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Is a career in art a good idea?
I want to have a career in art but I don't know if it is a smart idea for the future.
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Joshua’s Answer
Honestly, I think this depends on you.
Most that I know have a "calling"; an innate need to create their art. Frankly, for these people, nothing will stop them from creating. They will create no matter what their situation and they are less inclined to be driven by compensation for their art. If you are one of these people then I think you could have a great life as an artist.
The downside is that being an artist can be very hard. Many artists do not make enough money from their art to survive. This means that you will have to find other sources of income. It might be worthwhile to get a set of skills that can allow you to have a reasonably comfortable living while also affording you the chance to make your art.
Honestly, if you can take the risk of struggling when you start out then I think you should go for it. I think that people who put aside their dreams are less happy overall, even if they have less income.
Most that I know have a "calling"; an innate need to create their art. Frankly, for these people, nothing will stop them from creating. They will create no matter what their situation and they are less inclined to be driven by compensation for their art. If you are one of these people then I think you could have a great life as an artist.
The downside is that being an artist can be very hard. Many artists do not make enough money from their art to survive. This means that you will have to find other sources of income. It might be worthwhile to get a set of skills that can allow you to have a reasonably comfortable living while also affording you the chance to make your art.
Honestly, if you can take the risk of struggling when you start out then I think you should go for it. I think that people who put aside their dreams are less happy overall, even if they have less income.
Updated
Marcy’s Answer
One thing to keep in mind is that the art world is much bigger than just being a painter or illustrator. There are creative roles, of course, but also lots of jobs that use visual thinking, design, and communication in ways that aren’t purely artistic things, like UX design, advertising, museum work, set design, arts administration, and more. A lot also depends on what you value. If financial stability and predictability are your top priorities, some art paths can be challenging. If you care about creativity and flexibility a career in the arts can be a great fit. You just need to understand that some paths may have less consistent work and, as a result, less consistent pay. It’s less about whether art is “smart” in general and more about making an informed decision, so you can choose whether this path aligns with what matters most to you.
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Kim’s Answer
Hi Athena,
I agree with Joshua 100%. I'd also add that studying and practicing studio art is not only deeply fulfilling, it teaches you all sorts of valuable skills that you can use in just about any career and in life. I'm talking about cultivating a life-long sense of curiosity, open-mindness, problem-solving skills and orientation and, depending on your chosen medium, practical skills applications in math and science as well as manual dexterity. Critical-thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and visual literacy are also honed by making and looking at art. Then there's just the sheer pleasure and satisfaction of doing what you love.
While it's true that very few artists reach a level of commercial success that enables them to support themselves strictly from artwork sales, grants, and awards, don't let that stop you if it's your heart's desire. The late 19th-early 20th century French painter Henri Rousseau was a customs officer. American painter Robert Ryman worked as a museum guard. Some of Ryman's contemporaries worked in museums or as teachers. And the painter Agnes Martin worked for a time as a cook in a Canadian lumber camp! Those of us who've always dreamed of an art career often think that having a day job means you're not a "real" artist, but that's just an old myth. Art history is full of stories like these.
While you're thinking about your future, think about jobs that would give you the kind of flexibility that would make pursuing an art career easier. Also, consider jobs that would place you squarely in the art world, such as gallery aide, registrar, or salesperson. I also know of artists who worked in art supply stores for networking opportunities.
Hope this helps and that you follow your heart as well as your head.
I agree with Joshua 100%. I'd also add that studying and practicing studio art is not only deeply fulfilling, it teaches you all sorts of valuable skills that you can use in just about any career and in life. I'm talking about cultivating a life-long sense of curiosity, open-mindness, problem-solving skills and orientation and, depending on your chosen medium, practical skills applications in math and science as well as manual dexterity. Critical-thinking skills, decision-making abilities, and visual literacy are also honed by making and looking at art. Then there's just the sheer pleasure and satisfaction of doing what you love.
While it's true that very few artists reach a level of commercial success that enables them to support themselves strictly from artwork sales, grants, and awards, don't let that stop you if it's your heart's desire. The late 19th-early 20th century French painter Henri Rousseau was a customs officer. American painter Robert Ryman worked as a museum guard. Some of Ryman's contemporaries worked in museums or as teachers. And the painter Agnes Martin worked for a time as a cook in a Canadian lumber camp! Those of us who've always dreamed of an art career often think that having a day job means you're not a "real" artist, but that's just an old myth. Art history is full of stories like these.
While you're thinking about your future, think about jobs that would give you the kind of flexibility that would make pursuing an art career easier. Also, consider jobs that would place you squarely in the art world, such as gallery aide, registrar, or salesperson. I also know of artists who worked in art supply stores for networking opportunities.
Hope this helps and that you follow your heart as well as your head.