The art world is big and beautiful and you might think to yourself, "But I'm not an artist,  so what does it matter?" That doesn't mean you can't still contribute. For every great artist, there is also a great art critic who can recognize them.

An art critic's job is to evaluate art. They write reviews and critiques of works of art, both in print and online. With their expertise on hand, the value of art criticism is immense for art collectors and gallery owners alike. And although being a "critic" doesn't sound like a positive job, it can be very useful. While some art critics did not appreciate now-famous artists at the time, other critics can see the value or potential of a new artist or art style and shine a spotlight on it for the public. And in some cases, a critic's negative review can inspire a merely decent artist to become bold and try something new and wonderful.

But how do you get started as an art critic?

First, study art. Learn what styles you appreciate, what styles you don't, and the history behind each movement. Visit exhibits and museums to see what's out there. You can also talk to an established art critic about their trade and learn what they did to get started.

Then, try your hand at writing a few articles on art or new exhibits. Be objective about the work at first, and then break the piece down into specific elements. Talk about how the artist's work uses light, texture, color, movement, space, and shapes. Discuss the overall theme or impression you come away with when you observe the art. And when you get to the end of your review, ask yourself if what you've written has expressed a new thought or an important truth to the world.

To get your real start, you can contact newspapers, magazines, or art blogs about submitting your reviews. Find out what genres and artists they tend to cover, and what their submission guidelines are. Be polite and professional when you contact these publications; it can mean the difference between being seen as a wannabe critic and being seen as a promising beginner.

In the end, the work of the art critic is usually the same: to visit exhibits and to write about the new and engaging pieces there, whether good, bad, or mediocre. But with time and practice, you can expand your horizons and communicate to your audience a sense of good taste.

Image by stop crying, kid on Flickr