Stages of Artistic Growth:

David Liebman has listed numerous Reflections on the Artistic Process worthy of detailed review. If I read him correctly, restate slightly, and add a tad bit in the last two steps, there are six potential Stages of Artistic Growth related to the Artistic Endeavor:

• Initiative:   Understanding and absorption of artistic standards and expectations through appreciation of art history
• Imitation:   Ability to duplicate artifacts and methods to minimum criterion; Practice and learn; Inspired from historical precedent
• Integration:  Personalize and participate; Improve; Develop Balance; Find and explore one's Own Artistic Niche; Develop Artistic Control; Inspired from and affected by contemporary Space and Time
• Innovation: Develop one's own unique Instrument, Importance, and Individual approach; Find and express one's Inner Voice and Self
• Inspiration: Branded Work causes achingly, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, extraordinary responses in Audience; Wants to make Viewer wish to stop, drop, and worship; Instills a significant measure of Humble in the Viewer
• Iconification:  Based on reception by Audience, elevation of individual Artist's Branded Work to heightened social awareness and recognition

Restated in a different way: (1) Start, (2) Copy, (3) Survive and Do, (4) Stretch into Originality, (5) Communicate Emotion, and (6) Famous

Dear Reader: This is not an attempt to make the Path along the Artistic Endeavor too simplistic nor trite. Just some reflections for consideration towards achieving one's Unique Potential.