How easy is it to get into the art industry.

Definitely not easy, but anything worthwhile generally is not. Great advice above...I would add, as a primarily self-taught artist, you have to be tenacious an have a level of "crazy confidence" to get you though all the reject you ultimately face. This is a GOOD thing...embrace it. It will help inform your work, but not define it. You have to stick to your vision and your path. Make opportunities for your rather than waiting for the "big break" it could be some time...so make your own exhibition spaces, curate your own shows, wrap tangible themes around them and gain exposure for everything you do. If your canvases are stacked in a room/studio and nobody see, hear, or knows about them, there they will stay. DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THE INTERNET! Can't stress this enough. It is prudent to have a presence and a site to direct people to see your work, but this, and placing work on every online art seller will only get you so far. There is a social aspect to being an artist that can suck for some and be a joy for others. I am very private and an introvert, but I force myself to get out, meet people as events, charitable functions, through volunteering just to have a genuine conversation and tell people about my work. This builds relationships and connection to others by association. Everyone is a potential collector, but everyone is interesting in their own right...don't reduce everyone to dollar signs...they smell that a mile away.

So, my other related advice is to get to know all the artist in your area, visit their studios and talk to them about their experiences. Learn about their mistakes and shortcomings and tips for success. These connections might turn into introductions or recommendations to galleries, or group shows.

Lastly, keep working at your craft...when others see your progression, dedication and drive, it makes them want to know where you will go next. If you have the work to back it up...the world is your oyster. Be patient, and be persistent and you will go far.

Best wishes,
~Law

Not easy, but the world needs you! The above advice is good. It's absolutely possible. You just keep doing it and doing it. Strive to be very good and you can make a living. I do and I don't consider myself the most fabulous artist. I never finished college and taught myself most everything. It's my passion so how could I possibly do anything else.

My best to you.

That depends on where in the "art industry" you are talking about. I would narrow your focus; think about how you want to use your art. Are you interested in being a graphic designer, teacher, museum professional, etc. and then do some research on that particular field. I wanted to share my passion for art, so I became an art teacher. See if you could do some informational interviewing with people in the art area you are interested in, or, if you are in college, get an internship.

I will say, any field in the world of art is not easy to get into, and even more difficult to stay there and make a living. You need to have commitment to art, a drive to succeed, realistic expectations, because salaries are low and jobs are scarce, and patience, because things take time. Best wishes.

All of the above answers are great. But to get to the core of your answer it's not "easy." You definitely have to work hard at it. Whether it's through diligence and practice at school or on your own you'll need to spend a lot of time and exert a lot of energy.

There are many, many people who want to do art (all kinds of art) as a career so the competition can be pretty tough. Make sure that you know what kind of art you want to pursue and look into how that industry is doing and where they might be concentrated. Animation for television and movies would be more centered in and around the Hollywood area. The video games industry is big in the San Francisco Bay Area. Advertising and theater are generally concentrated in New York.

It's not "easy," necessarily, but if you love it then you'll enjoy the hard work. Good luck!