How does one begin a career drawing portraits from life?

Question

How does one begin a career drawing portraits from life?

Answer 1

You must first become very proficient at drawing figures, features and drapery.  Then if you are going to work in color, you must learn all the color theory for painting skin tones, shadows and hair.  Spending a lot of time in studio with a model, either your own or in a life drawing situation  on a regular basis is also a good idea. The whole idea is to be able to block in proportions and get a likeness very quickly.

The first answer was right, it is a long process, and word of mouth, coupled with a strong exhibition history, will help.  If you are talking about those artists at the mall who do portraits in charcoal, it may be a different matter, in that I imagine all you need is great skill at fairly quick likenesses and the money to rent the kiosk.  

Answer 2

I began my career in portrait art very slowly, mostly word of mouth, friends, family. I'm small potatoes and like it like that, because I don't like the pressure of being rushed. I blog about my art and other hobbies.There are some resources in it that may help you. Hope it helps:)