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How do I maintain a carrer in the arts after college?
I’m currently a junior at Georgia State University, set to graduate in 2026. I’ve had a few great opportunities as a student, but I’m feeling nervous about securing and maintaining a career after graduation.
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5 answers
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Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Aryianna,
My best advice is just to try to stay humble and teachable. You were clearly humble enough to go to school, realizing that you had some things to learn. Keep learning, for the rest of your life. Please consider this great quote, from our wise brother, Mr. Isaac Asimov, "People think of education as something they can finish."
In this light, I would encourage you just to be open hearted and open minded. I believe that if you do that, the best opportunity will present itself and be clear to you. Try not to worry, but believe in yourself and in an Open Universe that wants you to succeed in learning, sharing, and teaching.
Sincerely,
Bro Wyatt
My best advice is just to try to stay humble and teachable. You were clearly humble enough to go to school, realizing that you had some things to learn. Keep learning, for the rest of your life. Please consider this great quote, from our wise brother, Mr. Isaac Asimov, "People think of education as something they can finish."
In this light, I would encourage you just to be open hearted and open minded. I believe that if you do that, the best opportunity will present itself and be clear to you. Try not to worry, but believe in yourself and in an Open Universe that wants you to succeed in learning, sharing, and teaching.
Sincerely,
Bro Wyatt
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Aryianna! Best of luck in your last few semesters, I hope you enjoy the closing chapters of your college journey.
My advice would be this:
1) Talk to your advisors or teachers. It's likely they navigated similar concerns when they were younger, so they can guide you on the steps they took. If they also work in the industry aside from teaching, you can use that networking to express your interest in joining projects they're in. Share your resume/portfolio with them so they can also refer you to artists and collaborators they know.
2) Do research about what's going on in your city in terms of your creative/artistic pursuit. Search for independent projects that you could join and network with artists where you're located. In my experience, indie artists support each other with their passion projects. It's a great way to keep learning by doing and expanding your work network.
3) Keep learning! Look for opportunities to keep nurturing your skills even after graduation. Online and in-person classes keep you up to speed and function as another way to network with individuals who enjoy working in the arts.
Best of luck!
My advice would be this:
1) Talk to your advisors or teachers. It's likely they navigated similar concerns when they were younger, so they can guide you on the steps they took. If they also work in the industry aside from teaching, you can use that networking to express your interest in joining projects they're in. Share your resume/portfolio with them so they can also refer you to artists and collaborators they know.
2) Do research about what's going on in your city in terms of your creative/artistic pursuit. Search for independent projects that you could join and network with artists where you're located. In my experience, indie artists support each other with their passion projects. It's a great way to keep learning by doing and expanding your work network.
3) Keep learning! Look for opportunities to keep nurturing your skills even after graduation. Online and in-person classes keep you up to speed and function as another way to network with individuals who enjoy working in the arts.
Best of luck!
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hello, Aryianna!
It is super awesome that you're vigilant in your search to be successful after college. I completely understand where you're at, and was there recently as well. I had several internships while I was in college, and still didn't have the easiest time landing a job after I graduated. Here are my recommended next steps to keep on track.
1. Talk to your career advisors at the school and voice your concerns. They're being paid to support you.
2. Shop around on job posting websites (like Indeed) to see what requirements jobs have as well as what your salary could look like.
3. Remember that you're not going to make all the money in the beginning. Being an entry-level creative sucks.
4. Don't get impatient if you don't get a career-relevant dream job right away. You can always get a retail job if hunting for the right fit takes a little longer than expected.
It is super awesome that you're vigilant in your search to be successful after college. I completely understand where you're at, and was there recently as well. I had several internships while I was in college, and still didn't have the easiest time landing a job after I graduated. Here are my recommended next steps to keep on track.
Leah recommends the following next steps:
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Joseph’s Answer
Hey there, good luck in your last few semesters!
You could always look for art teacher opportunities at different colleges and universities. You could also look into teaching at middle schools as well as grade schools; that might help at least get you started. If you are interested in selling artwork; try entering local contests even ones that don't have cash prizes and that will give you a head start.
You could always look for art teacher opportunities at different colleges and universities. You could also look into teaching at middle schools as well as grade schools; that might help at least get you started. If you are interested in selling artwork; try entering local contests even ones that don't have cash prizes and that will give you a head start.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Aryianna,
Fear is natural. You've probably heard the saying that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to go on in spite of it.
My best advice would be to try to stay present. Don't ignore the future--because it's important to consider the implications of your decisions before you make them--but live fully in the here and now. Take time to celebrate successes as well as learn from mistakes. And think about how to nurture and maintain the valuable relationships you've established during your time as a student if you can.
Wishing you joy and success in all your endeavors.
Fear is natural. You've probably heard the saying that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to go on in spite of it.
My best advice would be to try to stay present. Don't ignore the future--because it's important to consider the implications of your decisions before you make them--but live fully in the here and now. Take time to celebrate successes as well as learn from mistakes. And think about how to nurture and maintain the valuable relationships you've established during your time as a student if you can.
Wishing you joy and success in all your endeavors.