4 answers
Aunjolie
Student
Claremont, California
1
Question
Asked
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What can I expect entering the art field as a newbie when I graduate college?
After I finish college I’m going to start entering the art field. I want to produce my art if a bigger scale and be featured in museums someday soon. I believe in my skills and capability to adapt to new situations, and I pride myself in being a good communicator with people in business settings and socially. I would appreciate any and all advice for starting out as a “newbie” in the art field. Specifically on apprenticeship offers, graphic design or illustrator jobs, Disney experience, and being an independent artist. Thank you.
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4 answers
Caiti Wardlaw
Graphic designer
1
Answer
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Caiti’s Answer
While I can’t speak to the traditional artist side of the creative industry, I can speak to the graphic design side. If you are interviewing for graphic design positions, expect to explain your portfolio and the intent behind why you made the design choices that you made. If you apply and get a job at a company that is good at training juniors in the field, then expect to continue to explain the “why” behind your design choices. Expect and be ready to learn more about using the Adobe creative suite software and how to build, structure, and organize clean files. Above all, be ready to make edits for clients that you don’t agree with or even like and know that you can always put a version of that design into your portfolio that you do like.
Darwin Estacio, Artist and Art Teach
Artist
4
Answers
Roswell, New Mexico
Updated
Darwin Estacio,’s Answer
Hi, being and artist and make only thay for living can be tricky, but is not impossible , you can do it,jist be ready to work hard and think that the most important thing is keep gping not matter what , and there is a lot of opportunities for designers , just produ e work and try show it all you can , try built your signature and attach to it, oa goint to be your ID, and build ypir resumee, so do t stop to apply to shows and galleries , hope this can be helpful to you somehow .
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Aunjolie!
Entering the Art Field as a Newbie: Expectations and Guidance
1. Understanding the Art Field Landscape
As you prepare to enter the art field after college, it’s essential to recognize that this industry is diverse and multifaceted. The art world encompasses various sectors, including fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and commercial art. Each of these areas has its own set of expectations, career paths, and opportunities for growth.
2. Building Your Portfolio
One of the first steps you should take is to develop a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. This portfolio will be crucial when applying for jobs or internships in graphic design or illustration roles. Make sure it reflects not only your technical skills but also your unique artistic voice and style. A well-curated portfolio can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed by potential employers or clients.
3. Networking and Professional Relationships
Networking plays a vital role in the art field. Attend gallery openings, exhibitions, workshops, and industry events to meet other artists, curators, and professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities or collaborations that may help you gain visibility in the art community.
4. Apprenticeships and Internships
Consider seeking out apprenticeship offers or internships with established artists or organizations. These experiences can provide valuable insights into the industry while allowing you to learn from experienced professionals. Internships can also serve as stepping stones to full-time positions in graphic design or illustration.
5. Exploring Job Opportunities
For those interested in graphic design or illustration jobs, companies like Disney often look for candidates with a strong foundation in both traditional art skills and digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). Research job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or specialized job boards focused on creative careers.
When applying for these positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.
6. Independent Artist Pathway
If you aspire to be an independent artist while also pursuing opportunities within larger organizations like Disney, consider developing a personal brand through social media platforms such as Instagram or Behance. Share your artwork regularly to build an audience and engage with potential buyers or collaborators.
Participating in local art fairs or online marketplaces can also help you sell your work directly to consumers while gaining exposure.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The art field is constantly evolving due to technological advancements and changing market demands. Stay updated on trends within your area of interest by taking additional courses (online platforms like Coursera or Skillshare offer many options) or attending workshops that focus on new techniques or software relevant to graphic design and illustration.
8. Setting Realistic Goals
While aiming for museum features is commendable, it’s important to set realistic short-term goals alongside long-term aspirations. Start by participating in local exhibitions before targeting larger venues; this incremental approach allows you to build experience gradually.
9. Resilience and Persistence
Finally, entering the art field requires resilience due to its competitive nature; rejection is common even among seasoned artists. Maintain a positive attitude towards feedback and use it constructively to improve your craft.
By following these steps—building a portfolio, networking effectively, seeking internships/apprenticeships, exploring job opportunities actively while promoting yourself as an independent artist—you will position yourself favorably as you embark on your journey in the art field post-college.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
This organization provides resources about museum practices including how emerging artists can get involved with galleries and museums.
2. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA offers insights into funding opportunities for artists along with statistics about employment trends within various artistic fields.
3. Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines
This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for pricing artwork appropriately while navigating contracts within commercial art sectors such as graphic design.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Entering the Art Field as a Newbie: Expectations and Guidance
1. Understanding the Art Field Landscape
As you prepare to enter the art field after college, it’s essential to recognize that this industry is diverse and multifaceted. The art world encompasses various sectors, including fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and commercial art. Each of these areas has its own set of expectations, career paths, and opportunities for growth.
2. Building Your Portfolio
One of the first steps you should take is to develop a strong portfolio that showcases your best work. This portfolio will be crucial when applying for jobs or internships in graphic design or illustration roles. Make sure it reflects not only your technical skills but also your unique artistic voice and style. A well-curated portfolio can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed by potential employers or clients.
3. Networking and Professional Relationships
Networking plays a vital role in the art field. Attend gallery openings, exhibitions, workshops, and industry events to meet other artists, curators, and professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to mentorship opportunities or collaborations that may help you gain visibility in the art community.
4. Apprenticeships and Internships
Consider seeking out apprenticeship offers or internships with established artists or organizations. These experiences can provide valuable insights into the industry while allowing you to learn from experienced professionals. Internships can also serve as stepping stones to full-time positions in graphic design or illustration.
5. Exploring Job Opportunities
For those interested in graphic design or illustration jobs, companies like Disney often look for candidates with a strong foundation in both traditional art skills and digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). Research job openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or specialized job boards focused on creative careers.
When applying for these positions, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description.
6. Independent Artist Pathway
If you aspire to be an independent artist while also pursuing opportunities within larger organizations like Disney, consider developing a personal brand through social media platforms such as Instagram or Behance. Share your artwork regularly to build an audience and engage with potential buyers or collaborators.
Participating in local art fairs or online marketplaces can also help you sell your work directly to consumers while gaining exposure.
7. Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The art field is constantly evolving due to technological advancements and changing market demands. Stay updated on trends within your area of interest by taking additional courses (online platforms like Coursera or Skillshare offer many options) or attending workshops that focus on new techniques or software relevant to graphic design and illustration.
8. Setting Realistic Goals
While aiming for museum features is commendable, it’s important to set realistic short-term goals alongside long-term aspirations. Start by participating in local exhibitions before targeting larger venues; this incremental approach allows you to build experience gradually.
9. Resilience and Persistence
Finally, entering the art field requires resilience due to its competitive nature; rejection is common even among seasoned artists. Maintain a positive attitude towards feedback and use it constructively to improve your craft.
By following these steps—building a portfolio, networking effectively, seeking internships/apprenticeships, exploring job opportunities actively while promoting yourself as an independent artist—you will position yourself favorably as you embark on your journey in the art field post-college.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
1. American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
This organization provides resources about museum practices including how emerging artists can get involved with galleries and museums.
2. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The NEA offers insights into funding opportunities for artists along with statistics about employment trends within various artistic fields.
3. Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines
This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for pricing artwork appropriately while navigating contracts within commercial art sectors such as graphic design.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Warren Irwin
I am a P.E. teacher who is certified to teach art.
23
Answers
Metairie, Louisiana
Updated
Warren’s Answer
You want to do the best of everything and you want it all at once or so it seems. This is developmentally appropriate for someone getting ready to graduate, and if there's ever a time to think big, it's now. However, you can't be disappointed if an apprenticeship with Disney doesn't emerge and if your work isn't acquired by a museum within a few years of graduating. These are not rite of passage steps for young people entering adulthood, and those that do reach goals such as these normally do so with a level of luck that is greater than their talent or determination. I would encourage you to look seriously at every opportunity you can and understand that if you don't currently have an apprenticeship or a venue to show your art, then nothing is beneath you. You may have to show at a coffee shop before you show at a museum, and you may have to design coupons before you put together a Disney movie. If you really want to ascend in your field, make sure you are always trying to do better than you did before. Find adversity and constructive criticism, then let it make you better. The world can be yours, but there is no formula for making it so. Everyone who has achieved what they want in life has a different story to tell.
Make art as often as you can.
Seek out work opportunities.
Put your work or your resume out there for every opportunity that you seems like it could be good.
Don't sit idle while you wait for people to respond.
Do the very best job you can with everything you do.
Warren recommends the following next steps: