Gatekeeping in Art: The Barriers That Hold Creatives Back

Art is supposed to be one of the most human things we do. It’s how we tell our stories, make sense of chaos, and connect with each other when words fall short. Yet, for something that should be limitless, art often comes with invisible fences—rules about who gets to make it, who gets to be taken seriously, and who’s left standing outside.

That’s gatekeeping in art. And whether you’ve run into it online, in school, or while scrolling past yet another “real artists don’t use [insert tool here]” comment thread, you’ve probably felt its sting.

What Does Gatekeeping in Art Actually Mean?

At its core, gatekeeping is when someone—or some system—decides who belongs and who doesn’t. In art, it shows up as:

• “You’re not a real artist unless you went to art school.”

• “Digital art isn’t real art.”

• “Crafts don’t count.”

• “If you don’t sell your work, it’s just a hobby.”

  
  

The words change, but the message stays the same: there’s a door, and someone else is holding the key.

A Quick Look Back: Where Did This Come From?

Gatekeeping in art isn’t new. For centuries, galleries, museums, and critics decided what counted as “high art” and who was worthy of being celebrated. Formal art schools became another filter—expensive, exclusive, and often inaccessible.

And if you weren’t wealthy, white, male, and able-bodied? The odds were stacked against you. Artists outside those circles—women, Black and brown creators, disabled and neurodivergent artists—were sidelined or erased entirely.

This old hierarchy still casts a long shadow today.

The Modern Faces of Gatekeeping

Fast-forward to now, and you’ll find the fences have just shifted shape.

Social Media & Algorithms

On Instagram or TikTok, the algorithm acts as a new kind of critic. Styles that fit neatly into trends or aesthetics get pushed forward, while others barely see the light of day. For artists trying to share authentic, personal work, this can feel like shouting into the void.

The Price Tag of Creativity

Art supplies are expensive. Tuition is outrageous. Even having the time and space to create assumes a level of privilege. For many, the financial barrier alone is enough to feel like a locked door.

The Self-Taught Stigma

Ask a room of artists if they’ve heard “Oh, but did you study art?” and watch how many hands go up. There’s still a lingering belief that only those with formal degrees are “legitimate.” Meanwhile, some of the world’s most innovative artists never set foot in a classroom.

Who Gets Hurt by Gatekeeping?

Everyone loses something when gatekeeping thrives, but certain groups feel it the hardest.

• Disabled and neurodivergent artists often battle assumptions about ability or productivity.

• BIPOC creators still face systemic exclusion in galleries and institutions.

• Self-taught artists are made to feel like outsiders in a world that claims to value originality.

  
  

Gatekeeping doesn’t just block opportunities—it chips away at confidence. It plants that nagging voice that whispers, “Maybe I don’t belong here after all.”

Why Gatekeeping Shrinks the Art World

The irony of gatekeeping is that it makes the art world smaller, not stronger. By drawing lines around what’s “valid,” we shut out new perspectives, new styles, and new voices.

Art thrives on diversity. It’s meant to disrupt, to challenge, to stretch boundaries. When we only celebrate what’s familiar or sanctioned, we miss out on the messy, raw, transformative power that makes art…well, art.

So How Do We Break Down the Walls?

The good news is: gatekeepers don’t get the final say anymore. The landscape is shifting, and artists are finding ways around the fences.

Find (or Build) Inclusive Communities

Online collectives, grassroots art spaces, and even Discord groups are proving you don’t need a gallery’s blessing to belong. Seek out the corners of the internet—or your city—where encouragement outweighs judgment.

Redefine What Counts as Art

Art can be a mural, a digital doodle, a scrapbook page, or a handmade quilt. It can be therapy, protest, decoration, or play. The more we widen the definition, the less room gatekeepers have to squeeze people out.

Own Your Version of Success

Maybe success for you is selling pieces. Maybe it’s finishing a sketchbook. Maybe it’s sharing your work with three people who truly get it. The point is, you set the terms—not someone standing guard at an imaginary door.

Imagining an Art World Without Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping in art has always existed, but it doesn’t have to define the future. Every time we share work, lift each other up, or question the old rules, we chip away at those walls.

Art is for everyone. Not just the trained. Not just the chosen. Not just the ones who can afford the fanciest brushes. Everyone.

So the next time you hear someone say, “That doesn’t count as real art,” remember: the only person who gets to decide what your art means…is you.

FAQ Highlights

What does gatekeeping in art mean?

Gatekeeping in art is when individuals or institutions control who is considered a “real artist” or what counts as “valid art.” This often excludes self-taught artists, marginalized communities, or those creating outside traditional norms.

Why is gatekeeping harmful to artists?

It discourages creativity, limits opportunities, and reinforces elitism. Many artists lose confidence or visibility simply because they don’t fit outdated definitions of what art “should” be.

Do you need an art degree to be an artist?

No. While formal education can be valuable, countless self-taught artists have built successful careers. Creativity, persistence, and community often matter more than credentials.

How can artists overcome gatekeeping?

By finding supportive art communities, sharing work online, redefining personal success, and challenging elitist narratives about what art should look like.

What are inclusive art communities?

These are spaces—online or in-person—that welcome all forms of creativity without judgment. They emphasize support, diversity, and accessibility instead of rigid standards.

Hey, before you go — did you know we have our own creative hangout online? The DIYvinci Community is a place to share ideas, connect with other creatives, and who knows… your next creative spark might just come from someone you meet there.