2 answers
Gennessy
Student
Clarion, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
171 views
How do I become an artist as a job without being a starving artist?
Most artist who try to make it big in life ends up homeless, no money and no enjoyment in life.
2 answers
Helena Camenzind
Aspiring Entrepreneur in International Sustainable Business development and artist
2
Answers
Hillsboro, Oregon
Updated
Helena’s Answer
Hi Gennessy!
I see you are from Clarion, Pennsylvania. I've never been, but I've always wanted to go. It is a state in the U.S. with such a rich history and architecture. Here's my advice and view on art and the wider world. Being an artist is the most powerful job in the world. My Mom is a writer and you are correct - it is a thankless job. To be seen, heard, or your work to be shared you have to promote. At the same time, art is subjective so sometimes what you may be creating, other people may not be interested in. Now forget everything I just said in the last sentence and listen to this. Create! Make art. Build a more beautiful world, one paint brush, pen, camera, or picture at a time. Don't worry about the money. The greatest artists didn't and you know why they didn't? The world is deeper than that. What they provided is priceless. Great art can't be sold. It can only continue to inspire. That's the goal of an artist.
To make money, yes - find whatever job you feel will help you prosper and create. Don't lose your creative spirit though. That is the most important thing and is precious.
Go to a museum and look at some art!
Read about the artists and why they created their art ;)
Find a job which pays so you can create and be happy
Create as much art as possible and share it with the world <3
Inspire others to create art as well (we need more of it)
I see you are from Clarion, Pennsylvania. I've never been, but I've always wanted to go. It is a state in the U.S. with such a rich history and architecture. Here's my advice and view on art and the wider world. Being an artist is the most powerful job in the world. My Mom is a writer and you are correct - it is a thankless job. To be seen, heard, or your work to be shared you have to promote. At the same time, art is subjective so sometimes what you may be creating, other people may not be interested in. Now forget everything I just said in the last sentence and listen to this. Create! Make art. Build a more beautiful world, one paint brush, pen, camera, or picture at a time. Don't worry about the money. The greatest artists didn't and you know why they didn't? The world is deeper than that. What they provided is priceless. Great art can't be sold. It can only continue to inspire. That's the goal of an artist.
To make money, yes - find whatever job you feel will help you prosper and create. Don't lose your creative spirit though. That is the most important thing and is precious.
Helena recommends the following next steps:
Kim Matthews
Graphic Production Designer and Sculptor
135
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Gennessy,
The way to become a professional artist without starving is by having multiple jobs (art is one of them--then there are the things you do to pay the bills), working really hard at all your crafts--including learning how to promote your work--and hoping for the best. I wish I had a more satisfying answer, but I don't. It's very, very hard for almost all of us. We make art because we have to--not to "make it big." The studio artists in blue-chip galleries often get there because they have the ambition, (usually) talent and skill, social skills, social connections, and luck. And they're persistent. Artists seem to sort of "appear" on the scene, when in fact they may have been working thirty or more years, building an exhibition record, applying for grants and residencies, networking, and maybe selling and/or licensing their art. There are lots of ups and downs, and you have to be able to deal with both.
My advice to you is to focus on your art and develop a studio discipline as soon as possible, if that's what you really want. That means spending time in the studio painting or drawing or whatever you do, looking for opportunities, researching artists, going to see art in person whenever you can, and reading. Also, I think it would help if you talked to more working artists and read artist interviews so you can get a more realistic sense of what it's like. Maybe see if you can do some studio visits; maybe a teacher can help you. As you pursue your goals, they will shift. Your definition of success will shift.
You don't have to figure it all out today. Make sure art is always a joy and not something you resent. If it doesn't bring you fulfillment, it's not for you.
Best to you.
The way to become a professional artist without starving is by having multiple jobs (art is one of them--then there are the things you do to pay the bills), working really hard at all your crafts--including learning how to promote your work--and hoping for the best. I wish I had a more satisfying answer, but I don't. It's very, very hard for almost all of us. We make art because we have to--not to "make it big." The studio artists in blue-chip galleries often get there because they have the ambition, (usually) talent and skill, social skills, social connections, and luck. And they're persistent. Artists seem to sort of "appear" on the scene, when in fact they may have been working thirty or more years, building an exhibition record, applying for grants and residencies, networking, and maybe selling and/or licensing their art. There are lots of ups and downs, and you have to be able to deal with both.
My advice to you is to focus on your art and develop a studio discipline as soon as possible, if that's what you really want. That means spending time in the studio painting or drawing or whatever you do, looking for opportunities, researching artists, going to see art in person whenever you can, and reading. Also, I think it would help if you talked to more working artists and read artist interviews so you can get a more realistic sense of what it's like. Maybe see if you can do some studio visits; maybe a teacher can help you. As you pursue your goals, they will shift. Your definition of success will shift.
You don't have to figure it all out today. Make sure art is always a joy and not something you resent. If it doesn't bring you fulfillment, it's not for you.
Best to you.
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