"How do I make a living as an artist?" is something that all creative
people have asked themselves... and perhaps are still asking.
Sometimes it is just luck, that "who you know" does really come in handy.
Being at the right place at the right time...
Of course hard work also comes into play and the right type of marketing
and even those few hashtags that actually seem to get people's attention.
So what are some major challenges?
Trying to figure out what type of art you should do is probably the first
and biggest question.
There is a market for almost anything these days, so basically do what you
love best. Narrow it down to what speaks to you the most. Then learn all
the ways to enhance it and to explore all the possibilities opened up by
this singular focus.
Another universal concern for artists and art graduates is how will they
pay for materials, not to mention an art studio or space, bills, and what
time will be left for actually making art?
You will have to have a good source of income to be a professional artist.
There is no shame in getting a job and working full time & doing your art
in between. Or if you are lucky enough to have a part time job that is
enough to pay for your supplies & needs then you will have a pretty
balanced way of getting your art off of the ground.
The best job scenario is if it's something that is a component of your art
business. Perhaps graphic design, teaching, working at a gallery,
marketing etc... Having something else that you enjoy doing is going to
give you financial freedom, so that you can focus on your art career.
As an artist you need to realize that it is a lot of hard work. Also that
learning never ends. Take classes, learn new techniques, keep your
creative juices flowing.
Your goal should be to be the best artist you are capable of being, not to
become famous. You should not have expectations that you are going to make
a lot of money from your work. That is not to say that you won't! There
are artists out there making a living from their art, but it did not
happen overnight.
But, that may mean earning your living from a day job to pay for most of
the bills then that's perfectly ok. In fact, most artists do exactly that!
Most successful artists have natural talent, a long history of education
and a lot of practice under their belt.
Most importantly always remember to be Authentic! Art is very personal. I
feel their is always a little bit of the artists essence inside every
painting, piece of art you do. Be true to yourself and your body of work.
Do not measure yourself on how many competitions you have entered or
awards you may have won... only seek validation within yourself. You will
never be able to please everyone.
Happy CREATING!
“I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a
critic to
find out what art is.” ~ Jean-Michel Basquiat
