4 answers
Emilie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
550 views
Is art a stable career?
Could art sustain me in life? Or could it be more of a side job? Are there many opening for artists nowadays?
4 answers
Jill Tall
Paramedic
5
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Jill’s Answer
This is close to me because you sound like my daughter. Art is , it's one of those careers that can explode or never get off the ground. I won't stop my daughter from going for her art degree but I will advise both of y'all, have another major to keep you stable while working on that art to take off. You don't have to give it up, make sure you have something in case it's a little slower than you expect. But keep your passion don't ever let anyone take that away
Thank you, Jill for the advice.
Emilie
Kim Schiavone
Illustrator and Graphic Designer
45
Answers
Missoula, Montana
Updated
Kim’s Answer
As a 64 year old lifelong artist, I feel that I can provide some helpful answers to this question. First, I have to say that I've struggled most of my life, financially, due to being an artist and a creative person. Second, I also have to say that the world has changed incredibly during my lifetime, and there are substantially more opportunities for artists now, than ever before in history. Your ability to work and support yourself as an artist today will depend completely on the type of art you want to pursue for making money. For example, when I was in high school and trying to make decisions about my future, there were only a couple of ways to make it as a painter. I was told that I had to choose between "Commercial Art" and "Fine Art". The field of fine art painting still depends on the world of galleries, which consists of many, many hurdles. The competition is steep, narrow and extremely difficult. Therefore, if you want to produce gallery work of any kind, it will be a long and difficult road ahead of you.
Successfully living as an artist today, will depend on the type of art that you want to do, and your ability to monetize your work. In the digital age, your chances of finding the right fit for your success are pretty astounding. We are in a time period where "image is king", meaning an image is more valued than written language. There are many, many industries that now require artists, however, there's no doubt that the future of AI (artificial intelligence) programs is going to be a much cheaper way for the business world to attain art.
Before making a decision on whether or not pursuing art will be financially rewarding, much research and deep self identifying questions should be asked. Art is an extremely broad field: What mediums and types of art are you passionate about? What kinds of skills come naturally to you? Have you explored any types of art making? If so, where do you find the most joy? When you've decided on a few factors, then you can begin to research the types of industries, jobs and careers that require that type of work.
If you find that your desires and passions take you in two different directions, it is still possible to do both and make art your career. The way that artists do this is to use one type of art as their financially supportive career, and the other as a side job during their free time. The free time art is generally personal art that is the most rewarding to the artist. This art can be sold on Etsy or another online marketplace, at festivals and community art shows and local galleries.
Any way you look at it, it will take great devotion, commitment, and flexibility to pursue art. But it is possible to be successful and truly fulfilled. A good rule of thumb to use in making this decision is to ask yourself if making art is something you are able to choose not to do. If you will be miserable and unfulfilled by NOT making art, then you MUST pursue it, and pursue it wisely, with a plan in place. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "We must do the thing we think we cannot do".
Successfully living as an artist today, will depend on the type of art that you want to do, and your ability to monetize your work. In the digital age, your chances of finding the right fit for your success are pretty astounding. We are in a time period where "image is king", meaning an image is more valued than written language. There are many, many industries that now require artists, however, there's no doubt that the future of AI (artificial intelligence) programs is going to be a much cheaper way for the business world to attain art.
Before making a decision on whether or not pursuing art will be financially rewarding, much research and deep self identifying questions should be asked. Art is an extremely broad field: What mediums and types of art are you passionate about? What kinds of skills come naturally to you? Have you explored any types of art making? If so, where do you find the most joy? When you've decided on a few factors, then you can begin to research the types of industries, jobs and careers that require that type of work.
If you find that your desires and passions take you in two different directions, it is still possible to do both and make art your career. The way that artists do this is to use one type of art as their financially supportive career, and the other as a side job during their free time. The free time art is generally personal art that is the most rewarding to the artist. This art can be sold on Etsy or another online marketplace, at festivals and community art shows and local galleries.
Any way you look at it, it will take great devotion, commitment, and flexibility to pursue art. But it is possible to be successful and truly fulfilled. A good rule of thumb to use in making this decision is to ask yourself if making art is something you are able to choose not to do. If you will be miserable and unfulfilled by NOT making art, then you MUST pursue it, and pursue it wisely, with a plan in place. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "We must do the thing we think we cannot do".
Thanks for the advice!
Emilie
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4212
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Emilie,
Is pursuing art as a career a stable choice?
Art, as a career, can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding for those who are deeply passionate and committed to their craft. However, the stability of a career in art can fluctuate based on various elements such as the artist's talent, dedication, ability to network, the market's demand for their art style, and the current economic climate. While some artists manage to earn a comfortable living solely from their art, others may find it necessary to supplement their income with additional jobs or freelance projects.
Can art provide a sustainable livelihood, or is it better suited as a supplementary job?
The ability of art to provide a sustainable livelihood largely depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and level of dedication. Some artists are able to construct successful careers and support themselves entirely through their artistic pursuits, while others may opt to follow art as a side job or hobby while maintaining another source of income. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of your financial needs, market opportunities, and readiness to invest time and effort into honing your artistic skills and business savvy.
Are there abundant opportunities for artists in the current job market?
The number of opportunities available for artists can fluctuate based on the specific art field they are interested in. With the advent of digital platforms and online marketplaces, artists now have more channels than ever to display and sell their work on a global scale. Moreover, sectors such as advertising, design, animation, gaming, film, and fashion consistently provide job opportunities for skilled artists. Networking, creating a compelling portfolio, staying informed about industry trends, and proactively seeking out opportunities are vital steps in carving out a successful career in art.
In summary, while carving out a career in art can be demanding and competitive, it is feasible to establish a sustainable living by blending passion with practical skills such as consistency, discipline, time management, self-improvement, and adaptability to changes in the ever-evolving world.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers data on employment trends across various industries, including arts-related occupations.
The Art Career Project - This comprehensive resource provides insights into different career paths within the arts industry and offers guidance on how to thrive as an artist.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) - The NEA provides research reports and resources related to the arts sector in the United States, including information on job opportunities for artists.
Stay blessed!
James.
Is pursuing art as a career a stable choice?
Art, as a career, can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding for those who are deeply passionate and committed to their craft. However, the stability of a career in art can fluctuate based on various elements such as the artist's talent, dedication, ability to network, the market's demand for their art style, and the current economic climate. While some artists manage to earn a comfortable living solely from their art, others may find it necessary to supplement their income with additional jobs or freelance projects.
Can art provide a sustainable livelihood, or is it better suited as a supplementary job?
The ability of art to provide a sustainable livelihood largely depends on your personal circumstances, goals, and level of dedication. Some artists are able to construct successful careers and support themselves entirely through their artistic pursuits, while others may opt to follow art as a side job or hobby while maintaining another source of income. It's crucial to have a clear understanding of your financial needs, market opportunities, and readiness to invest time and effort into honing your artistic skills and business savvy.
Are there abundant opportunities for artists in the current job market?
The number of opportunities available for artists can fluctuate based on the specific art field they are interested in. With the advent of digital platforms and online marketplaces, artists now have more channels than ever to display and sell their work on a global scale. Moreover, sectors such as advertising, design, animation, gaming, film, and fashion consistently provide job opportunities for skilled artists. Networking, creating a compelling portfolio, staying informed about industry trends, and proactively seeking out opportunities are vital steps in carving out a successful career in art.
In summary, while carving out a career in art can be demanding and competitive, it is feasible to establish a sustainable living by blending passion with practical skills such as consistency, discipline, time management, self-improvement, and adaptability to changes in the ever-evolving world.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - The BLS offers data on employment trends across various industries, including arts-related occupations.
The Art Career Project - This comprehensive resource provides insights into different career paths within the arts industry and offers guidance on how to thrive as an artist.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) - The NEA provides research reports and resources related to the arts sector in the United States, including information on job opportunities for artists.
Stay blessed!
James.
Stacie Knighton
Customer Service Representative
1
Answer
Locust Grove, Georgia
Updated
Stacie’s Answer
I've been passionate about art my entire life. I was told like most that art will not pay the bills, so like most I got a job and dabbled with art on the side. But now in this day and age, art could sustain you. There are so many platforms for all types of art and so many ways to get your art out to the masses. If your art is what you are passionate about, then you should certainly pursue it. How successful or lucrative you become will be up to you. Finding a position as an artist is not as important these days, as most artist create a place for themselves. I've had personal success in just getting my art on social media and word of mouth.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Emilie
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