Whatever is a few stages before ‘emerging artist‘….that’s where I’m at. Some 30+ years ago I started college as an art major. My art professors (however unintentionally) quickly killed any belief in me that I actually was or could be an artist. So, I changed my major to English Lit and Philosophy, then went on to get an MBA and a Ph.D. For the last few decades I have worked diligently in the world of business/finance (turns out I’m good at the mostly soulless work created by capitalism and sustained by its consistent remuneration), and am now reclaiming my identity and power as a creator.