4 answers
Gloriana
Student
Fayetteville, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What are some things that I can start doing now that will make it easier to start a career after graduating college?
I'm a sophomore art major and just want some advice on things like new habits to do or anything like that that would help make the change from being a college student to working professionally easier and on what I should expect in trying to find an art based career.
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4 answers
Marc Lumer
Illustrator Animator Writer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marc’s Answer
Produce art in the field you want to pursue and don't wait until after graduation. If you want to work in animation, illustration, comics... whatever it is, start making that kind of work, now! Get good at it... Get better at it. Build a portfolio that reflects the exact jobs or commissions you hope to get. Employers and clients hire you for what they see you can already do.
Network: Start building relationships now. Talk to professors, visiting artists, alumni, and other students who are already doing the kind of work you want to do. Go to events, shows, workshops, and online groups. Most opportunities in the art world come through people, not job postings.
Find mentors: A mentor can save you years of trial and error. This could be a professor, a working artist, or even someone you connect with online who’s a few steps ahead of you in your field. Ask questions, show your work, and be open to honest feedback. Good mentorship accelerates growth like nothing else.
This worked for me when I was in art school. It will work for you :-)
Network: Start building relationships now. Talk to professors, visiting artists, alumni, and other students who are already doing the kind of work you want to do. Go to events, shows, workshops, and online groups. Most opportunities in the art world come through people, not job postings.
Find mentors: A mentor can save you years of trial and error. This could be a professor, a working artist, or even someone you connect with online who’s a few steps ahead of you in your field. Ask questions, show your work, and be open to honest feedback. Good mentorship accelerates growth like nothing else.
This worked for me when I was in art school. It will work for you :-)
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
109
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Gloriana,
Some great advice here. The only other thing I'd add is to learn financial management skills and be super disciplined about making conscious spending choices, keeping a close eye on expenses, and borrowing as little money as possible. Learn how to live simply, and remember that every $7 you don't spend on a coffee-shop latte can go toward a jar of high-quality acrylic paint or a professional-grade tool (BTW do not buy cheap art supplies--not worth it). The more financially independent you are, the more flexibility you'll have in terms of what kind of jobs you might choose and what art you can make. Working in a gallery or museum is great for networking and skill building, for example, but it's not going to pay your bills if you have a lot of debt.
Hope this helps. Thank you for being an art student!
Some great advice here. The only other thing I'd add is to learn financial management skills and be super disciplined about making conscious spending choices, keeping a close eye on expenses, and borrowing as little money as possible. Learn how to live simply, and remember that every $7 you don't spend on a coffee-shop latte can go toward a jar of high-quality acrylic paint or a professional-grade tool (BTW do not buy cheap art supplies--not worth it). The more financially independent you are, the more flexibility you'll have in terms of what kind of jobs you might choose and what art you can make. Working in a gallery or museum is great for networking and skill building, for example, but it's not going to pay your bills if you have a lot of debt.
Hope this helps. Thank you for being an art student!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Gloriana. You need to start your portfolio as soon as possible. Your portfolio is one of the most important tools when applying for jobs or internships in the art world. Even though you're still a sophomore, begin gathering pieces that showcase your best work like class projects, personal pieces, and any freelance work you do. It's also a good idea to create an online portfolio, can be through a personal website, so you have something ready to share when the time comes.
Networking is also important. While you're still in school, you can attend art events and make connections with professionals in the art world. Many schools also hold career fairs or networking events for art students, which are a great way to meet people in the industry. You can also reach out to alumni who are working in art and ask for advice or mentorship. Don't forget about online platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with people working in fields you're interested in.
Getting real-world experience is another important step. If you can, look for internships at galleries, design firms, or art organizations. Internships give you a chance to learn what it's like to work professionally and build your skills outside the classroom.
It's also helpful to start developing good habits like time management. When you're out of school and working professionally, you'll need to manage multiple projects at once, so practicing this now will help you later. You can set aside time each week to work on art outside of class, so you get used to balancing your creative work with other responsibilities.
Networking is also important. While you're still in school, you can attend art events and make connections with professionals in the art world. Many schools also hold career fairs or networking events for art students, which are a great way to meet people in the industry. You can also reach out to alumni who are working in art and ask for advice or mentorship. Don't forget about online platforms like LinkedIn, where you can connect with people working in fields you're interested in.
Getting real-world experience is another important step. If you can, look for internships at galleries, design firms, or art organizations. Internships give you a chance to learn what it's like to work professionally and build your skills outside the classroom.
It's also helpful to start developing good habits like time management. When you're out of school and working professionally, you'll need to manage multiple projects at once, so practicing this now will help you later. You can set aside time each week to work on art outside of class, so you get used to balancing your creative work with other responsibilities.
Thank you for your advice and time, I really appreciate it! I will work on my portfolio as soon as I can as well as start working on everything else you said. Again, thank you so much!
Gloriana
You are most welcome. Wishing you all the best!
Wong Loke Yuen
Karina Mora
Prepress Specialist
2
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Karina’s Answer
While I was an undergrad I wish I illustrated more and created them into products. Something like stickers, shirts, tot bags. To get you thinking about your art not just as a pretty drawing but from a marketing perspective. That can give you more confidence to see your potential in the industry. And ALWAYS update your portfolio/website. There are free options while other site hosts will have you spending $30 or more a month to keep the site up. Which is not worth it. I hope this helps and glad you're taking serious step in your artistic career.