5 answers
Layla
Student
Stockton, California
1
Question
Asked
569 views
How can I become a successful artist?
how can I become a successful freelance artist starting at 14 years old and should I promote my art on social media
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5 answers
Benjamin Welch
Content Producer
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hi Layla,
This is my favorite video about being an artist: https://youtu.be/bm-Jjvqu3U4?si=lkLB0ajcDP4ZKmWo
And I recently came across this one which I found helpful and inspiring: https://youtu.be/0rguAMMTIYY?si=S76XBsIMtJVcIgRq
Good luck with everything. I hope these videos provide some ideas/inspiration for the next steps on your journey.
Cheers,
Ben
This is my favorite video about being an artist: https://youtu.be/bm-Jjvqu3U4?si=lkLB0ajcDP4ZKmWo
And I recently came across this one which I found helpful and inspiring: https://youtu.be/0rguAMMTIYY?si=S76XBsIMtJVcIgRq
Good luck with everything. I hope these videos provide some ideas/inspiration for the next steps on your journey.
Cheers,
Ben
Valentina Zanconi, Associate CIPD
Impiegata
2
Answers
Milan, Lombardy, Italy
Updated
Valentina’s Answer
Hello Layla,
So first, what is Art to you? Do you need this to be monetized?
Art should create a more durable effect, so you should create something that sets you apart, and also the fact that you're so young can bring uniqueness.
Social media help, but do you want to become famous and make it as a lifestyle? If yes, you need connections.
The idea of art is romantic, but people can't measure / judge it, so most of the time you need someone to promote it for you.
Art is also the process/what's behind it, so you need to gain knowledge and understand the trends.
So first, what is Art to you? Do you need this to be monetized?
Art should create a more durable effect, so you should create something that sets you apart, and also the fact that you're so young can bring uniqueness.
Social media help, but do you want to become famous and make it as a lifestyle? If yes, you need connections.
The idea of art is romantic, but people can't measure / judge it, so most of the time you need someone to promote it for you.
Art is also the process/what's behind it, so you need to gain knowledge and understand the trends.
Laura Mills
Graphic Designer
41
Answers
Lenhartsville, PA
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello Layla,
Thank you for your great question! I think using social media as a base to promote your artwork is a great start as it is open and seen by so many people that are on the platform. If you do decide to start on social media, my recommendation is don't just tie yourself to one social media platform. A really important part of using social media is diversifying your artwork to as many platforms as possible, this way it can be seen by a wider variety of people. Since you want to focus on your artwork, Instagram, Tumblr, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube could be great options for you to start. The great part about these platforms is you can do different things with your artwork. For example, while you may post the process image(s) and final product on Instagram and Tumblr, you can go into detail about the process by posting a video of it on YouTube or a short/quick video process on TikTok. Also, since you want to do freelancing with your art, in the bio of your social media profiles you can add "open for commissions" to let people know you are available to do commissioned art for them.
The last piece I recommend is if you are interested in selling your artwork to be sold as prints or printed on products like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, phone cases, etc. Research sites like TeePublic Store, Redbubble, Etsy, Creative Market, etc. There are tons of sites where you can do it, and get your work out there for people to see.
I hope this helps you get an idea of where you would like to start, and I wish you good luck!
-Laura M
Thank you for your great question! I think using social media as a base to promote your artwork is a great start as it is open and seen by so many people that are on the platform. If you do decide to start on social media, my recommendation is don't just tie yourself to one social media platform. A really important part of using social media is diversifying your artwork to as many platforms as possible, this way it can be seen by a wider variety of people. Since you want to focus on your artwork, Instagram, Tumblr, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube could be great options for you to start. The great part about these platforms is you can do different things with your artwork. For example, while you may post the process image(s) and final product on Instagram and Tumblr, you can go into detail about the process by posting a video of it on YouTube or a short/quick video process on TikTok. Also, since you want to do freelancing with your art, in the bio of your social media profiles you can add "open for commissions" to let people know you are available to do commissioned art for them.
The last piece I recommend is if you are interested in selling your artwork to be sold as prints or printed on products like t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, phone cases, etc. Research sites like TeePublic Store, Redbubble, Etsy, Creative Market, etc. There are tons of sites where you can do it, and get your work out there for people to see.
I hope this helps you get an idea of where you would like to start, and I wish you good luck!
-Laura M
Loved reading this, thanks!
Cadence
Tashasa Colton
Art Teacher
1
Answer
Newnan, Georgia
Updated
Tashasa’s Answer
Hello Layla!
Here are some fantastic questions to ponder on if you're considering stepping into the exciting world of freelance artistry:
1. What kind of art stirs your passion/ which art domain do you wish to explore?
2. Have you built a compelling portfolio that effectively displays your talent?
3. Are you utilizing a social media platform to exhibit your work beyond personal interactions?
4. PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE! - This cannot be emphasized enough.
5. Are you aiming to earn a consistent income in the freelance sector?
6. Have you formulated a solid business strategy?
7. Always stay receptive to fresh opportunities. There might be times when the art you least prefer creating becomes the art people love. This opens up new avenues for you to create what YOU truly desire!
Here are some fantastic questions to ponder on if you're considering stepping into the exciting world of freelance artistry:
1. What kind of art stirs your passion/ which art domain do you wish to explore?
2. Have you built a compelling portfolio that effectively displays your talent?
3. Are you utilizing a social media platform to exhibit your work beyond personal interactions?
4. PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE! - This cannot be emphasized enough.
5. Are you aiming to earn a consistent income in the freelance sector?
6. Have you formulated a solid business strategy?
7. Always stay receptive to fresh opportunities. There might be times when the art you least prefer creating becomes the art people love. This opens up new avenues for you to create what YOU truly desire!
Leila Gh
teacher
7
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Leila’s Answer
Layla, it depends on what art field you are going into. If you want to make money learn some skills in the field that you are interested in. I recommend you work and read at the same time to be more updated and more creative in what you are making. Also, if you want to step into the art world and look at that part, it is very challenging and has a lot of ups and downs and many quit this way, but if you want to be happy and make money of what you like, just work, earn a degree in that field, and boost your skills along with having some good supportive friends and having strong links are very real and important. Unfortunately, there are many great artists who make amazing works but because of having no strong connections their works are not recognized. Good Luck with your journey.