4 answers
Maddie
Student
Exeter, New Hampshire
3
Questions
Asked
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How long did it take to get your career in the art field started?
#art #artist #fashion #career #artistic #digitalart
I would just like to know how long it took for some people to jump start their career in art. I know that for many it can take ages, but for some others it doesn't take too long with the right amount of help.
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4 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Maddie
Getting an art career started can happen relatively easily, but getting PAID for your art and making a living from it can take time. You are correct that for some people, it seems they get off to a great start early on and can find a way to sell their art, but for others (most of us) it takes time. So being in the right time at the right place; meeting or knowing someone in the art world who can help you; having some kind of financial support of your family while you perfect your art, or finding a day job that will leave you with enough energy to create your art after work; having the type of art that people are interested in and that will sell in THIS point of time; having the right place to sell your art....these are all some of the variables that make predicting success in art so difficult.
I always knew that art would be part of my life, either as a hobby or as a full time occupation. I concentrated on fine art in college and at art school after college. I did some nice art work, but nothing that caught any gallery owner's eye. I also did some freelance graphic design for about a year, but discovered it was tough going, and my heart really was not in it. So I did a lot of office work as a day job, and finally, I went into art education, which I loved. It paid relatively well, and the health and retirement benefits were really good. It was also great having the summers off to focus on my art. I am now retired and love that I have the time to really concentrate on my art. I now sell my work through a community gallery, and I am very happy with the way my "art career" turned out. If you are at all interested in teaching, contact the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for more information. Just Google them.
So best of luck. The advice from the previous replies are really good. Yes, to "make it" in the art world, it takes time and dedication and belief in your artwork, and, maybe most of all, luck. The advice I would give anyone in your position of starting out is to be flexible, be patient, be brave, believe in your art, and work hard. Even if you aren't able to make a decent living from you art and need to take up another job or career, keep doing your art. Take satisfaction in the idea that, even if you never become rich or famous from your art, you will have the experience of having spent your time on earth doing something you love.
Getting an art career started can happen relatively easily, but getting PAID for your art and making a living from it can take time. You are correct that for some people, it seems they get off to a great start early on and can find a way to sell their art, but for others (most of us) it takes time. So being in the right time at the right place; meeting or knowing someone in the art world who can help you; having some kind of financial support of your family while you perfect your art, or finding a day job that will leave you with enough energy to create your art after work; having the type of art that people are interested in and that will sell in THIS point of time; having the right place to sell your art....these are all some of the variables that make predicting success in art so difficult.
I always knew that art would be part of my life, either as a hobby or as a full time occupation. I concentrated on fine art in college and at art school after college. I did some nice art work, but nothing that caught any gallery owner's eye. I also did some freelance graphic design for about a year, but discovered it was tough going, and my heart really was not in it. So I did a lot of office work as a day job, and finally, I went into art education, which I loved. It paid relatively well, and the health and retirement benefits were really good. It was also great having the summers off to focus on my art. I am now retired and love that I have the time to really concentrate on my art. I now sell my work through a community gallery, and I am very happy with the way my "art career" turned out. If you are at all interested in teaching, contact the National Art Education Association (NAEA) for more information. Just Google them.
So best of luck. The advice from the previous replies are really good. Yes, to "make it" in the art world, it takes time and dedication and belief in your artwork, and, maybe most of all, luck. The advice I would give anyone in your position of starting out is to be flexible, be patient, be brave, believe in your art, and work hard. Even if you aren't able to make a decent living from you art and need to take up another job or career, keep doing your art. Take satisfaction in the idea that, even if you never become rich or famous from your art, you will have the experience of having spent your time on earth doing something you love.
Judith Quitoriano
Tutoring, mentoring, adjunct prof, pastoral counseling
53
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Judith’s Answer
I find with art, we are always growing, expanding and finding new meaning in our work. I like the story of Manet, the impressionist. He painted a rosebud on his death bed. The thing with art and artists, we have to create every day or our lives feel out of balance. I know we need to do some really hard work that is married to this such as marketing, finding new venues and drumming up sales of our work, but it is what we do because we love it and for us there is nothing else.
Many artists are happy to work other gigs because they know they need resources to do their work. I know many in my art guilds who need to work part time at other jobs. They still feel blessed because they are living the life they love to create art. Sometimes we need patience and sacrifice to get to that point. Everyone has their own path. Some get there sooner. The thing is that we get to present beauty or emotion or incongruity into an expression that is all our own. We do not have to keep that inside, but rather we get to share it.
Do art every day. Find a group to express with and do the foot work as a group. The doors will open. so keep at it.
Many artists are happy to work other gigs because they know they need resources to do their work. I know many in my art guilds who need to work part time at other jobs. They still feel blessed because they are living the life they love to create art. Sometimes we need patience and sacrifice to get to that point. Everyone has their own path. Some get there sooner. The thing is that we get to present beauty or emotion or incongruity into an expression that is all our own. We do not have to keep that inside, but rather we get to share it.
Do art every day. Find a group to express with and do the foot work as a group. The doors will open. so keep at it.
D.R. LaVoie
Retired, Fashion Footwear Design
7
Answers
Middleborough, Massachusetts
Updated
D.R.’s Answer
It is difficult to add to what Amy has said below, because it is very well written and explained. The only thing that I might add, is that IF you love ART enough, and I do mean LOVE, then you will find the patience to stick with it as long as it takes, to get your lucky break. The rewards can be infinite, I travelled the world from Paris to Shanghai, doing the thing I loved, shoe design.
Amy Ruedinger
--art education
3
Answers
Updated
Amy’s Answer
The most important part of starting a career in art is to have made and continue making a lot of art! Then you have a portfolio to hopefully get you into a school and/or to show a Gallery Director and possibly get a Show and/or apply for an art related job with it to show the skills you have and/or get an art residency. With all these avenues you will meet people who may open doors for you to advance your art career.
For me I got a BS in Fine Art right after High School then worked for jewelers and continued to do my 2D art- they helped me sell my art. Then taking my first printmaking class and I got into a show and sold early on. I concurrently got a art teaching license and began teaching art. Then back to metals, my MFA- a professor supported me by letting me continue to use the studio and a fellow metals smith got me into an invitational yearly show. I approached a gallery with my artwork and show there every couple of years. My show coming up, the gallery asked me if I wanted a show there. I have been teaching art all through this because sales of my art don’t pay all my bills — YET 😉
For me I got a BS in Fine Art right after High School then worked for jewelers and continued to do my 2D art- they helped me sell my art. Then taking my first printmaking class and I got into a show and sold early on. I concurrently got a art teaching license and began teaching art. Then back to metals, my MFA- a professor supported me by letting me continue to use the studio and a fellow metals smith got me into an invitational yearly show. I approached a gallery with my artwork and show there every couple of years. My show coming up, the gallery asked me if I wanted a show there. I have been teaching art all through this because sales of my art don’t pay all my bills — YET 😉