as those that should be discarded. Once all the tracks have been laid to perfection, the producer gives it to the engineer for the final touches so it can reach the radio stations, music stores and consumers. The music producer's deep involvement allows the artist to focus on what they do best - performing the songs.
What to Look for in a Music Producer
When looking for a music producer, the first thing you need to determine is whether or not the individual specializes in your style of music. Some producers are limited to a particular genre while others are well versed in many different styles. There is no right or wrong here; it's all about finding someone who works best for the music you want to make. Another vital aspect is personality. After all, it will be difficult to churn out quality tracks with someone you can't stand to be around. On top of experience, trust and clear communication are the most important aspects to creating a successful project.
Both Debbie Allen & Prince Damons are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Debbie Allen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Get Ex Back, Lose Weight and Cure Anxiety. Debbie Allen is a writer, internet marketer and personal coach. She has written an ebook about drawing, "The Simple But Eloquent Art of Drawing". Read more about that at: