I want to be an artist. How do i get started?

Question

Im 20 yrs old and when i was 12 i wanted to go into art. My mother discouraged me by telling me i wouldnt get anywhere with it and i wouldnt make any money and i would end up misserable. so being 12 and about to go into high school i listened cuzi didnt know any better. i finished high school, went to college and i hated it. Now i have 10 credits and my friends are about to graduate. I couldnt do it, i feel like art is my calling, but im scared. is my mother right? she always does this to me. I love art, all art, sculpture, paintings, photos... abstract, vibrant contrasting colors, beauty in all its many forms. I want to at least try ... how or where should i start?

Answer 1

I'm the same as you. I was always told I could go no where with my art because there's no money in it and nobody wants "artists".

I'm now looking into Graphic Design. There are so many different areas you can with art. I've looked into so many.

http://www.rcs.k12.va.us/csjh/art_career...

Scroll to the bottom of that page and there's a list of just SOME careers involving art. There are hundreds more. Basically, look into some of those, if any of them strike your interest, do some research.

I never thought of doing Graphic Design, but it has art components and ended up sounding very interesting. And there's tons of careers and money in it.

Don't give up on your dream. You can definitely be an artist. You just have to keep looking. Good luck. :)

Answer 2

try taking some art classes at your college. you can try drawing, painting, photography, or anything that really interests you, just so you can get a feel for it and find your niche.

don't let ignorant people discourage you from doing what you want to do. there are more careers out there involving art now than there has ever been.

you don't have to limit yourself to traditional fine art, either. there's some good suggestions here: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/le...

Answer 3

Forget photography no money in that at all. Painting is your best bet so practice that.

Answer 4

If art is calling you, don't put yourself through the torture of doing something you despise. Art is clearly your dream, so there's no reason not to chase it. Sign up for one or two art classes at college. If you decide you really like it, keep going. However, don't deny the fact that art isn't the highest paying job around. But don't let this stop you. You can always get part time jobs to help you get by. Or, depending on how serious you get, art could be your part time job or a hobby that you enjoy and helps bring in more income at the same time.

Whatever you do, make it your own decision, not your mom's. And if she won't pay for your art education, tell her how passionate you are about art. Make it clear that this is your dream and has been since you were a little kid. Hopefully she'll understand...

GOOD LUCK!!! :]

Answer 5

If art is your calling, DO IT!!! Don't think about what anyone else says! If you have talent, and you have passion, then you'll do fine. You should definitely go to college and have another thing just as a backup in the downtime between sales and things like that. The reason your mom is telling you not to be an artist is most likely because she doesn't want to see you down and out like most artists are. But that doesn't mean you will be. And, even if you are, if you're doing what you love, then it really doesn't matter all that much. I'd know, because I'm an actor, which is the same deal. And my parents had the same problem, so much so that they told me I wasn't good enough. BUT I AM!!! And that's what's important!

Good luck!

<3

Answer 6

draw your emotions.....project your feelings on parchment......live and draw the dream.

if these drawings....sculptures etc are satisfying to you take them to an art collage and ask if you are worthy to join....ask if you have what it takes.

but be prepared for criticism and put it to your advantage learning from your mistakes, not grudging them.

good luck

ps: song ''its my life'' by Bon Jovi springs to mind lol