An artist is an individual who makes their living by creating art. Artists must balance rigorous training with free time to explore new ideas. They must also balance conservative tendencies with rebellious principles. Their work must be important while also taking time to deal with real-life events and people. Vincent Van Gogh famously left patches of canvas unfinished when he painted his famous Starry Night. A good artist knows the importance of balancing their skills and artistic intent to create beautiful works.

An artist is an individual engaged in any art activity, whether a form or medium. The term “artist” is generally used to refer to visual artists, but it can also include performers. The word “artiste” is also used in some contexts to describe performers. The term “artist” was first used in the 1400s, when European Academies formalized the distinction between fine and applied arts. Today, the term can be used to describe anyone who creates works of art.

In many cultures, art has several purposes. It can communicate ideas, explore formal elements, and create beauty. It can also be a social tool for exploring perception and generating strong emotions. It may be purely for pleasure. However, an artist’s purpose is often more complex. There are many different reasons that make an artist create art. An artist may want to share their ideas to benefit others or simply to express their creative process. But it is important to remember that an artist is not a human photocopier.