8 answers
Sophia’s
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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Art question tips?
Hi am a middle schooler and I want to be a artist because they create beautiful art and they get paid for there actual good talents.
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8 answers
Lysi Crawford
Freelance Creative Writer
2
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Lysi’s Answer
Hey Sophia!
Being an artist is such an amazing career choice. I personally enjoy being able to have my talent and passion for such beauty pay off.
Are you also an artist in middle or high school looking to get a head start on your career choices? I know it can seem quite intimidating. I know it was for me, but I actually love it, and you can definitely make a career out of it.
I specialize in mixed media, meaning I explore acrylic and oil painting, watercolor, charcoal and color pencil, collaging, and lightly dab in digital work and photography. Having the ability to switch between each is always exciting, but I didn't develop my skills overnight. Having an initial talent was great, but with it comes hard work and putting effort into constantly enhancing my skills. During high school, I enrolled in an art magnet, which allowed me to magnify my preexisting skills, which is something I definitely suggest doing. Not necessarily the exact direction I went, but you could get into exploring your own talents more by enrolling in a few art classes, in or outside of school. It's always so fun and thrilling to be around others who share the same passion as you while getting an expert to help you figure out the direction you want to go in.
Though, I also suggest you explore the pros and cons of becoming an artist full-time, whether you're doing it as freelance work or under a company. Being under a company may be easier financially, though it's no joke when people talk about the financial struggles of being an artist. You should charge what your time, effort, and materials are worth, though not everybody believes so, which can make it hard to sell and make money. There are also times when making a hobby your main line of work can become very exhausting and bring you to the point of resenting your passion. There are ways to avoid it, but it is something that happens, especially with being an artist.
But, when you love what you do, you strive to embrace the ups and downs. So, if you're interested in learning more about this field, here's how I think you should go about:
1. Starting your exploration in middle or high school is a good start. You could begin by figuring out what kind of art (genre/medium) you're heavily interested. There's lots that you could do and combining them makes for an exciting line of work (I should now!). Decide whether you want to enhance on a current talent or explore something you've never done before.
2. Check for any art classes your school may have. If you're in middle school and high school, you could go about this by adding these as electives on top of your regular courses. In college, since you can choose your own courses, you could enroll as an art major/minor, or just take them as extra classes.
3. Look into internships under art companies. These internships can range from working in a museum/gallery, helping an artist, doing digital work for a company, etc. If you aren't at this point yet, you could just start by creating small pieces and selling your work. Because oft he current climate, it does make it easier for students to sell their work online, especially Instagram.
Again, this may seem overwhelming, but being an artist is really fun and exciting. You get to find beauty in any and everything and get to explore yourself as an artist. It's great to be able to form your own art style and be different than others.
I hope that you'll be able to explore this often very soon!
Being an artist is such an amazing career choice. I personally enjoy being able to have my talent and passion for such beauty pay off.
Are you also an artist in middle or high school looking to get a head start on your career choices? I know it can seem quite intimidating. I know it was for me, but I actually love it, and you can definitely make a career out of it.
I specialize in mixed media, meaning I explore acrylic and oil painting, watercolor, charcoal and color pencil, collaging, and lightly dab in digital work and photography. Having the ability to switch between each is always exciting, but I didn't develop my skills overnight. Having an initial talent was great, but with it comes hard work and putting effort into constantly enhancing my skills. During high school, I enrolled in an art magnet, which allowed me to magnify my preexisting skills, which is something I definitely suggest doing. Not necessarily the exact direction I went, but you could get into exploring your own talents more by enrolling in a few art classes, in or outside of school. It's always so fun and thrilling to be around others who share the same passion as you while getting an expert to help you figure out the direction you want to go in.
Though, I also suggest you explore the pros and cons of becoming an artist full-time, whether you're doing it as freelance work or under a company. Being under a company may be easier financially, though it's no joke when people talk about the financial struggles of being an artist. You should charge what your time, effort, and materials are worth, though not everybody believes so, which can make it hard to sell and make money. There are also times when making a hobby your main line of work can become very exhausting and bring you to the point of resenting your passion. There are ways to avoid it, but it is something that happens, especially with being an artist.
But, when you love what you do, you strive to embrace the ups and downs. So, if you're interested in learning more about this field, here's how I think you should go about:
1. Starting your exploration in middle or high school is a good start. You could begin by figuring out what kind of art (genre/medium) you're heavily interested. There's lots that you could do and combining them makes for an exciting line of work (I should now!). Decide whether you want to enhance on a current talent or explore something you've never done before.
2. Check for any art classes your school may have. If you're in middle school and high school, you could go about this by adding these as electives on top of your regular courses. In college, since you can choose your own courses, you could enroll as an art major/minor, or just take them as extra classes.
3. Look into internships under art companies. These internships can range from working in a museum/gallery, helping an artist, doing digital work for a company, etc. If you aren't at this point yet, you could just start by creating small pieces and selling your work. Because oft he current climate, it does make it easier for students to sell their work online, especially Instagram.
Again, this may seem overwhelming, but being an artist is really fun and exciting. You get to find beauty in any and everything and get to explore yourself as an artist. It's great to be able to form your own art style and be different than others.
I hope that you'll be able to explore this often very soon!
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
59
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
It's so exciting to hear that you want to become an artist. Your passion and talent are the perfect foundation for a successful art career. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Practice Regularly:
The more you draw, paint, or create, the better you’ll become. Try to set aside some time each day or week to practice your skills and experiment with different styles.
2. Explore Different Mediums:
Don't limit yourself to just one type of art. Try out painting, drawing, digital art, and more. Each medium can teach you new techniques and help you find what you enjoy the most.
3. Learn from Others:
Look at the work of artists you admire and study their techniques. You can also find inspiration and advice in art books, online tutorials, and even local art classes.
4. Seek Feedback:
Share your work with family, friends, or teachers and ask for their opinions. Constructive feedback can help you improve and grow as an artist.
5. Build a Portfolio:
Start creating a collection of your best work. This will be important later if you want to apply for art schools or show your work to potential clients.
6. Stay Curious and Inspired:
Keep exploring new ideas, trends, and techniques in the art world. Staying inspired will help you continue to develop your unique style.
Lastly have fun doing all this and don't overwhelm yourself. Remember, every great artist started where you are now. Keep believing in yourself, stay dedicated, and enjoy the process of creating. You've got so much potential.
Best of luck in your Artistic Journey and keep creating!
It's so exciting to hear that you want to become an artist. Your passion and talent are the perfect foundation for a successful art career. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
1. Practice Regularly:
The more you draw, paint, or create, the better you’ll become. Try to set aside some time each day or week to practice your skills and experiment with different styles.
2. Explore Different Mediums:
Don't limit yourself to just one type of art. Try out painting, drawing, digital art, and more. Each medium can teach you new techniques and help you find what you enjoy the most.
3. Learn from Others:
Look at the work of artists you admire and study their techniques. You can also find inspiration and advice in art books, online tutorials, and even local art classes.
4. Seek Feedback:
Share your work with family, friends, or teachers and ask for their opinions. Constructive feedback can help you improve and grow as an artist.
5. Build a Portfolio:
Start creating a collection of your best work. This will be important later if you want to apply for art schools or show your work to potential clients.
6. Stay Curious and Inspired:
Keep exploring new ideas, trends, and techniques in the art world. Staying inspired will help you continue to develop your unique style.
Lastly have fun doing all this and don't overwhelm yourself. Remember, every great artist started where you are now. Keep believing in yourself, stay dedicated, and enjoy the process of creating. You've got so much potential.
Best of luck in your Artistic Journey and keep creating!
Idara AKPABIO
Product designer
2
Answers
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Updated
Idara’s Answer
That's a fantastic goal! Becoming an artist is a wonderful way to express yourself, create beautiful things, and even make a living. It's great that you're inspired by the idea of turning your talent into a career.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your journey:
Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become. Experiment with different techniques and styles to find what you love.
Learn from others: Take art classes, study the work of famous artists, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and advice.
Build a portfolio: Create a collection of your best work to showcase your skills and attract potential clients or galleries.
Network with other artists: Connecting with other artists can help you find opportunities, share ideas, and get feedback on your work.
Consider your business side: While creating art is important, understanding the business side of being an artist is also essential. This includes things like pricing your work, marketing your art, and managing your finances.
Remember, becoming a professional artist takes time and dedication. But with hard work and passion, you can achieve your dream.
Is there anything specific you'd like to ask about becoming an artist, such as choosing a medium or finding inspiration?
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your journey:
Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become. Experiment with different techniques and styles to find what you love.
Learn from others: Take art classes, study the work of famous artists, and seek out mentors who can offer guidance and advice.
Build a portfolio: Create a collection of your best work to showcase your skills and attract potential clients or galleries.
Network with other artists: Connecting with other artists can help you find opportunities, share ideas, and get feedback on your work.
Consider your business side: While creating art is important, understanding the business side of being an artist is also essential. This includes things like pricing your work, marketing your art, and managing your finances.
Remember, becoming a professional artist takes time and dedication. But with hard work and passion, you can achieve your dream.
Is there anything specific you'd like to ask about becoming an artist, such as choosing a medium or finding inspiration?
Elena Lowe
Artist and Author
3
Answers
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Updated
Elena’s Answer
Hi Sophia! It's awesome that you want to be an artist, I am an artist too. I like to oil paint. Are you taking art in school? That is a good place to start. In middle school and high school. And are you doing any art at home? In your art class at school you will, if you aren't already, learning various forms of art. If there are classes you can take outside of school that would be helpful too. When I was 15 years old, not only did I take art all through school but there was a store downtown where I live where they had painting classes at the back of the store. Every tuesday evening after supper I would walk to that class with my kaboodle filled with paints and brushes and learn more about painting. Maybe ask your parents if they can search for something similar that you can attend outside of school. Decide which form of art you enjoy the most, what comes more naturally to you, and your skill will improve more and more. If you choose to go to college to pursue art even more, there are many colleges to look into. So think about what art means to you and what medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor) and genres inerest you (abstract, expressionalism, impressionalism, pop art...etc). Or maybe you enjoy sculpting. With your art classes at school you should start getting an idea on what you enjoy the most. And again, check around where you live, see if there are some classes somewhere you can take after school or maybe there are some somewhere you can go to on the weekends. It's a good start! When I paint, I put my heart and soul into my pieces, I love listening to music while I paint and I feel what it is I am painting. Keep in mind that yes, you can make money being an artist but never lose sight of the joy in creating art. Also, don't compare your work to others work. Your work is your own, unique. You. :) I wish you the best Sophia! --- Elena
Bre Salvador
Manager, Sales Engineering
2
Answers
Lynnwood, Washington
Updated
Bre’s Answer
Hey Sophia! It's fantastic to see your passion for Art! To truly shine in this field, it's crucial to dive into various mediums and consistently hone your skills. By venturing into different mediums, you'll not only enhance your abilities in diverse areas, but you might also discover a medium that truly resonates with your artistic spirit! Regular practice is key. Remember, your first sketch probably wasn't as intricate as your 100th. By frequently engaging in drawing, painting, sculpting, and continuously creating, you'll cultivate profound artistry that will propel you towards success. Consider maintaining an art journal, where you can assign yourself daily tasks or choose a monthly theme. For instance, you could say, "For September, I'll sketch everything fall-related" or "Each day, I'll create something inspired by a new letter or number".
Robin Daurelle
Commercial Interior Design also taught college classes
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Robin’s Answer
Realistically having known many very talented artists, have a back up income. The artists who can make a living wage just from their art are few and far between despite talent. Not saying quit doing your art just want you to have a realistic approach for a career.
Angela Y. Smithers
User Interface Design
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Angela Y.’s Answer
Excellent! It’s fantastic that you have found what you want to do in life. You can start by entering local contests or contests for your age group that are posted online. If you’re not old enough to enter, feel free to create your art that you would enter and save it for your college/university portfolio.
Maybe when you reach high school, you will get to create your first online portfolio as well.
All the best!
Enter local art contests
Enter art contests for your age group online
Save your content entries (and the content requirements) for your portfolio
Maybe when you reach high school, you will get to create your first online portfolio as well.
All the best!
Angela Y. recommends the following next steps:
Anthony Balogun
Creative and Visual Arts tutor
3
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hello Sophia here is my take on that Here's some advice for you aspiring to become an artist:
. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to honing your skills. Consistent practice is key to improvement.
. Explore different mediums: Try various art forms like drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, etc. This will help you find your preferred medium and broaden your skillset.
. Study art history: Learn about different art movements, styles, and influential artists. This knowledge will inform and inspire your own work.
. Develop your own style: While learning from others is important, focus on cultivating your unique artistic voice.
. Build a portfolio: Collect your best works to showcase your skills and style to potential clients or schools.
. Take classes or workshops: Formal education can provide structured learning and networking opportunities.
Seek constructive feedback: Share your work with peers, mentors, or online communities to get valuable input.
. Learn the business side: Understand pricing, marketing, and self-promotion to turn your passion into a career.
. Stay inspired: Visit galleries, museums, and art shows. Draw inspiration from various sources, including nature and everyday life.
. Be persistent: The art world can be challenging. Stay committed to your goals and keep creating, even when faced with setbacks.
Would you like me to elaborate on any of these points?
. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day to honing your skills. Consistent practice is key to improvement.
. Explore different mediums: Try various art forms like drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, etc. This will help you find your preferred medium and broaden your skillset.
. Study art history: Learn about different art movements, styles, and influential artists. This knowledge will inform and inspire your own work.
. Develop your own style: While learning from others is important, focus on cultivating your unique artistic voice.
. Build a portfolio: Collect your best works to showcase your skills and style to potential clients or schools.
. Take classes or workshops: Formal education can provide structured learning and networking opportunities.
Seek constructive feedback: Share your work with peers, mentors, or online communities to get valuable input.
. Learn the business side: Understand pricing, marketing, and self-promotion to turn your passion into a career.
. Stay inspired: Visit galleries, museums, and art shows. Draw inspiration from various sources, including nature and everyday life.
. Be persistent: The art world can be challenging. Stay committed to your goals and keep creating, even when faced with setbacks.
Would you like me to elaborate on any of these points?