Reasons to Start an Art Hobby

I may be biased, but I think art is one of the best hobbies to pick up regardless of whether or not you consider yourself an artist. In this post, I’m going to share some benefits of picking up an art hobby and how you can start one. 

Tell me if this sounds familiar... You’re an art appreciator but feel like you can’t draw to save your life. Maybe you think art is a talent that you have to be naturally born with in order to be successful. Or maybe you just don’t think of yourself as artistic or creative. If any of that resonates, you’re not alone, my friend! 

Most people think that artists are just magically gifted with creative talent, but in reality, that’s rarely the case. Very few people are “naturally talented.” Art is a learned skill and the more you practice the better you get. Anyone can learn to be an artist. So let’s dive into some benefits of this wonderful hobby and talk about how to get started. 

The Benefits of Starting an Art Hobby

The barrier to entry is really low

One of the best parts of picking up an art hobby is that you don’t have to have any fancy equipment or rely on others to do it. All you need is yourself and a few simple supplies like a sketchbook and a few pencils or paints. You can practice this hobby anywhere, anytime! 

Art is a way to relax and process

One of my favorite parts about creating art is that it helps me process the things I’m feeling. The meditative act of making something with your hands allows you to be truly present, and it can help you work through your emotions. I’d encourage you to think of creating art as a self-care practice because that’s exactly what it is!

Learning a new skill is beneficial for your brain health

Studies have shown that learning a new skill can improve your cognitive function, help you learn new things more quickly, boost your confidence, and help you stay motivated. Plus, art is a super fun skill to learn, and more often than not you’ll produce something beautiful that you’re proud of at the end. 

Art as a tool for self-expression

Art is a great way to learn more about who you truly are. It helps you learn your likes and dislikes and can be a great tool for expressing yourself! If you’ve ever found yourself longing for a way to share your heart with the world, let your authenticity shine through your artwork! 

Remove the pressure to monetize

I want to encourage you to enjoy your art hobby for what it is – a hobby (especially when you’re first starting out!). Too often, our culture tells us that we’re supposed to be striving for more and constantly hustling. But that mentality can easily suck the joy out of a hobby like art. Consider this your permission slip to not monetize your hobby or turn it into a side hustle. It’s ok if you want to make are just for the sake of making art. Finding joy in the process is the ultimate goal!

How to Start an Art Hobby

Copy tutorials

Typically, I tell more advanced artists to try and stop copying tutorials because copying a tutorial means that the artwork is not your own original creation. BUT! It’s really beneficial for beginners to start with copying tutorials. You can find great tutorials on YouTube, and it’s a simple way to learn how to use the supplies you’re working with. It will get you comfortable with your materials so that you can get a feel for this new hobby and how it suits you.

Take classes

After you have a few tutorials under your belt, I’d recommend trying out some full-length classes to learn more about your chosen medium. For example, I teach a variety of gouache painting classes on Skillshare. These classes are designed to help beginners learn more about gouache so they can enjoy the painting process.

Make what you love

Finally, make what you LOVE! You’re starting this art hobby because you want to make things. You don’t have to create things that don’t inspire you. You’ll be more likely to stay consistent with the practice and get more out of it if you’re really interested in the things you’re creating. Yes, it’s beneficial to try new techniques and strive to improve, but if the thought of drawing hands over and over again makes you cringe, don’t do it! Draw your favorite desserts! Or animals! Whatever lights you up. This is for YOU, not anyone else. So follow your joy, and create what makes you happy.

I hope this post was helpful! If you want some ideas for what supplies to start with, check out my supply recommendations on Amazon here!