[quote="ccr03"]Okay - anyone can look up definitions. If I wanted to know a definition, I'd go to Webster's Dictionary.
ccr03 I do apologize if my post made you upset. Was not intended. I was merly trying to get across with the posted definitions, that this debate has been around forever and will probably go on forever.
I should have made that clearer.
Oh, gheez. Just reading all this reminds me of why I left the bickering, standard procedure, detail oriented world of finance to explore a more creative outlet. Each of us have natural strengths and ones to which we have adapted and perform well. There is no reason that an artist cannot also be a savvy business person. It is all about the individual.
I think cake decorating, in and of itself, is a CRAFT that requires technical skills. You can be an artist who does cake decorating, but decorating itself does not necessarily make you an artist. You have to think like an artist...but there is nothing wrong with being a crafter. I personally am an artist first, decorator second, however I still have a lot to learn in the "technical" side. A beautiful sugar flower is not by itself "art". There is an art to sugar, but not everyone who makes sugar flowers is an artist...if you are an artist you understand this.
Just because you can reproduce something does NOT make you an artist. Art is about problem solving, aesthetics, etc...not just making something look like something else. Anyone can immitate something...that is not art, it's craft. I'm not saying one is better than the other...but this is a fact. This can be applied to many areas, not just art...or cake decorating.
Oh, gheez. Just reading all this reminds me of why I left the bickering, standard procedure, detail oriented world of finance to explore a more creative outlet. Each of us have natural strengths and ones to which we have adapted and perform well. There is no reason that an artist cannot also be a savvy business person. It is all about the individual.
True, but just as someone who is a really great jockey is unlikely to be a great linebacker, someone who is a great artist is unlikely to have excellent business accumen. They are different, and largely contradictory skill sets.
Oh, gheez. Just reading all this reminds me of why I left the bickering, standard procedure, detail oriented world of finance to explore a more creative outlet. Each of us have natural strengths and ones to which we have adapted and perform well. There is no reason that an artist cannot also be a savvy business person. It is all about the individual.
True, but just as someone who is a really great jockey is unlikely to be a great linebacker, someone who is a great artist is unlikely to have excellent business accumen. They are different, and largely contradictory skill sets.
Agree that they are different and largely contradictory skill sets.
Wow. I would summarize a lot of these posts as, "People have one talent, one way of thinking, and one side of the brain they use."
I disagree greatly.
As do I, cheatize. My agreement to the fact that the skill sets are very different does not change my belief that an individual can excel in a variety of areas and that the most talented artist might also be suited to serve as CEO.
I believe a successful artist CAN have a successful business or successfully run a business....I know many successful artists, two locally famous artists, who actually do all their own accounting. One has an MFA in ceramics and a BA in accounting...two VERY separate skills indeed. 
I have 3 succesfull businesses
I have an upscale cleaning business
a retro apron shop, I design and make all the apron sets I sell,
And a part time custom cake business.
No all of my cakes aren't art. Most of them arent for that matter, but I have made a few that are.
There is someone on here (can't remember her name right now) that makes the most beautifull cookies I have ever seen . I would definately call that person an artist.
I have sold about 50 paintings , and given away quite a few more to friends and family. That is why I call myself an artist.
I do not beleive someone cannot be a good business person and an artist!
Robert Bateman is an excellent example of an artist/business person. The man is rolling in it and it's not just because he paints lovely paintings...which I think he does (some would disagree)...but also because he's an amazing business person. Unfortunately that's one of the things that keeps him out of the major galleries in Canada.
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