People tell us art is frivolous, a cute hobby, or an activity that deserves to be at the bottom of our priority list. But art isn’t selfish. It’s a way to open us all up to more possibility, to greater giving, and to so much more.
Here are 50 ways YOUR art helps others:
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- Makes people smile
- Reminds people of home
- Symbol of love
- Memories
- Brings color and life to someone’s home
- Reminds people of travel
- Brings peace and comfort
- Offers a new perspective
- Celebrates community
- Presents
- Reduces stress or anxiety
- Decoration
- Connects people
- Walk in someone else’s shoes
- Creates hope
Art is a powerful tool for human connection
Inspires
- Enhances environments
- Religious or spiritual worship
- Keeps people warm (hello handmade mittens!)
- Act of rebellion
- Political statement
- Creates empathy
- Instructs/teaches
- Adorns
- Social justice concerns
- A return to childhood
- Purpose
- Goals
- Visions of a different world
- New opportunities
- Avenues of expression
Here I am at an art event where the instructor told me “no paintbrushes.”
- Communication tool
- Love
- Emotional release
- Direction
- Friendship
- Respect
- History
- Meditation or prayer
- Celebration
- Showcase of values
- Altar pieces
- Ritual space
- Ancestral honor
- Value – investment
- Family
- Clothes
- Supports causes
- Story telling
- Embraces the unique qualities of being human <3
Be Creatively Courageous: How else can your art help others? I want to know. Let’s talk about it in the comments below.
Those are great examples. I hope every artist that needs it sees this. Finding the problem you solve is one of the hardest things in art marketing.
Thanks Linda! Me too, we all could use a remember of the benefit we bring to collectors and larger society.
Lovely list! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jade!
I’ll immediately grasp your rss as I can not find your email
subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any?
Please permit me understand so that I may just subscribe.
Thanks. http://yahoo.net/
John, there is a pop up on each page and sign ups at the bottom of each post. You can also go to my home page. Thanks!
Please add me to your email list
Hi Bonnie, I have sign up links at the bottom of each blog post. Technically I need you to choose to opt-in and sign up. I’m happy to know you’ve enjoyed some of my content and I hope to see more of you here on Artist Strong!
Very thorough list Carrie…!!
What I’ve found with myself is ‘Inspiration’, many of my friends gets inspired by my drawings. They say even I want to start something like drawing, painting, reading, playing instruments, etc., and this feeling is priceless…:)
Inspiration is a WONDERFUL way to help others. Let’s brighten, inspire and motivate everyone around us with our art! Thank you for sharing DevAngelo.
Thank you Carrie for all of the reminders.
Sometimes in the solitary part of art making, it’s easy to feel like I am not connecting with others.
I just discovered your site yesterday, and I am so inspired by what you are doing!
Hi Sharon, welcome to Artist Strong! 🙂 I completely know that feeling – I think many artists can feel this way. I’m so happy to know my work is resonating with you. Thanks for reading, and I hope to “See” more of you around here.
Thanks Sharon I just joined yesterday as well and I can relate to the isolation thing. I used to think it was just me, or I’d think what is it with me I sometimes seem anti-social! But now I realize it is common for artists😊
🙂 Thank you for sharing Lee Ann and joining us!
Yes! Thank you for the reminders. Rather, motivation that it’s ok for me to create and share. Many thanks 💗
You are so very welcome Jaime Best wishes and happy creating 🙂
Great list! Have felt guilt at times for wanting “to be an artist”.I just recently felt an inspiration (for me). Our ART adds joy to many lives and can be our contribution to the world. Many of us are introverts and rather than seeking refuge in self pity or depression, we choose to create! And if we inform and or teach, we are serving others. Thanks for this site, Carrie.
Oh Lonnie, I’m so glad you’ve read this. YOU ARE an artist. You always have been. Don’t ever doubt that for a second. Now that you’ve discovered this new joy explore it without shame or guilt. It really does make this world a better place when all of us embrace the things that make us happy. There is a ripple effect… And that becomes an act of service.
I’ve been a photographer all my life; I have sewn, needlepoint, and created various fun things along the way; Having fun with each media; But I have quieted my mind a bit – well, enough to start drawing and painting with water color;
I always had the desire to create greeting cards, wanting to work for Hallmark; but now, who needs Hallmark? I have Etsy, my own website and shows that I can enjoy creating and making fun creations with!
Exactly Donna! There are fewer gatekeepers today in the arts than ever before. Keep enjoying the journey.
Hi.
I’m Gh Kleiner, an artist. I see art as being purposeful because the gift of art was given to me by the first creator, God. If I see my art as a way of fulfilling purpose by helping others with their art, or motivating others with creativity serves a purpose in my life.
It deals with core issues like self-esteem builder. Seeing and using your gifts can bring joy into your.lives.
Gh Kleiner artist
Gh that’s a wonderful way to look at art. I believe all art has a purpose too. Thank you for sharing how you’ve found your permission to express your art and share it with the world! I know it will help others to hear this, too.
Valuable info. Lucky me I fkund your site unintentionally, and I am stunned why this coincidence didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Claire I’m glad you are enjoying the resources here at Artist Strong. Happy to have you here <3
Making something for someone else is like if they really need something or just giving them something if they are your best friend.
<3 :)