6 answers
aurora
Student
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How do i know i want to go into art??
I love art but what if i get burned out? its a fun hobby but being FORCED to do it might take the fun away?
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6 answers
Evan King
Technical Support - Dell Technologies
1
Answer
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Evan’s Answer
Hi Aurora,
I actually have a Degree in Music, which I think can be applied to your question as music is an art. I grew up loving music and was always singing, performing, and blasting it as loud as I could. Even now music is a huge part of my life. However, there is a point to be had with majoring or pursuing art in art in general.
I graduated from college in 2016 and I can honestly say that I have not used my music degree in any capacity. That is not to say that I do not still play or perform occasionally. I absolutely do. But, I do not and have not used my music degree in the way that I thought I would. This sounds like I am being discouraging. I am not trying to be at all. I would tell you to follow your passions. But at the same time think about how you would use the degree or schooling or classes taken to further your career in art.
There is nothing wrong with following another profession and doing art on the side. There is some freedom I think that comes with this as you are not bound by your job and you are able to fully focus on art as a passion rather than an income.
All of this to say...you know best what your passion is. And you know best your capabilities. As for getting burnt out, we all go through seasons of life where we do not find as much joy and satisfaction in the things we love to do. But, if you truly love something you will continue to grow and will find fulfillment in it even when the joy is missing.
Good luck in all that you do!
I actually have a Degree in Music, which I think can be applied to your question as music is an art. I grew up loving music and was always singing, performing, and blasting it as loud as I could. Even now music is a huge part of my life. However, there is a point to be had with majoring or pursuing art in art in general.
I graduated from college in 2016 and I can honestly say that I have not used my music degree in any capacity. That is not to say that I do not still play or perform occasionally. I absolutely do. But, I do not and have not used my music degree in the way that I thought I would. This sounds like I am being discouraging. I am not trying to be at all. I would tell you to follow your passions. But at the same time think about how you would use the degree or schooling or classes taken to further your career in art.
There is nothing wrong with following another profession and doing art on the side. There is some freedom I think that comes with this as you are not bound by your job and you are able to fully focus on art as a passion rather than an income.
All of this to say...you know best what your passion is. And you know best your capabilities. As for getting burnt out, we all go through seasons of life where we do not find as much joy and satisfaction in the things we love to do. But, if you truly love something you will continue to grow and will find fulfillment in it even when the joy is missing.
Good luck in all that you do!
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Aurora
This is a kind of a difficult question. Here is what I can tell you based on my experience with art. From a young age, I knew art would always be part of my life in some way; either as a casual hobby or as a lifelong professional career. I create my own art to sell, I spent a short time as a freelance graphic designer, and I taught art in public schools until I retired. I never felt burned out, because it was all something I loved to do, even though, as a graphic designer I was not very successful, and even as an art teacher in Middle School, where I was successful; as challenging as teaching kids about art was at times, I never felt burnt out, because I loved what I was doing. If you look at a career in art as something that will force you to do art, then maybe an art career is not the best choice for you. No one wants a career where they feel forced to do anything. Your ideal career choice should bring you satisfaction, fulfillment, purpose, and even happiness, all the while earning a living.
So you might be happy just having art as a side interest to a non-art career. I have met many people who had careers in finance, or health care or other areas, but who still enjoyed creating art in their spare time. Once they retired, they were happy to finally have the time to focus on their artwork.
However, your question tells me that art is important to you, and that you might want more out of your art interest. I'm not sure exactly what art careers you are thinking about, but I suggest you do a little research on careers where you could use your art skills and talents. I've already answered a few questions here on CarerVillage.org about them, so check them out. Talk to your art teacher about art careers, or go to your school's career center (if it has one), and school library and ask your librarian about books or websites about art careers. There are lots of art careers out there. You might find an art career that is satisfying and challenging to your art skills that keeps you growing and loving art.
Best wishes!
This is a kind of a difficult question. Here is what I can tell you based on my experience with art. From a young age, I knew art would always be part of my life in some way; either as a casual hobby or as a lifelong professional career. I create my own art to sell, I spent a short time as a freelance graphic designer, and I taught art in public schools until I retired. I never felt burned out, because it was all something I loved to do, even though, as a graphic designer I was not very successful, and even as an art teacher in Middle School, where I was successful; as challenging as teaching kids about art was at times, I never felt burnt out, because I loved what I was doing. If you look at a career in art as something that will force you to do art, then maybe an art career is not the best choice for you. No one wants a career where they feel forced to do anything. Your ideal career choice should bring you satisfaction, fulfillment, purpose, and even happiness, all the while earning a living.
So you might be happy just having art as a side interest to a non-art career. I have met many people who had careers in finance, or health care or other areas, but who still enjoyed creating art in their spare time. Once they retired, they were happy to finally have the time to focus on their artwork.
However, your question tells me that art is important to you, and that you might want more out of your art interest. I'm not sure exactly what art careers you are thinking about, but I suggest you do a little research on careers where you could use your art skills and talents. I've already answered a few questions here on CarerVillage.org about them, so check them out. Talk to your art teacher about art careers, or go to your school's career center (if it has one), and school library and ask your librarian about books or websites about art careers. There are lots of art careers out there. You might find an art career that is satisfying and challenging to your art skills that keeps you growing and loving art.
Best wishes!
Keith Rodgers
Sales Director
108
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Here is the advice I would give to an artist or a sales person or any occupation of interest.
Find a job that you have a natural talent and passion to do. If you are a passionate artist that appreciates the process of art...whether you are forced to do it or not, it is what you LOVE to do...so you will do it. So very few people get the opportunity to work in an occupation they LOVE. If you are one of the lucky ones who (in your words) are forced to do something you have a natural talent for and LOVE to do. Lean into that. Doesn't get much better. That is kismet.
Once you have achieved the level of success you desire or the time has finally come to jump into the deep end, it may be the only point when you can make the decision to be fully independent to make those choices on your own.
Creative arts don't necessarily need formal education to create success. It does make it easier to put yourself in those circles with people that can help establish yourself. In that way, you may have to play th game to get to that point. Otherwise, let your art speak for itself and then listen.
Find a job that you have a natural talent and passion to do. If you are a passionate artist that appreciates the process of art...whether you are forced to do it or not, it is what you LOVE to do...so you will do it. So very few people get the opportunity to work in an occupation they LOVE. If you are one of the lucky ones who (in your words) are forced to do something you have a natural talent for and LOVE to do. Lean into that. Doesn't get much better. That is kismet.
Once you have achieved the level of success you desire or the time has finally come to jump into the deep end, it may be the only point when you can make the decision to be fully independent to make those choices on your own.
Creative arts don't necessarily need formal education to create success. It does make it easier to put yourself in those circles with people that can help establish yourself. In that way, you may have to play th game to get to that point. Otherwise, let your art speak for itself and then listen.
Rhoda Chaung
Draw and design layouts
1
Answer
Brea, California
Updated
Rhoda’s Answer
It's important to consider taking risks and pursuing your passions, even if it may not be as fun in reality. You don't want to regret not taking the chance to try something new. As my grandfather always said, a degree is just like insurance in life. While education provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, it does not guarantee happiness in your career. You may find that you are not happy with your work when you are out in society, but the saddest part is that you may not have even enjoyed your time at school. The outcome is that from undergrad until you start working hard, you may not be happy at all. Therefore, it's important to ask yourself what ultimately makes you happy in life, and pursue that path. Art could always be a hobby, I mean if you have another idea of what you want to study.
List out what major do you think you are interested to study.
List all the job opportunities for each each position.
Do some research on the jobs, list out the possibilities of why you would like the job and why not?
Narrow down what you like the most.
Maybe you will find out if you do like to be an artist.
Rhoda recommends the following next steps:
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Aurora,
I admire that you are already sensitive to hobbies vs work. In doing art for a hobby, you are in full control to create what you like, when you want to. As a professional artist, you would be required to do art to prescribed specifications, as that is a different world entirely. Because it's done to specifications prescribed by others, it immediately crosses the line from hobby to work. Another aspect to consider is that professional artists do not necessarily attempt to be creative, as that is often contradictory to the work assignment. If the enjoyment you feel comes from the freedom to express yourself, you may find that keeping art as a hobby is preferable - or taking the road to being a creative artist who does what you want and hopes to see work directly to buyers. For example, I enjoy doing website development as a hobby for non-profits, but if I had to develop a website exactly as someone wanted it, I would either find I could not do it, or I would feel high stress in the process. The fun would be gone.
I admire that you are already sensitive to hobbies vs work. In doing art for a hobby, you are in full control to create what you like, when you want to. As a professional artist, you would be required to do art to prescribed specifications, as that is a different world entirely. Because it's done to specifications prescribed by others, it immediately crosses the line from hobby to work. Another aspect to consider is that professional artists do not necessarily attempt to be creative, as that is often contradictory to the work assignment. If the enjoyment you feel comes from the freedom to express yourself, you may find that keeping art as a hobby is preferable - or taking the road to being a creative artist who does what you want and hopes to see work directly to buyers. For example, I enjoy doing website development as a hobby for non-profits, but if I had to develop a website exactly as someone wanted it, I would either find I could not do it, or I would feel high stress in the process. The fun would be gone.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to answer my question! i really appreciate it and am going to store your words in mind going forward! :)
aurora
Liediana Djoli
Student
20
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Liediana’s Answer
Hi there!
There are some online tests for you to complete to determine if you are fit to pursue art professionally based on your predispositions.
You can also start by exploring the possible career pathways available for instance being a part-time art teacher will help you understand if you can cope with the demands of art education.
There are some online tests for you to complete to determine if you are fit to pursue art professionally based on your predispositions.
You can also start by exploring the possible career pathways available for instance being a part-time art teacher will help you understand if you can cope with the demands of art education.
thanks! its hard to find something like that as im only 16 but ill figure it out! i appreciate the advice and will go take those quizzes :)
aurora