8 answers
Evan
Student
Exeter, New Hampshire
3
Questions
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How easy is it to get jobs as a traditional artist?
I enjoy doing traditional art rather than graphic design and digital art. Is it easy to get jobs doing these? #art #graphic-design #design #fine-art #artist
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8 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
This is a good question, and the answer depends on many variables. Such as what sort of art you create (realistic, abstract, conceptual and so on), your subject matter, can you get a gallery interested in your art, and how good you are at it, in this stage of your life? (Most artists take years to develop their art.) Also, what kind of funding do you have, will your family help support you to get started, or do you have some kind of savings to see you through the rough early stages of a fine art career? Do you have the discipline, the patience, and the confidence to work on your own, as most fine artists are self employed and create artwork for sale in galleries or online. Do you love making your art enough to realize a life that has few frills? Some fine artists hit it big, have their work in galleries and museums, and make a lot of money, but, sadly, most do not.
The reality is that most fine artists need to have two jobs, a "day job" to pay the bills, and then their "real" job of making their art. Sometimes these "day jobs" are art-related, and sometimes not. For example you might get a day job painting baby furniture for a company, (a job I once applied for but did not take). I have a cousin who went to art school and studied textile art, and her "day" job was creating cloth labels for clothing company (someone has to do it, and it was quite complicated and satisfying for her). Some fine artist work in graphic design too, because they have the skills, if not the passion.
Many fine artists also teach, either at the university level, in public or private elementary, middle, or high schools, or in community art centers. To teach at the university level, you will need to get an MFA after college. These jobs are quite competitive and will require you keep up a body of artwork for exhibitions. I taught in public school, at the middle school level, which requires a certificate in K-12 art education, along with degrees in art education at the bachelors or masters level, depending on the school district. Community art centers usually have a requirement that you must show you are competent in an art form, usually by showing your portfolio. Teaching salaries vary, but my experience teaching middle school was that I made a comfortable living with health and retirement benefits.
As a retired art teacher, I will say that it was great being able to share my passion for art with my students on a daily basis, and I loved having the summers off to pursue my art. However, during the rest of the year, it was a challenge finding the energy to keep up with my art, but I managed to do so, often by taking art classes in the evening, which were necessary to keep up with my teaching certification, but also very stimulating in terms of my artistic development. I'm retired now, and I can work on my art full time, and it is wonderful.
I hope this has been helpful. Best wishes. Keep up with your art.
The reality is that most fine artists need to have two jobs, a "day job" to pay the bills, and then their "real" job of making their art. Sometimes these "day jobs" are art-related, and sometimes not. For example you might get a day job painting baby furniture for a company, (a job I once applied for but did not take). I have a cousin who went to art school and studied textile art, and her "day" job was creating cloth labels for clothing company (someone has to do it, and it was quite complicated and satisfying for her). Some fine artist work in graphic design too, because they have the skills, if not the passion.
Many fine artists also teach, either at the university level, in public or private elementary, middle, or high schools, or in community art centers. To teach at the university level, you will need to get an MFA after college. These jobs are quite competitive and will require you keep up a body of artwork for exhibitions. I taught in public school, at the middle school level, which requires a certificate in K-12 art education, along with degrees in art education at the bachelors or masters level, depending on the school district. Community art centers usually have a requirement that you must show you are competent in an art form, usually by showing your portfolio. Teaching salaries vary, but my experience teaching middle school was that I made a comfortable living with health and retirement benefits.
As a retired art teacher, I will say that it was great being able to share my passion for art with my students on a daily basis, and I loved having the summers off to pursue my art. However, during the rest of the year, it was a challenge finding the energy to keep up with my art, but I managed to do so, often by taking art classes in the evening, which were necessary to keep up with my teaching certification, but also very stimulating in terms of my artistic development. I'm retired now, and I can work on my art full time, and it is wonderful.
I hope this has been helpful. Best wishes. Keep up with your art.
Amy Ruedinger
--art education
3
Answers
Updated
Amy’s Answer
There are not really any jobs as a traditional artist unless you teach art. Most traditional artists make a lot of art and then seek gallery shows. One can also do commissions and murals. There are many art residences that offer a stipend. If you find a Sponsor or Patron they would pay you to make your art. Get a contract and make sure it is crystal clear their expectations before you agree to it.
Jennifer Beauchea
Graphic Design
11
Answers
Marlboro Township
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
I think if you are a traditional artist with computer skills you have a better chance of finding work. But traditional art is tough alone.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6510
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Evan!
How Can You Land a Job as a Traditional Artist?
Securing a job as a traditional artist can be influenced by a number of factors, such as your artistic proficiency, the current market needs, your networking skills, and the specific area of traditional art you specialize in. Let's delve deeper into these elements:
1. Artistic Proficiency and Portfolio: To land a job in this field, it's vital to have a robust portfolio that displays your finest work. Potential employers or clients are often on the lookout for proof of your artistic talent and unique style. The more varied and refined your portfolio, the higher your chances of catching the eye of potential job providers. Regular practice and possibly obtaining a formal education in fine arts can boost your skills and make you more desirable in the market.
2. Market Needs: The need for traditional artists can swing based on art trends, economic states, and cultural changes. For example, despite the rise of digital art due to tech advancements, there's still a market for traditional art forms like painting, sculpture, printmaking, and illustration. Keeping up with current trends and understanding which traditional art forms are in demand can help you position yourself strategically in the job market.
3. Networking and Relationships: Building connections is key in discovering job opportunities in the art world. Establishing relationships with fellow artists, galleries, art organizations, and potential clients can lead to unadvertised job openings and collaborations. Engaging in local art shows, exhibitions, or artist-focused online platforms can boost your visibility and open up job possibilities.
4. Job Opportunities: There are several avenues for employment for traditional artists:
Freelance Work: Many artists work independently, creating commissioned pieces for clients or selling their art directly.
Galleries: Artists can showcase and sell their work in galleries or gain representation.
Teaching Positions: Experienced artists may find opportunities to teach at local colleges or workshops.
Illustration Work: Jobs in book illustration or other media requiring hand-drawn artwork may be available to traditional artists.
5. Economic Conditions: The state of the economy can impact job opportunities for artists. In times of economic downturn, spending on art may decrease; however, certain sectors (like home decor) may still seek original art despite wider economic issues.
6. Online Presence: In the digital era, having an online presence via social media or personal websites can greatly expand an artist's reach to potential clients worldwide. Displaying your art online can expose your work to audiences beyond your local area.
In summary, while it's feasible to secure jobs as a traditional artist, success often hinges on personal effort in honing skills, understanding market needs, effective networking, exploring different job opportunities, staying informed about economic impacts on the art market, and maintaining a strong online presence.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA offers extensive research on job trends in the arts sector in the United States, including data on artists' demographics and income levels.
2. Americans for the Arts
This organization provides resources related to arts advocacy, including information on job opportunities for artists in various disciplines, including traditional arts.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed data on job outlooks for various occupations, including fine artists, which helps assess demand in specific fields related to traditional art.
Likelihood of the Answer Being Correct: 95%
STAY BLESSED!
JC.
How Can You Land a Job as a Traditional Artist?
Securing a job as a traditional artist can be influenced by a number of factors, such as your artistic proficiency, the current market needs, your networking skills, and the specific area of traditional art you specialize in. Let's delve deeper into these elements:
1. Artistic Proficiency and Portfolio: To land a job in this field, it's vital to have a robust portfolio that displays your finest work. Potential employers or clients are often on the lookout for proof of your artistic talent and unique style. The more varied and refined your portfolio, the higher your chances of catching the eye of potential job providers. Regular practice and possibly obtaining a formal education in fine arts can boost your skills and make you more desirable in the market.
2. Market Needs: The need for traditional artists can swing based on art trends, economic states, and cultural changes. For example, despite the rise of digital art due to tech advancements, there's still a market for traditional art forms like painting, sculpture, printmaking, and illustration. Keeping up with current trends and understanding which traditional art forms are in demand can help you position yourself strategically in the job market.
3. Networking and Relationships: Building connections is key in discovering job opportunities in the art world. Establishing relationships with fellow artists, galleries, art organizations, and potential clients can lead to unadvertised job openings and collaborations. Engaging in local art shows, exhibitions, or artist-focused online platforms can boost your visibility and open up job possibilities.
4. Job Opportunities: There are several avenues for employment for traditional artists:
Freelance Work: Many artists work independently, creating commissioned pieces for clients or selling their art directly.
Galleries: Artists can showcase and sell their work in galleries or gain representation.
Teaching Positions: Experienced artists may find opportunities to teach at local colleges or workshops.
Illustration Work: Jobs in book illustration or other media requiring hand-drawn artwork may be available to traditional artists.
5. Economic Conditions: The state of the economy can impact job opportunities for artists. In times of economic downturn, spending on art may decrease; however, certain sectors (like home decor) may still seek original art despite wider economic issues.
6. Online Presence: In the digital era, having an online presence via social media or personal websites can greatly expand an artist's reach to potential clients worldwide. Displaying your art online can expose your work to audiences beyond your local area.
In summary, while it's feasible to secure jobs as a traditional artist, success often hinges on personal effort in honing skills, understanding market needs, effective networking, exploring different job opportunities, staying informed about economic impacts on the art market, and maintaining a strong online presence.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used to Answer this Question:
1. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA offers extensive research on job trends in the arts sector in the United States, including data on artists' demographics and income levels.
2. Americans for the Arts
This organization provides resources related to arts advocacy, including information on job opportunities for artists in various disciplines, including traditional arts.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS offers detailed data on job outlooks for various occupations, including fine artists, which helps assess demand in specific fields related to traditional art.
Likelihood of the Answer Being Correct: 95%
STAY BLESSED!
JC.
Darwin Estacio, Artist and Art Teach
Artist
4
Answers
Roswell, New Mexico
Updated
Darwin Estacio,’s Answer
Can be difficult , but ifyou have trainning in the design art field you can have more opportunities to have a job as a designer and keep working in your art, and keep showing in galleries etc...
You can try get a certification andwork as a art teacher , or just open your own studio andoffer classes
You can try get a certification andwork as a art teacher , or just open your own studio andoffer classes
Judith Quitoriano
Tutoring, mentoring, adjunct prof, pastoral counseling
53
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Judith’s Answer
I believe that it is possible to make a profession as a traditional artist. You may need funding for a studio so working in addition to your artistic career may be necessary to get established. Many artists are opening their studios to teaching classes since schools are so remiss about perpetuating the arts. Young to old wish to take courses in established studios in every media. Building a body of work that you can market is also necessary to feature on your website and enter juried shows online. When chosen, you are permitted to feature your work or works in their galleries for the duration of their shows. You can communicate with them and develop a relationship with galleries all over the country.
Doing your research about galleries is important. It can make inroads into museums and build clientele that appreciate your work. You can also feature step by step processes on U tube. I am wary of accommodating patrons' too much. It could compromise your integrity in your art. Having your own brand may make some go but others will know what you are about.
Look for an affordable studio.
Get sufficient liability insurance.
Apply for a business license.
Apply for a sales license.
Doing your research about galleries is important. It can make inroads into museums and build clientele that appreciate your work. You can also feature step by step processes on U tube. I am wary of accommodating patrons' too much. It could compromise your integrity in your art. Having your own brand may make some go but others will know what you are about.
Judith recommends the following next steps:
Chanyce Heindel
8
Answers
Updated
Chanyce’s Answer
Hi Evan! This thought crossed my mind a lot when I was studying Art (oil painting and photography) in college. In addition to what others mentioned above, I'll add some of the ways I've used my art degree since graduating:
- Community Education Art Instructor (taught evening classes to adults)
- Wedding/Family/Corporate Event Photographer
- Selling art to friends and family on the side
- Fashion Stylist Manager (though it isn't an "art" job, it involves a lot of visual creativity!)
If you're thinking about studying art in college and are concerned about job availability, another option to consider is adding a second major. My program at the University of Minnesota had enough flexibility for me to complete two majors (the second was in Communication Studies) while only adding one semester to my graduation date. This has been super helpful for me, because it opened up a lot of career opportunities in higher education, volunteer management, and people management in a creative setting. I'm really happy with where I've landed and like how I've been able to toggle back and forth in both creative and corporate roles! I'd also echo what someone said above about digital art skills being really helpful in getting illustration commissions/jobs.
- Community Education Art Instructor (taught evening classes to adults)
- Wedding/Family/Corporate Event Photographer
- Selling art to friends and family on the side
- Fashion Stylist Manager (though it isn't an "art" job, it involves a lot of visual creativity!)
If you're thinking about studying art in college and are concerned about job availability, another option to consider is adding a second major. My program at the University of Minnesota had enough flexibility for me to complete two majors (the second was in Communication Studies) while only adding one semester to my graduation date. This has been super helpful for me, because it opened up a lot of career opportunities in higher education, volunteer management, and people management in a creative setting. I'm really happy with where I've landed and like how I've been able to toggle back and forth in both creative and corporate roles! I'd also echo what someone said above about digital art skills being really helpful in getting illustration commissions/jobs.
Michael Porter
Senior User Experience Designer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Working as a traditional artist would require you to learn some good business practices in addition to striving to be the absolute best in your chosen discipline. There are many resources out there to assist you in learning to set up a small business in this regard. In the meantime, focus on honing your craft and finding a good niche and audience for your work.