I want a career in art, any help for me?

Question

i have been to college for traditional art , as well as having a life long 'natural talent' for traditional art. i have been putting out ads offering my services in traditional art for a while now and every response i get is asking for logos or graphics etc. im starting to consider learning how to use photoshop , illustrator etc so that maybe i can start doing graphics as the world these days doesn't seem to need traditional artists. is this a good idea? should i go take a course?? and is there any one i can really get myself out there and recognized?? is there really a chance for me to make a living off my art? any help or advice would be much appreciated

Answer 1

I studied art to MA level and work full time as an artist now, and i have never heard before someone describe their practice as traditional art. It doesnt tell me anything about what you do, style, materials,  or even if it is sculpture, printmaking or painting etc, so i would suggest if you really wish to advertise your practice on a freelance basis you make this clearer. Work out what is your specialism and what you can offer that is maybe different to others - a particular material, genre etc, and from this identify your target audience. Do you wish painting commisions, murals, poster design etc

Secondly have an up to date portfolio of your work, generally a hard copy folder/book style which you can take places with you, and an online or cd version which you can send out to maybe galleries or prospective clients, also provide a CV of information listing exhibitions, sales and instituional acquisitions of your work. It is hard to say anything further  without being clear in what and how you actually work.

It is very hard to get established as an artist, at least in a way you can make a regular income from which is why you find a lot of artists take on other work that can be related to their practice or even entirely different. Networking is such an important part, speaking with galleries, companies or other people and places you think may be able to show your art or make use of your services. Businesses will often give you a chance to show your work for free which is great for inspiring other sales, try hotels, reception areas, interior designers etc and see if they have a blank wall or position in which you can display something, even  on a temporary basis.

Photoshop and illustrator are always useful even if it is for designing your own portfolio, but graphics is also a competitive area and you may find yourself up against people with MA specialisms.

There is no way to say if you will become successful or not, or to what extent, just try to think creatively of ways to get your work out there.

Good luck!

:-)

Answer 2

U can make ur own comics. U can use black and white for ur comics if u don't want to use color. Sometimes using color will lead u into using the computer to color for u. U can make a portfolio of ur work and send it into a calendar company. Or u can look up an author who is looking for illustrator for their book. U can also that one art where u sketch the ppl in the court room, sorry I don't remember what it was called, but that may work out for u too if ur good at drawing ppl. In my opinion though, I think making my own comic or mange, and getting it published, is more fun ;)

I hope this will help u find something.

http://www.artsopportunities.org/?gclid=...

With this website u have to register then look under jobs in the arts.

http://www.nyfa.org/level2.asp?id=54&fid...

U can also look into this.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/le...

Answer 3

Learn to speak french and then go and live Paris, it seemed to work for the most famous of artists, theres a vibe there that will refresh your artistic soul.  

Answer 4

Not to put a damper on things, it will be difficult enough to get this type of work even after you are qualified as a graphic artist and have finished your final degree in such a subject.

I did the same as you (foundation art) and filled my holiday with whatever I could do - chopping vegetables was my main source of cash. Then I did a degree in graphic design.

After my foundation art, I got some work doing masonry painting and some outdoor work painting railings. This was the closest I got to 'art and design' jobs. I joined a temp holiday job agency but basically, they will put anything your way and won't be likely to get you any arty jobs. They don't give a flying toss about your future plans and you'll be given mostly manual factory or packing jobs.

If you do manage to find work in the graphics area, then well done and good luck, but you will be competing with fully qualified and experienced graphic designers for this work.

Most people I know who are good at art end up doing something like theatre set design, graphic design, illustration, interior design, art teaching or other slightly related jobs. I don't know anyone from my art course who is working as an artist.

Answer 5

I don’t want to come across as negative but artists are 12 for a penny and a dime a gross.

Which means there are plenty of artists and little demand. You need to do what you think is necessary to become successful.  Teaching others how to”?” is a way of staying in art and making a living. Most of the artists I am associated with teach art to increase the bottom line of making money. It is honest work. You could also get into commercial art.

Keep Arting!

Jeff (weseye) Wesley