When it comes to the art world, there are categories of artists: emerging, mid-career, and established. An emerging artist is one who is just starting out in their career, while a mid-career artist is one who has been actively pursuing their art for several years. In this article, we will look at the differences between an emerging artist and a mid-career artist, and how these distinctions can be used to better understand the art world and the artists themselves.
Definitions
When discussing contemporary art, the terms “emerging artist” and “midcareer artist” are often used. But what is the difference between these two categories?
An emerging artist is an artist who is just starting out in their career, typically within the last 5-10 years. This artist has yet to establish a reputation for themselves, and usually do not have a considerable body of work or any major exhibitions under their belt.
A midcareer artist, on the other hand, is an artist who has been actively creating work and exhibiting it for at least 7 or more years. This artist has already established a reputation in the art world, exhibits more regionally to where they are located, and has built up a larger body of work. They may have also participated in more prestigious exhibitions and earned various awards or grants.
The Artist Path
The path of an emerging artist is one of building, exploration and experimentation. They are typically just starting to establish themselves within the contemporary art world, and their work is largely unknown. This often means they have fewer connections, a smaller body of work, and limited resources. As such, they need to create and develop their own brand and style in order to stand out and gain recognition.
On the other hand, midcareer artists are more established. They have a higher degree of visibility due to previous exhibitions or awards and have a body of work that is better known among peers and collectors. Their style has typically been tested and refined over the course of many years, and they have access to more resources, both financial and otherwise. These artists may also be teaching or participating in artist residencies, which helps to expand their reach and influence in the art world.
Mindset
The mindsets of emerging and mid-career artists are usually quite different. Emerging artists are often filled with ambition and enthusiasm, hoping to make their mark in the contemporary art world. They often take risks and explore various creative ideas, looking to make a name for themselves and gain recognition.
Mid-career artists, on the other hand, have typically been in the art world for a longer time. While they may have achieved some level of success, their main focus is now on refining their craft and solidifying their career. This is not to say that they don’t explore or take risks - but those risks are usually calculated and within the framework of their existing practice. This is why mid-career artists often have an established artistic style, while emerging artists are still exploring their own identity.
Work Ethic
The work ethic of an emerging artist and midcareer artist can vary greatly. An emerging artist is likely to be more open to trying new techniques, exploring different forms of contemporary art, and having to put in more hours to establish themselves as a professional artist. Midcareer artists may have already established their career and have created a set of habits that come with having a body of work and being successful. The midcareer artist will likely have developed a routine or system that works well for them, but they are also open to adjusting this routine as needed. They are also likely to have a better understanding of the business side of their profession, such as pricing and marketing, than the emerging artist.
Financial Situation
When considering an emerging artist vs a mid-career artist, their financial situations are vastly different. An emerging artist is typically just starting out, meaning they have not yet established a name for themselves or a successful track record with galleries or collectors. As a result, the financial opportunities are often limited, and income can be unpredictable.
In contrast, mid-career artists usually have developed a considerable reputation in the contemporary art world. They have already had success in the market, meaning their works can attract higher prices. They tend to have more frequent sales and greater financial stability. Furthermore, mid-career artists are likely to have established relationships with galleries and dealers, allowing them to secure better deals on commission rates and fees.
Opportunities
Emerging artists have the advantage of emerging into a world of possibility and exploration. As a fresh face in the contemporary art scene, they have the ability to experiment and try new techniques that may not have been possible as a mid-career artist. Emerging artists also have an easier time getting press attention from curators, galleries, and magazines. They can benefit from grants, residencies, fellowships, and other programs designed for emerging artists.
Mid-career artists, on the other hand, have many opportunities that come with years of experience and established recognition. They are typically invited to participate in larger exhibitions and residencies as well as receiving more public recognition than emerging artists. With a strong track record and portfolio, mid-career artists can also find more financial stability and develop relationships with collectors and art dealers that can help propel their career.
No matter which path you’re on, both emerging and mid-career artists have unique opportunities to explore and share their work. By understanding their position within the contemporary art world, they can capitalize on the resources available to them and take their career to the next level.