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What is your typical day like as an artist?

I would like to become an artist after university. Is a typical day just doing art? Reaching clients? Setting up an exhibit?

career spring25 art artist fine-art drawing painting
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Emily,

It's any and all of that. There are other things to do, like laundry, grocery shopping, doing tax prep, paying bills, and things that enable you to pay the bills. Sometimes I get stuck in the studio, so I take those times to research other artists, exhibition opportunities, or subjects that interest me in terms of my work, go to a museum, or organize my studio.

When I'm working to meet an exhibition deadline, I try to schedule as much uninterrupted studio time as possible so I can focus and get stuff done. Right now I'm stalling in the studio because I've been stressed out about money and trying to find more clients, so the sculpture I'm working on is taking a long time. I've had to work full time throughout my career, so I tend to design projects based on available free time.

You might check out the interviews on the online TWIRL project; it's a ten-year project (full disclosure: I'm one of the selected artists) and the questions have to do with inspiration, motivation, working process, routine, and so forth.

Back to the grindstone for me. Hope this helps!
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jose’s Answer

It really depends on what kind of art you want to do. But yes, a lot of the day-to-day is the administrative side of being an artist. Looking for patrons and promoting yourself to get commissions is part of the job. Book keeping is a part of the job. Looking for places to exhibit and preparing for those exhibits, for example, can take a lot of work, depending on the event you'd exhibit in. There are days where the entire day is simply making art, and there are days where the to-do list is to read about a new tool or technique or doing research for the subject matter of your art. I'm an illustrator, so there's been days where all I do is just scanning work to turn in to my publisher and there are days where all I do is just read and talk to experts about a certain topic. So, really... the day can vary.
my suggestions is, when you choose a type of art to do (painting, commercial illustration, theater, studio session musician, muralist, tattoo artist, etc.) find professionals of that exact craft and just send them an email with this question to get a more accurate answer. Because you're asking a great question.
Best of success to you!
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Marcus’s Answer

Depending on your medium, days vary. As a musical artist, my typical day includes several hours (6-8) of instrument practice, a couple of hours dedicated to handling business calls, emails, writing grants or proposals, and when inspired, as much time as needed to create or further develop an idea. I also incorporate a small workout routine in the morning and a stretching regiment in the evening. Sleeping, eating, and relaxing account for the rest of the day and night.
Thank you comment icon I had to look closely at your profile pic--drums not bass! Kim Matthews
Thank you comment icon LOL...I appreciate your attention to the details. Marcus Miller
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