artistic
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɑːtˈɪstɪk/
US
- /ɑrˈtɪstɪk/
Description
- creative
- skilled in the arts
- imaginative
Being artistic isn't just about being able to paint a pretty picture—though it can be! It's about having a knack for expressing yourself creatively, whether through painting, music, writing, cooking, or even the way you solve problems. Think of a chef who plates food like a sculpture; that's artistic flair. Or a writer who uses language in a particularly beautiful and evocative way—that's artistic, too. It suggests a sensitivity to beauty and an ability to bring something new and original into the world. A carpenter building a unique, handcrafted chair is being just as artistic as a painter creating a masterpiece.
The word "artistic" describes someone or something possessing creative skill and imagination, particularly in visual arts, performing arts, or literature. It goes beyond simply being good at art; it implies an inherent talent for aesthetic expression and originality. For example, you might describe a musician with a unique style as "an artistic performer," or praise the "artistic vision" behind a beautifully designed building.
However, "artistic" isn't limited to traditional art forms. A person can be artistic in their approach to problem-solving, finding innovative and elegant solutions that others might miss. Someone who decorates cakes with intricate designs is being artistic, as is a gardener carefully arranging flowers for maximum visual impact. It's about seeing the world through a creative lens and translating those observations into something beautiful or meaningful.
The term can also describe the style of something. A film described as "artistic" might prioritize atmosphere, symbolism, and emotional resonance over straightforward storytelling. An "artistic photograph" may focus on composition, lighting, and abstract concepts rather than simply documenting a scene.
So, while often associated with painting, sculpture, or music, being artistic is fundamentally about possessing—and expressing—creativity in any form. It's a quality that celebrates imagination, skill, and the pursuit of beauty.
Examples
- 1
Creative personality
Maya has always been artistic, so she loved painting and making things by hand.
- 2
Home style
The apartment is small, but her artistic touch makes it feel warm and original.
- 3
Career goals
He left his office job to follow his artistic ambitions.
- 4
Creative freedom
The film changes some details of the real story for artistic license.
Phrase
artistic license
freedom to change facts for creative reasons
- 5
Creative disagreement
The band split up because of artistic differences.
Phrase
artistic differences
disagreements about creative ideas
See also
adjectiveshowing creative skill, taste, or sensitivity in art
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- uncreative
- technical
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- artistic talent
- artistic expression
- artistic style
- artistic director
Word family
Explore
- creativity
- aesthetics
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- artisticadjective