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Benefits and Drawbacks of an Artistic Career?

What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of working as an artist?
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Debbie’s Answer

I've been a professional artist for over 45 years and I can tell you it was a bumpy ride. The great thing about being an artist full-time is you can make your own hours, have your fur-babies with you 24/7, sales are great during the holidays. The bad...I've traveled all over the country to show my work at fine art shows all over the country. Some shows I slammed some shows I sold nothing. It is hard work and I did it by myself, setting up my display also working long hours to get ready for the show producing work and prints. But I got to meet all kinds of people, saw the country and what a beautiful country it is. The drive to Kentucky was so pretty but towing my trailer in Tenn. is not fun. Mountains, lots of mountains for 6 hours and make sure you fill up with gas before you go!

Now with the internet, I don't have to do that anymore plus I'm getting up in age. I have a website, mailing list, shopping sites where I sell my work thru my store. I wish they had that 30 years ago. But you still have to hustle, constantly to make sure you make bills.

I suggest anyone that is thinking about being a full-time artist, be a part-time artist and go have a career that you know will have a paycheck and paint or create during your day off. It is hard.
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Rachel’s Answer

The biggest challenge for me as an artist was figuring out if my passion for art was strong enough to make it my full-time career. Supporting yourself through art is tough, but there are jobs where you can do art in a professional setting instead of freelancing. This is a fantastic way to begin, as it helps you learn the discipline needed to manage your time. You can practice budgeting, planning your day, and staying connected with your emotional support network.

Try to find art in everyday tasks like cooking, choosing your clothes, and decorating your home! Appreciating these daily activities can keep your artistic spirit alive and prevent burnout.

Don't be scared of failure. As artists, we'll face setbacks, but how you respond makes all the difference. You've got this!
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Robin’s Answer

I've worked in many areas of the arts and learned it's crucial to balance earning money with doing what you love. I took a full-time job in arts administration, handling marketing and promotion for a theater, while also teaching voice and piano on the side. This setup allowed me to keep making music and sharing my talent, while also having a stable job that helped me learn more about the industry and build valuable skills.

If you want to be an artist, go for it! Just make sure to plan how you'll support yourself while you're getting started, since art is a tough and unpredictable field. It's great if you can find steady work in something like arts administration, as it keeps you involved in the arts world and helps you meet important people. Also, don't shy away from volunteer work or unpaid opportunities to show your art. These can open doors to new experiences and connections.
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Joseph’s Answer

Hey there!

Some drawbacks to working as an artist is that it can be kind of hard selling artwork and it can even be hard getting off the ground.
Benefits of working as an artist is that it can be very enjoyable. It's very important to enjoy your work even if the pay is not too good.
It is said if you like your job, you will never work a day in your life!!!


:)
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