7 answers
Kaleb
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
639 views
What is the best way to become an artist?
Where's the best place to start?
How do I make a good profit?
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7 answers
Frankie Phan
Business Administrator
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Frankie’s Answer
Hey Kaleb,
Exactly what everyone else said, to 'be an artist' you need to be a person who makes art.
To make money while doing that art OR making money off of that art is a totally different story.
Everyone else had good advice, but I'd also add that it's also possible to be an "art worker" this means that you are working in the arts field and making money for your labor, but maybe you're working for a different artist with funds to pay you OR you find a company that works in art production that needs artists. I'd totally recommend checking out your local art scene where you live and immersing yourself in that community to make friends and contacts that are further along than you might be. Go to shows, do searches for local artists who have websites and meet them, start as an audience member and then introduce yourself to the crew.
A lot of those folks need workers to run errands, set up studios, run Instagram accounts, etc. Many art galleries and event spaces need folks to bartend, set up for shows, run security, etc. Bands need merch staff and roadies.
The starving artist trope is a terrible reality for some, but even before your art is monetized, there are still plenty of ways to make money to eat and live while still being in an environment that can help you hone your craft and make the connections needed to monetize.
The most important thing is to allow yourself the space to create art and improve on your skills while maintaining a balance of what you need to do to make money to live.
Exactly what everyone else said, to 'be an artist' you need to be a person who makes art.
To make money while doing that art OR making money off of that art is a totally different story.
Everyone else had good advice, but I'd also add that it's also possible to be an "art worker" this means that you are working in the arts field and making money for your labor, but maybe you're working for a different artist with funds to pay you OR you find a company that works in art production that needs artists. I'd totally recommend checking out your local art scene where you live and immersing yourself in that community to make friends and contacts that are further along than you might be. Go to shows, do searches for local artists who have websites and meet them, start as an audience member and then introduce yourself to the crew.
A lot of those folks need workers to run errands, set up studios, run Instagram accounts, etc. Many art galleries and event spaces need folks to bartend, set up for shows, run security, etc. Bands need merch staff and roadies.
The starving artist trope is a terrible reality for some, but even before your art is monetized, there are still plenty of ways to make money to eat and live while still being in an environment that can help you hone your craft and make the connections needed to monetize.
The most important thing is to allow yourself the space to create art and improve on your skills while maintaining a balance of what you need to do to make money to live.
Madhurya Panthagani
Financial Analyst
1
Answer
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Madhurya’s Answer
Well, anybody can be an artist. I would suggest try to understand what you are passionate about and what you really enjoy doing. Once you figured it out, you can do some research in the market to understand if there's a demand for your art. There should be some demand in the right place.
Once you understand the demand and the market for your art, you can start off with marketing the product. This should gain some attention in market. Also you can check with others who are already doing a business in the same field for references.
Hope this helps a little!
All the best.
Once you understand the demand and the market for your art, you can start off with marketing the product. This should gain some attention in market. Also you can check with others who are already doing a business in the same field for references.
Hope this helps a little!
All the best.
Aaron Holloway
Mortgage Operations-Closing Specialist
33
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Hello,
I would recommend creating. Find out what media you have interest in such as painting, graphic design, sculpture, photography, textiles, and cinema. Create content, and hone your craft. Study your chosen field, attend classes, workshops, and seminars. This will allow you to network and build a following. If you choose to study art in college, research the top art schools and apply.
Good luck.
https://www.format.com/online-portfolio-website/artist/guide
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-fine-arts-schools/fine-arts-rankings
I would recommend creating. Find out what media you have interest in such as painting, graphic design, sculpture, photography, textiles, and cinema. Create content, and hone your craft. Study your chosen field, attend classes, workshops, and seminars. This will allow you to network and build a following. If you choose to study art in college, research the top art schools and apply.
Good luck.
Aaron recommends the following next steps:
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
476
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Kaleb,
No matter what type of artist you'd like to become, just always remember to hone in on your craft. Really take the time to learn & perfect your craft, study and shadow like minded artist & believe that you can do it. Depending on the type of artistry you wish to partake in, most professions can be lucrative.
Best,
Aisha T.
No matter what type of artist you'd like to become, just always remember to hone in on your craft. Really take the time to learn & perfect your craft, study and shadow like minded artist & believe that you can do it. Depending on the type of artistry you wish to partake in, most professions can be lucrative.
Best,
Aisha T.
Robert Caesar
Problem Solving
1
Answer
Leland, North Carolina
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Kakeb
I echo what Aisha said. The best way to become an artist is to make sure that you love what you do. A lot of the best and most lucrative artists started out doing something that they loved. If you love what you're creating then the passion to create more will be there. If you are looking to make money off of your art then you need to make sure you make your art known. Promote it, study it, and perfect it. If your sole purpose is to make money then you need to make sure that you're providing art that the people want. Lastly there is not a way around hard work.
I echo what Aisha said. The best way to become an artist is to make sure that you love what you do. A lot of the best and most lucrative artists started out doing something that they loved. If you love what you're creating then the passion to create more will be there. If you are looking to make money off of your art then you need to make sure you make your art known. Promote it, study it, and perfect it. If your sole purpose is to make money then you need to make sure that you're providing art that the people want. Lastly there is not a way around hard work.
Kayla Mys
Digital Asset Management Internship
4
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Well, anyone can be an artist! If you want to make a profit, you have to figure out what sets you apart.
Do you have a specialty? Do you work with a specific material?
If you want to go into animation, you will want to start taking online classes teaching you different softwares. Your portfolio should have landscape and character designs!
Research people who you follow for their art. Where did they go to school? What did they major in? How did they start out? See if you can reach out and sit down with them to talk about their career.
A lot of "creative" positions have to potential to make a high income. You just have to find your niche and really develop that.
Research artists you admire.
Figure out your specialty.
Develop a portfolio of relevant work for your specialty.
Do you have a specialty? Do you work with a specific material?
If you want to go into animation, you will want to start taking online classes teaching you different softwares. Your portfolio should have landscape and character designs!
Research people who you follow for their art. Where did they go to school? What did they major in? How did they start out? See if you can reach out and sit down with them to talk about their career.
A lot of "creative" positions have to potential to make a high income. You just have to find your niche and really develop that.
Kayla recommends the following next steps:
Kiran Boberoi
Head of CG
10
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Kiran’s Answer
Here is my advice to anyone who wants to pursue a career in the art-related field. If you want to be an artist in any field, it's crucial to learn how to market yourself. With hundreds and thousands of artists out there, some more popular than others, marketing plays a significant role. Even if you are still learning, be confident and start sharing your journey by posting your work to gain an audience. If you can build a dedicated fan base who purchases your work, you will have achieved a goal that many aspiring artists aspire to.