Best way to call an artist that is not famous

What is the best way to call an artist that is not famous?

• Emergent artist
• New artist
• Any other

Solution 1:

What is the best way to call an artist that is not famous?

It depends. If the artist is from the past, they might be referred to as a "little-known artist", a "lesser-known artist", or even "a lesser artist" (this is derogatory). If it's a present-day artist, they might be an "emerging artist" (not "emergent", that is a buzz-word), or "a lesser-known artist". "New artist" is possible, for example "an exhibition by new artists", but its use would be restricted to a certain kind of person.

Solution 2:

I am told that in the jargon of music critics musicians are either "young" or "distinguished", the break-point being about thirty-five years of age.

Solution 3:

You can use a more particular description, such as "Bill Smith, a painter from Springfield, Ore.," Also age doesn't seem to be a factor since many artists never become famous outside of their communities, but work for many years.

Solution 4:

You could call them an "up-and-coming" (young) artist.