What distinguishes an emerging artist from a professional artist?

Professional Artist

A professional artist is someone who:

• has specialized training in the artistic field (not necessarily in academic institutions)
• is recognized as a professional by her or his peers (artists working in the same artistic tradition)
• is committed to devoting more of their time to artistic creativity, if possible financially
• has a history of public presentation or publication

Definition from Canada Council for the Arts

Emgerging Artist

An emerging artist is defined as one who:

• is enrolled in, or has specialized training in the arts (university graduation or equivalent), self-training, or training in a culturally-specific tradition)
  
• is in the early stages of their career, usually within the first few years of pursuing a career in their field
  
• has a small history of presentation or publication
  
• is looking for support and resources to build confidence in their practice
  
• is committed to devoting more time to artistic activity, when possible financially; and
• self-identifies as emerging

This definition has been inspired by a number of sources, including CARFAC BC's video, Artists Talk: What is an Emerging Artist?