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Is the art industry really dying out?
I have heard that the art industry is not a good industry to go into because of the lack of jobs and the unstable income, but it is something that I want to explore in college.
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5 answers
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Angela,
Everything is in flux right now because AI is being used for so many things (graphic design, writing, illustration) that used to be done by skilled, trained humans, and there have been job cuts as employers shift their investments to technology.
When you refer to "the art industry," that's a pretty broad term. If you're talking about traditional fine art disciplines like drawing, painting, and sculpture, there are more formally trained artists out there than ever--and fewer places to exhibit and sell work--so the competition makes it nearly impossible for most artists to make it solely on the sales of their work or artist grants. Commercial success is a combination of consistent hard work, talent, skill, social connections, and luck.
But as Eda said, art training and practice are incredibly useful, despite what detractors say. You'll find the greatest success in doing what you love, and your path will be much smoother if you can find a way to support yourself that gives you steady income. I'd suggest training for roles that will complement your artistic goals if you can, and learn now to be as resilient and adaptable as you can, because change is the only constant!
Stay curious and keep gathering information so you can feel confident about whatever decisions you make.
Best wishes to you.
Everything is in flux right now because AI is being used for so many things (graphic design, writing, illustration) that used to be done by skilled, trained humans, and there have been job cuts as employers shift their investments to technology.
When you refer to "the art industry," that's a pretty broad term. If you're talking about traditional fine art disciplines like drawing, painting, and sculpture, there are more formally trained artists out there than ever--and fewer places to exhibit and sell work--so the competition makes it nearly impossible for most artists to make it solely on the sales of their work or artist grants. Commercial success is a combination of consistent hard work, talent, skill, social connections, and luck.
But as Eda said, art training and practice are incredibly useful, despite what detractors say. You'll find the greatest success in doing what you love, and your path will be much smoother if you can find a way to support yourself that gives you steady income. I'd suggest training for roles that will complement your artistic goals if you can, and learn now to be as resilient and adaptable as you can, because change is the only constant!
Stay curious and keep gathering information so you can feel confident about whatever decisions you make.
Best wishes to you.
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
61
Answers
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Angela,
This is a really important question! And the short answer is no art industry isn’t dying it’s just uncertain and becoming more corporatized. While some companies are cutting jobs and experimenting with AI, that approach isn't seems stable either. In fact, there are companies, like Dark Horse Comics, Studio Ghibli and others, that are against AI and are choosing to prioritize human talent instead.
Studio Ghibli and its legendary co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, have been openly critical of AI-generated art. In a now well-known clip from a 2016 NHK documentary, Miyazaki described his reaction to an AI animation demonstration as "utterly disgusted." The AI's eerie animation led Miyazaki to voice concerns about the technology, describing it as "an insult to life itself." He also conveyed deep apprehensions about the ethical implications of AI in the arts, stating that the lack of human empathy in these creations feels dehumanizing.
Miyazaki’s response reflects his longstanding commitment to hand-drawn, emotionally resonant art. His sentiments are shared by other notable figures in the film industry, like Guillermo del Toro, who similarly believes that genuine human expression in art cannot be replicated by machines.
It’s not just the art industry facing layoffs many sectors are dealing with job cuts.
But if you want to explore the art industry, you should, especially if it’s what makes you happy. Artists create because they love the process, not just the end result. As long as people have desire to create, art will continue to thrive.
That said, it’s practical to diversify your income. Consider building skills or creating a side income source outside of art to ensure financial stability. This can provide security while you develop your career in art.
Also financial stability can vary depending on the specific field and location, but as an artist, cultivating a strong portfolio, networking, and building a recognizable brand can greatly impact your success.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
This is a really important question! And the short answer is no art industry isn’t dying it’s just uncertain and becoming more corporatized. While some companies are cutting jobs and experimenting with AI, that approach isn't seems stable either. In fact, there are companies, like Dark Horse Comics, Studio Ghibli and others, that are against AI and are choosing to prioritize human talent instead.
Studio Ghibli and its legendary co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, have been openly critical of AI-generated art. In a now well-known clip from a 2016 NHK documentary, Miyazaki described his reaction to an AI animation demonstration as "utterly disgusted." The AI's eerie animation led Miyazaki to voice concerns about the technology, describing it as "an insult to life itself." He also conveyed deep apprehensions about the ethical implications of AI in the arts, stating that the lack of human empathy in these creations feels dehumanizing.
Miyazaki’s response reflects his longstanding commitment to hand-drawn, emotionally resonant art. His sentiments are shared by other notable figures in the film industry, like Guillermo del Toro, who similarly believes that genuine human expression in art cannot be replicated by machines.
It’s not just the art industry facing layoffs many sectors are dealing with job cuts.
But if you want to explore the art industry, you should, especially if it’s what makes you happy. Artists create because they love the process, not just the end result. As long as people have desire to create, art will continue to thrive.
That said, it’s practical to diversify your income. Consider building skills or creating a side income source outside of art to ensure financial stability. This can provide security while you develop your career in art.
Also financial stability can vary depending on the specific field and location, but as an artist, cultivating a strong portfolio, networking, and building a recognizable brand can greatly impact your success.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
Hi Angela!
I am a recent college graduate who went to school for Creative Writing and Visual Arts. I believe that any career is what you make of it. With the advancements in technology, people are able to have a greater reach than ever before through social media. Because of this, you can cultivate an audience much easier and find support as an upincoming artist. If you would like a career creating art, I recommend building your social media presence, creating prints/opening a print shop for people to buy your work, creating an artist website & business cards, and doing commissions. Those are some of the most accessible ways to make income. You can start by doing commissions for people you know, and then as time goes on, you will get offers from people you don't know. If you want to have a career solely creating art, it will take time, perserverance, and dedication.
I recommend talking with people established in the art field. Most people have emails or accounts where you can reach out to them, and most artists just want to help each other out. The biggest part of working in the art field is networking. Making connections with other people can help you find jobs within the art world, or connect you with opportunities such as artist residencies, grants, scholarships, shows, and gallery exhibitions.
I recommend getting experience in art related careers and building up your network, talking to your professors, and reaching out to school resources for help finding opportunities. Many artists start out with building their social media presence while working at an art related job, and then building up their small business from there until it can become full time.
The art industry itself has no shortage of jobs. Museum jobs, graphic designing, social media content creation, childrens book illustration, cover designing, working on magazines, layout designers, arts editors, working in restoration, and more. If it is something you are passionate about, that is the most important thing. Where ever your passion lies, money will follow.
Best wishes,
Zoe Krueger
I am a recent college graduate who went to school for Creative Writing and Visual Arts. I believe that any career is what you make of it. With the advancements in technology, people are able to have a greater reach than ever before through social media. Because of this, you can cultivate an audience much easier and find support as an upincoming artist. If you would like a career creating art, I recommend building your social media presence, creating prints/opening a print shop for people to buy your work, creating an artist website & business cards, and doing commissions. Those are some of the most accessible ways to make income. You can start by doing commissions for people you know, and then as time goes on, you will get offers from people you don't know. If you want to have a career solely creating art, it will take time, perserverance, and dedication.
I recommend talking with people established in the art field. Most people have emails or accounts where you can reach out to them, and most artists just want to help each other out. The biggest part of working in the art field is networking. Making connections with other people can help you find jobs within the art world, or connect you with opportunities such as artist residencies, grants, scholarships, shows, and gallery exhibitions.
I recommend getting experience in art related careers and building up your network, talking to your professors, and reaching out to school resources for help finding opportunities. Many artists start out with building their social media presence while working at an art related job, and then building up their small business from there until it can become full time.
The art industry itself has no shortage of jobs. Museum jobs, graphic designing, social media content creation, childrens book illustration, cover designing, working on magazines, layout designers, arts editors, working in restoration, and more. If it is something you are passionate about, that is the most important thing. Where ever your passion lies, money will follow.
Best wishes,
Zoe Krueger
Eda Korkuter
I work in the museum industry as a designer and exhibition assistant.
11
Answers
Updated
Eda’s Answer
Hi Angela !
The art world can be challenging sometimes, but it’s definitely not dying out. In fact, it's constantly growing and opening up new opportunities. If you’re interested in art and want to explore it in college, don’t be afraid to dive in! Here’s a bit more on why it could be a great choice for you:
Digital art, NFTs, and VR exhibits are all changing the art scene. It’s no longer limited to traditional media! Now there are roles like digital curation, multimedia design, and tech-driven installations. If you combine art with some tech skills, it could open doors for you.
So, if you’re thinking about an art career, consider learning some tech along the way—it can really expand your job options.
Art and design aren’t limited to galleries and museums. Fields like gaming, advertising, film, and even tech need creative talents. Jobs in UX/UI design, marketing, and branding all value artistic skills.
Freelance work is also an option. Once you build up a client base, you can take on projects independently, and it can offer flexibility too.
Yes, the art industry can be competitive, but there are lots of ways to build a career that fits your interests and goals. Artists often work across different areas, like teaching, illustration, designing for companies, and selling their work.
If you study art along with business, tech, or communications in college, you’ll open doors to jobs in museums, education, galleries, or design firms.
Success in the art world doesn’t just mean becoming a famous painter or landing a big museum job. Many artists thrive as freelancers or work independently, earning steady income by teaching, taking commissions, hosting exhibitions, selling online, or even collaborating with brands.
You could consider building a strong online presence on platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or Patreon to showcase and sell your work, build an audience, and create a stable income.
The art world may be challenging, but it’s also flexible and full of creativity. If you’re passionate about it, don’t hesitate to explore it in college! Combining art with tech, business, or education can give you a strong foundation. Plus, the skills you’ll gain—creativity, critical thinking, adaptability—are valuable in many industries.
Hope this inspires you!
The art world can be challenging sometimes, but it’s definitely not dying out. In fact, it's constantly growing and opening up new opportunities. If you’re interested in art and want to explore it in college, don’t be afraid to dive in! Here’s a bit more on why it could be a great choice for you:
Digital art, NFTs, and VR exhibits are all changing the art scene. It’s no longer limited to traditional media! Now there are roles like digital curation, multimedia design, and tech-driven installations. If you combine art with some tech skills, it could open doors for you.
So, if you’re thinking about an art career, consider learning some tech along the way—it can really expand your job options.
Art and design aren’t limited to galleries and museums. Fields like gaming, advertising, film, and even tech need creative talents. Jobs in UX/UI design, marketing, and branding all value artistic skills.
Freelance work is also an option. Once you build up a client base, you can take on projects independently, and it can offer flexibility too.
Yes, the art industry can be competitive, but there are lots of ways to build a career that fits your interests and goals. Artists often work across different areas, like teaching, illustration, designing for companies, and selling their work.
If you study art along with business, tech, or communications in college, you’ll open doors to jobs in museums, education, galleries, or design firms.
Success in the art world doesn’t just mean becoming a famous painter or landing a big museum job. Many artists thrive as freelancers or work independently, earning steady income by teaching, taking commissions, hosting exhibitions, selling online, or even collaborating with brands.
You could consider building a strong online presence on platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or Patreon to showcase and sell your work, build an audience, and create a stable income.
The art world may be challenging, but it’s also flexible and full of creativity. If you’re passionate about it, don’t hesitate to explore it in college! Combining art with tech, business, or education can give you a strong foundation. Plus, the skills you’ll gain—creativity, critical thinking, adaptability—are valuable in many industries.
Hope this inspires you!
Updated
Pam’s Answer
You've posed numerous inquiries about your career path and education. Given the wide array of potential study fields you're considering, I suggest several strategies to help narrow your focus. Initially, you should choose your preferred college or university. There's no need to have a specific target in mind to initiate your journey. Typically, you'll begin with some compulsory courses and a selection of electives. This stage allows you to explore which areas you find particularly appealing.
Subsequently, seek out a student community where you feel at ease. Pay attention to their career aspirations and reasons, and see if these inspire you. Identify the necessary classes to develop the skills required for your career goals. I, for instance, was always drawn to art, but briefly ventured into psychology until I realized the mathematical demands of that degree. Ultimately, art was my true calling, and I chose interior design as a creative and lucrative career path.
A highly effective approach to exploring your broad spectrum of career options is to seek employment with companies you admire. Research the individuals within these organizations and discover what contributes to their happiness and success. Observe, listen, and learn from these individuals. Accept jobs, even unpaid ones, to truly understand the nature of the business.
It's inevitable that technology will play a role in your career, so be prepared to adapt to various software applications. Some may be enjoyable to use, while others might be more challenging. As you progress, you'll refine your goals, but remember, all knowledge is beneficial and no learning is wasted. This is your chance to discover your path in life. You may need to make adjustments along the way, but maintaining flexibility will ensure your professional journey remains enjoyable.
Subsequently, seek out a student community where you feel at ease. Pay attention to their career aspirations and reasons, and see if these inspire you. Identify the necessary classes to develop the skills required for your career goals. I, for instance, was always drawn to art, but briefly ventured into psychology until I realized the mathematical demands of that degree. Ultimately, art was my true calling, and I chose interior design as a creative and lucrative career path.
A highly effective approach to exploring your broad spectrum of career options is to seek employment with companies you admire. Research the individuals within these organizations and discover what contributes to their happiness and success. Observe, listen, and learn from these individuals. Accept jobs, even unpaid ones, to truly understand the nature of the business.
It's inevitable that technology will play a role in your career, so be prepared to adapt to various software applications. Some may be enjoyable to use, while others might be more challenging. As you progress, you'll refine your goals, but remember, all knowledge is beneficial and no learning is wasted. This is your chance to discover your path in life. You may need to make adjustments along the way, but maintaining flexibility will ensure your professional journey remains enjoyable.