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What are the steps that I would have to take to pursue a successful career as an entrepreneur artist?
I am a high school senior and have been an artist for about 8 years. My dream is to become a professional artist, and I want to take the proper steps to succeed in my goal. I am willing to work hard and leave my comfort zone.
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3 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Victoria !
It's great that you want to become a professional artist and it's possible to do that anytime. As soon as you sell your art, you would be considered professional.
I'm not so sure about relating the word "entrepreneur" to Art, because you would have to turn an idea into a service or product. The Art world is indeed a business that you can be a part of.
Once you go for you Bachelors Degree in Art at college, you will learn art based business and know how to promote and sell your art. There's no need to venture into the Business Department in college. All of your Art professors and other professionals can help you understand art as a business. You should never double major, either, just focus on Art and you'll be on the right track.
Even though nothing is guaranteed as far as level of success in the art realm, you can start setting small goals that will lead up to your larger goals. It's a process. You have already achieved the first step because you identify as an Artist already, so now it is time to formalize and expand your knowledge and productivity by being an Art Major at college. This is where you will meet many art professionals that can be important contacts for your on-going career. You will do projects, attend events and activities both on campus and in the community. If you go to a college that has a strong art department and has an on campus Gallery, you can even have your work shown. That can lead to possibly having your work shown in a more commercial setting, too.
Since you stated that you are willing to work hard and leave your comfort zone, that is a needed quality when it comes to any of the arts. Most of all, you will need patience and not try to overthink how you want your career to go. Let it happen. Live in the moment and things will go smoothly. If you surround yourself with art students, professors and professionals, you will naturally know what steps are best for you specifically and what is doable in your circumstances.
If you're not already, start reading art magazines such as Southwest Art Magazine, The Artist's Magazine (USA), International Artist Magazine, Artforum, Frieze Magazine, Apollo, Hyperallergic and Mousse Magazine. Websites you may want to go to are Artnet News, Artsy Editorial, and X-TRA Online. Artforum, Frieze, Apollo, and Hyperallergic, offer substantial free content online, allowing readers to access articles and reviews without a subscription.
To learn how to start an art business, read Professional Artist magazine, Art Business News, Create! Magazine, and Artnet News.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It's great that you want to become a professional artist and it's possible to do that anytime. As soon as you sell your art, you would be considered professional.
I'm not so sure about relating the word "entrepreneur" to Art, because you would have to turn an idea into a service or product. The Art world is indeed a business that you can be a part of.
Once you go for you Bachelors Degree in Art at college, you will learn art based business and know how to promote and sell your art. There's no need to venture into the Business Department in college. All of your Art professors and other professionals can help you understand art as a business. You should never double major, either, just focus on Art and you'll be on the right track.
Even though nothing is guaranteed as far as level of success in the art realm, you can start setting small goals that will lead up to your larger goals. It's a process. You have already achieved the first step because you identify as an Artist already, so now it is time to formalize and expand your knowledge and productivity by being an Art Major at college. This is where you will meet many art professionals that can be important contacts for your on-going career. You will do projects, attend events and activities both on campus and in the community. If you go to a college that has a strong art department and has an on campus Gallery, you can even have your work shown. That can lead to possibly having your work shown in a more commercial setting, too.
Since you stated that you are willing to work hard and leave your comfort zone, that is a needed quality when it comes to any of the arts. Most of all, you will need patience and not try to overthink how you want your career to go. Let it happen. Live in the moment and things will go smoothly. If you surround yourself with art students, professors and professionals, you will naturally know what steps are best for you specifically and what is doable in your circumstances.
If you're not already, start reading art magazines such as Southwest Art Magazine, The Artist's Magazine (USA), International Artist Magazine, Artforum, Frieze Magazine, Apollo, Hyperallergic and Mousse Magazine. Websites you may want to go to are Artnet News, Artsy Editorial, and X-TRA Online. Artforum, Frieze, Apollo, and Hyperallergic, offer substantial free content online, allowing readers to access articles and reviews without a subscription.
To learn how to start an art business, read Professional Artist magazine, Art Business News, Create! Magazine, and Artnet News.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is excellent that you want to delve deeper into the business side of being an entrepreneur artist, because while artistic talent opens the door, business acumen is what keeps it open and allows you to build a financially stable career, and your interest in expanding your knowledge now will serve you incredibly well later on. Given your goal, you should absolutely consider integrating formal business education into your plan, and while a double major in college—one in art and one in business or a related field like marketing or entrepreneurship—is an intensive but powerful route that provides a balanced foundation, even taking a selection of business courses focused on topics like accounting, intellectual property law, and digital marketing can provide you with the essential tools you need to manage your art practice as a functioning enterprise. Beyond formal education, actively seek out workshops or online courses specifically designed for artists on subjects like gallery representation, contract negotiation, and e-commerce platforms, because understanding how to protect your work, manage your finances, and effectively sell your art is just as critical as the creation process itself. This blended approach ensures your creative output is supported by solid, sustainable practices, transforming your passion into a resilient profession. You are wisely building a strong foundation for both your art and your business, and I wish you the very best of luck on your path to success.
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Victoria, being an artist is a personal and passionate journey. It comes from your heart and is a special part of who you are. Always cherish what you do, regardless of how you feel about your art's quality. Passion is what drives success, whether in art or any field. Instead of being too hard on yourself, stay open-minded and listen to feedback from others. Use their advice to grow, refine your style, and find your unique path. Seek guidance from your high school counselors and art teachers on pursuing an art career. Explore all the ways you can become a professional artist.
Learn from other artists, but stay true to your own style as you build your portfolio. This is your journey, so take your time. Enjoy the process and remember you're doing what you love.
Stay open to opportunities as you set your artistic goals. You'll find resources that guide you towards a career in art or illustration. Success is about following your heart and passion, which will lead you to the career you want.
If you face setbacks, don't give up. Keep pushing forward with persistence and determination. Keep exploring your dreams, work hard, and you'll get closer to your goals. Wishing you the best in your quest for publication design!
Learn from other artists, but stay true to your own style as you build your portfolio. This is your journey, so take your time. Enjoy the process and remember you're doing what you love.
Stay open to opportunities as you set your artistic goals. You'll find resources that guide you towards a career in art or illustration. Success is about following your heart and passion, which will lead you to the career you want.
If you face setbacks, don't give up. Keep pushing forward with persistence and determination. Keep exploring your dreams, work hard, and you'll get closer to your goals. Wishing you the best in your quest for publication design!