6 answers
Abigail
Student
Oregon City, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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What are your best tips on building a career as an artist?
I have definitely started building my career by doing commissions, building an email list, getting in my community with art fairs, and hosting my own painting workshops.
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6 answers
Desmari Kilian
Transcriber
1
Answer
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Updated
Desmari’s Answer
Hi Abigail.
I too am a artist and I’ve had the same struggle. I began to post my art on social media and people started to Like it and before I knew it other artist started following me and wanted to collab or offerd I work for them. It’s an great way to build experience and to put on your CV.I had to turn them down because I am still studying art but that work for me just to keep posting my art.
You also have a bunch of great ideas that could definitely work just be patience.
I too am a artist and I’ve had the same struggle. I began to post my art on social media and people started to Like it and before I knew it other artist started following me and wanted to collab or offerd I work for them. It’s an great way to build experience and to put on your CV.I had to turn them down because I am still studying art but that work for me just to keep posting my art.
You also have a bunch of great ideas that could definitely work just be patience.
Enise Agel
144
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Abigail,
I know someone who is still an art teacher, and shows her paintings in most exhibitions in Japan.
She once told me that she creates a/few social media account(s) for companies who would like to purchase on her paintings.
However, if you would like to exhibit your paintings, you should keep an eye on charity works/campaigns/donation related any global issues, so that you can present your paintings, and contribute on few issues everyone experiences.
Other than that, you can apply for art competitions. If you will be a winner, you can be a lucky one that present your painting.
You can collaborate with well-known brands, so that your paintings will be on the clothings, shoes, or even jewellry. The reason behind this is that everyone can inspire others, not copying original ideas. Or you can legally collaborate with publishing companies to show your paintings.
I hope this helps.
I know someone who is still an art teacher, and shows her paintings in most exhibitions in Japan.
She once told me that she creates a/few social media account(s) for companies who would like to purchase on her paintings.
However, if you would like to exhibit your paintings, you should keep an eye on charity works/campaigns/donation related any global issues, so that you can present your paintings, and contribute on few issues everyone experiences.
Other than that, you can apply for art competitions. If you will be a winner, you can be a lucky one that present your painting.
You can collaborate with well-known brands, so that your paintings will be on the clothings, shoes, or even jewellry. The reason behind this is that everyone can inspire others, not copying original ideas. Or you can legally collaborate with publishing companies to show your paintings.
I hope this helps.
Mona Ahmadi
Art Instructor, Artist
23
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Mona’s Answer
Hello Abigail,
Congratulation! You have started your career wonderfully. Your path will lead to great places; just be consistent and patient because building an audience and finding people who will become genuinely interested in your artwork and follow your works in the long term takes time.
It seems you already established a good presence on social media platforms when you mentioned you have an email list, or is it just created based on the visits you receive from your website? If it's the latter, make sure you post good and informative content about your artwork on social media, with a lead that will eventually send your audience to your websites.
You could also start looking into affiliate marketing and blogging if that's what you like. Creating and writing exciting topics on your blog can get you more visibility, engage your readers in thoughtful and beneficial topics, and help them get to know you better. You can also review and write about some of the materials and tools you regularly use on your blog while leaving an affiliated link on your page. This way, you are suggesting an excellent product to your readers, and if they become interested and purchase from your link, you can earn a small commission as well.
Doing workshops are great if you are interested in teaching paintings to others. This way, they can get to know your style and learn your approach, and then you can set up a weekly class to teach them how you execute your painting. Or, eventually, turn your workshops and classes also online to reach and help so many more people.
You can also look into licensing on different websites and see if any of your styles would be a good fit based on the demands that the audience of these sites have and start selling your art there as well.
Another way to expand your career and increase your sales would be selling prints of your artwork online for limited edition numbers and lower prices than the original work. If someone is interested but not ready to invest in the original work, they can buy a print.
Also, please take note of all the other suggestions you have received; they are all very helpful. I wish you a successful journey and the best of luck!
Congratulation! You have started your career wonderfully. Your path will lead to great places; just be consistent and patient because building an audience and finding people who will become genuinely interested in your artwork and follow your works in the long term takes time.
It seems you already established a good presence on social media platforms when you mentioned you have an email list, or is it just created based on the visits you receive from your website? If it's the latter, make sure you post good and informative content about your artwork on social media, with a lead that will eventually send your audience to your websites.
You could also start looking into affiliate marketing and blogging if that's what you like. Creating and writing exciting topics on your blog can get you more visibility, engage your readers in thoughtful and beneficial topics, and help them get to know you better. You can also review and write about some of the materials and tools you regularly use on your blog while leaving an affiliated link on your page. This way, you are suggesting an excellent product to your readers, and if they become interested and purchase from your link, you can earn a small commission as well.
Doing workshops are great if you are interested in teaching paintings to others. This way, they can get to know your style and learn your approach, and then you can set up a weekly class to teach them how you execute your painting. Or, eventually, turn your workshops and classes also online to reach and help so many more people.
You can also look into licensing on different websites and see if any of your styles would be a good fit based on the demands that the audience of these sites have and start selling your art there as well.
Another way to expand your career and increase your sales would be selling prints of your artwork online for limited edition numbers and lower prices than the original work. If someone is interested but not ready to invest in the original work, they can buy a print.
Also, please take note of all the other suggestions you have received; they are all very helpful. I wish you a successful journey and the best of luck!
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Abigail
Sounds like you are off to a great start. Many young artists are shy about getting their work out in the local community, but you are doing great! Also many young artists just want to create art, and don't think in terms of a career, so you are definitely a few steps ahead. Keep on creating your work, showing your work, and sharing your enthusiasm for your art.
You've gotten some great advice already. Make sure you are making the most of social media with instagram or Facebook. Visit art galleries and gift shops in your community and see what is selling, and see if your artwork would fit in. Don't be afraid to talk to the owners or managers about how artwork is selling. You might consider having some note cards or postcards made up of your artwork to sell. People still do buy notecards, and my experience has been that they are happy to own examples of my work in notecard form, which is much cheaper than the originals. A lot of artists today are also having what they call "prints", (but which are really digital reproductions), made of their work, which they sell alongside their original work. You probably have seen this at art and craft markets. It's the new thing.
But my biggest advice is patience. It can take awhile for an art career to take off. That is why so many young artists out of art school need to have "day jobs" to pay the bills. Also, many young artists get so caught up in the business end of their art career, that they don't have the time and energy to actually make and develop their art. So, it's a balance between the business and the art. If you are still in high school or younger, I would suggest you keep your business aspirations low key, and focus on making your artwork the best it can be. Don't get too much caught up in wanting to be famous right now, or having a zillion followers on social media, or becoming a millionaire at this point; you've got time.
Sounds like you are off to a great start. Many young artists are shy about getting their work out in the local community, but you are doing great! Also many young artists just want to create art, and don't think in terms of a career, so you are definitely a few steps ahead. Keep on creating your work, showing your work, and sharing your enthusiasm for your art.
You've gotten some great advice already. Make sure you are making the most of social media with instagram or Facebook. Visit art galleries and gift shops in your community and see what is selling, and see if your artwork would fit in. Don't be afraid to talk to the owners or managers about how artwork is selling. You might consider having some note cards or postcards made up of your artwork to sell. People still do buy notecards, and my experience has been that they are happy to own examples of my work in notecard form, which is much cheaper than the originals. A lot of artists today are also having what they call "prints", (but which are really digital reproductions), made of their work, which they sell alongside their original work. You probably have seen this at art and craft markets. It's the new thing.
But my biggest advice is patience. It can take awhile for an art career to take off. That is why so many young artists out of art school need to have "day jobs" to pay the bills. Also, many young artists get so caught up in the business end of their art career, that they don't have the time and energy to actually make and develop their art. So, it's a balance between the business and the art. If you are still in high school or younger, I would suggest you keep your business aspirations low key, and focus on making your artwork the best it can be. Don't get too much caught up in wanting to be famous right now, or having a zillion followers on social media, or becoming a millionaire at this point; you've got time.
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
76
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Angella’s Answer
Career Tips for Artists
User
What are your best tips on building a career as an artist?
ChatGPT
Building a successful career as an artist can be challenging, but with dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
Hone your skills: Continuously work on improving your artistic abilities. Practice regularly, experiment with different techniques and mediums, and seek constructive feedback from fellow artists or mentors.
Define your artistic voice: Discover what makes your art unique and develop a distinct style or theme that sets you apart from others. Your individuality and authenticity will help you stand out in a crowded artistic landscape.
Create a portfolio: Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Curate a diverse collection of pieces that demonstrate your range, skills, and artistic vision. A well-presented portfolio is essential for attracting potential clients, galleries, or opportunities.
Network and collaborate: Attend art events, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences to connect with other artists, industry professionals, and potential buyers. Building relationships within the art community can open doors to collaborations, commissions, and exposure.
Utilize online platforms: Leverage social media platforms, artist communities, and online galleries to showcase your work to a broader audience. Develop a professional website or portfolio, and actively engage with your followers and fans.
Seek exposure: Submit your work to galleries, art competitions, and juried exhibitions. Participate in group shows or consider organizing your own exhibitions. Public exposure and recognition can lead to opportunities and credibility.
Collaborate with other professionals: Collaborating with designers, writers, musicians, or other artists can expand your creative horizons and expose your work to different audiences. Look for interdisciplinary projects or partnerships that align with your artistic goals.
Diversify income streams: Consider multiple avenues to generate income from your art. Besides selling original pieces, explore opportunities such as prints, merchandise, licensing, commissions, teaching, or freelance work within your field.
Stay informed: Keep up with trends, techniques, and developments in the art world. Attend workshops, read art publications, follow influential artists, and stay connected with the broader creative community. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for growth.
Develop business skills: While artistry is your primary focus, developing basic business skills is essential for managing your career. Learn about marketing, pricing, contracts, copyright, and financial management to ensure you can navigate the business side of being an artist.
Remember, building a successful career as an artist takes time and perseverance. Stay true to your artistic vision, stay persistent, and embrace opportunities for growth and learning along the way.
Thank you for choosing Career for your assistance
Regards
Angella Chepchirchir
User
What are your best tips on building a career as an artist?
ChatGPT
Building a successful career as an artist can be challenging, but with dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
Hone your skills: Continuously work on improving your artistic abilities. Practice regularly, experiment with different techniques and mediums, and seek constructive feedback from fellow artists or mentors.
Define your artistic voice: Discover what makes your art unique and develop a distinct style or theme that sets you apart from others. Your individuality and authenticity will help you stand out in a crowded artistic landscape.
Create a portfolio: Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. Curate a diverse collection of pieces that demonstrate your range, skills, and artistic vision. A well-presented portfolio is essential for attracting potential clients, galleries, or opportunities.
Network and collaborate: Attend art events, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences to connect with other artists, industry professionals, and potential buyers. Building relationships within the art community can open doors to collaborations, commissions, and exposure.
Utilize online platforms: Leverage social media platforms, artist communities, and online galleries to showcase your work to a broader audience. Develop a professional website or portfolio, and actively engage with your followers and fans.
Seek exposure: Submit your work to galleries, art competitions, and juried exhibitions. Participate in group shows or consider organizing your own exhibitions. Public exposure and recognition can lead to opportunities and credibility.
Collaborate with other professionals: Collaborating with designers, writers, musicians, or other artists can expand your creative horizons and expose your work to different audiences. Look for interdisciplinary projects or partnerships that align with your artistic goals.
Diversify income streams: Consider multiple avenues to generate income from your art. Besides selling original pieces, explore opportunities such as prints, merchandise, licensing, commissions, teaching, or freelance work within your field.
Stay informed: Keep up with trends, techniques, and developments in the art world. Attend workshops, read art publications, follow influential artists, and stay connected with the broader creative community. Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for growth.
Develop business skills: While artistry is your primary focus, developing basic business skills is essential for managing your career. Learn about marketing, pricing, contracts, copyright, and financial management to ensure you can navigate the business side of being an artist.
Remember, building a successful career as an artist takes time and perseverance. Stay true to your artistic vision, stay persistent, and embrace opportunities for growth and learning along the way.
Thank you for choosing Career for your assistance
Regards
Angella Chepchirchir
Mark Moseley
Retired
26
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Firstly, it's crucial to become proficient in Artificial Intelligence. Remember, the art of the future will be crafted using 3D printing technology.
Secondly, strive for originality. Most of the art we see today is derivative.
Immerse yourself in studying the works of great artists. The more artists you study the more original your own art will be.
Also keep in mind that everything is art. Don't forget about the sciences.
Secondly, strive for originality. Most of the art we see today is derivative.
Immerse yourself in studying the works of great artists. The more artists you study the more original your own art will be.
Also keep in mind that everything is art. Don't forget about the sciences.