What is an artist? When should we spell artist with a capital 'a'?

Question

Thank you Basil. You hit a cord.

Well how do I choose? Does any one else have something to add?

Thirty two years for me. As a professional...

Answer 1

Artists are artists not matter how it is spelt :)

Answer 2

If I may assume you really mean, when does an artist become professional, or perhaps even internationally renowned, I can give you some idea.
To be professional means you have been paid. It's that simple. Most of us might want to further assure ourselves an artist is professional by seeing that he or she has sold quite a few works of art, at least an effort to start a career, but no one is actually trying to insist on that.
International renown is quite another thing, though. That is tough to manage. Although, in the time of computers, an artists work and reputation may indeed be internationally known without widespread representation in overseas galleries. Yet, here at home, fame as an artist may be fleeting, and even a marvelous artist may go unnoticed despite his or her efforts to become a respected artist. Any help? All artists struggle with this fact.

Answer 3

Artist/artist is only capitalized when it's the first word in a sentence -
Artist Norman Rockwell was as well known as artist Ham Fisher in the mid-1900's.

Answer 4

An artist is someone who makes something fantastic. No, not Tracy Emin. Monet, Renoir, Hopper and Picasso in recent times. Of course there are writers as well, who have given Hollywood some fascinating ideas, and we can see that on a Saturday night when we're bored with life. So don't be too hard on them.

Answer 5

You spell artist with a capital 'a' when they're an artistic artist!

Answer 6

Whenever you want to. That's part of being an artist bb. You set the rules. You can even be an artisT. or an ArTiSt. or an aRTIST. or an artISt. or you can say you make pretty pictures.

Answer 7

I think that being able to capitalize your title is a great honor, and when you find a real true artist you will know that there name deserves to be capitalized!