If you are like the rest of us, you work a normal job, go to a normal office and bring home a normal paycheck. However, your brooding, creative partner may not. Here are a few tips that may make dating an artist somewhat less murky.
Be supportive of the work
For an artist, their creativity is the most important aspect of their job. If their creativity becomes stifled for some reason, they may not get it back for a while. Also, unless your artist has already been discovered, be prepared for time of financial hardship. So, don’t expect those extravagant dates all the time, just be glad for the time you spend together. You may also want to come up with a few cheap and fun date ideas; this will enable you to spend time together without breaking the bank.
Be respectful of the person’s art
Some artists are very sensitive to their loved ones critiquing their work. So, if he doesn’t ask for your opinion, don’t give him one. You could inadvertently stop his creative juices from flowing. Also, you will need to be respectful of the way he works. Try to remember that you are not dating someone who works in an office, his method of work may seem a little off to you, but it appears to work for him.
Be flexible with your schedule
There may well be days on end where your creative genius throws on the same paint covered, unwashed mess of clothes. There may be time when he refuses to wash off his “creative energy”. Whatever the case, you should learn to be flexible. Don’t judge too harshly, this may be a little eccentric, but most artists are. Also, don’t expect too much quality time prior to a showing or gallery event. This can be the most stressful time for an artist and he will need you to be understanding. So, try not to add to this stress. You could also help by taking him lunch or dinner to his studio. This will show that you are supportive of his need to work. Also, you should understand that it isn’t that he doesn’t want to spend time with you. He just currently doesn’t have the time to spend. This will change once things slow down again.
Be interested in art as a whole
On the down time (and there will probably loads of down time), talk about art and not just his art. Ask questions about what he thinks about others art as well. Take an interest in his chosen profession. Also, be interested without being critical or judgment. For those of us who are not creatively inclined, this can be a difficult task. Just remember that your partner will be far more open to your thoughts and opinions if they are not laced with cynicism. Plus, you may want to learn some the terminology that he will be using. Taking such an interest in him will show him that you are supportive and understanding, thus, bolstering his creative flow.Overall, you should try your best to nurture his creative eccentricities, whatever they may be.
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