I don’t know what it means to be an artist, but it seems to be a label that fits. It could be one of those labels that is defined both by the person doing the thing called art and the person observing it.

I call myself an artist because I have to create. To me the definition of “artist” is someone who creates. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it is creative.  I consider my friend who writes computer code as much of an artist as another friend of mine who paints canvas.

The art that I enjoy creating always has purpose or tells a story. I have always been purpose driven and try to convey either what I feel or see, to tell a story, or change a perspective. I can’t just make something for the sake of making it.

I consider many of my activities art. The art “categories” that I find myself involved in are: photography, illustration, painting, cartooning, writing, commercial art, and business.

Yes, business.

I know many people wouldn’t include business as a category of art, but I had an experience a few years ago where I realized that business is also an expression of art for me. I had hired a graffiti artist to paint a mural in a rental studio I owned for awhile. I know my limitations and would rather hire someone to do something well than create crap myself.  As we were walking around the studio he was in awe of what I had built thus far and was listening as I explained the vision of the business, the things I was intending on building, the ideas I had for its development, and my frustration that I wasn’t doing art anymore.

As he soaked in the vision, it hit me like a brick. I realized that when I am in the process of building a business I am engaged in art also.  I am telling a story, I am executing a vision – I am creating.

I expressed my epiphany and he agreed with my analysis.  Art is creating. Whether one is using Crayolas, Krylon or computer, art is creating.

It was a realization that changed my perspective and brought relief to my heart. I was still making art, I was just using a medium that I hadn’t considered before.

So, my categories of art include business, as well as the more recognizable forms that people would expect. I do consider myself an artist, but I am rather shy about it. I don’t know if I am a good artist or not, all I know is what it does for me and that I get stressed when I feel I am not engaged in some form of art, creating something.