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How did you assure people that an artistic career path was viable?
I am going down a path of theatrical design and I always feel like I am being asked about my backup plan, yet no one is asking my peers this kind of question. #future #theatre #design #art
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Ellen’s Answer
Hi Leah, yes I feel your pain. There is the perception out there that careers in the arts are not "real" jobs, because artists are just born talented and there is no real work involved, and that the art field is a flakey place and anyone who goes into the arts needs to have a back up plan for when they "grow up".
Nonsense. There are careers in the arts that do provide steady income, pay reasonably well, and are very fulfilling. Graphic designers, fashion designers, website designers, interior designers, photographers, and, yes, theatrical designers, to name a few.
Jobs in the arts, however, are very competitive to obtain, and you have to be really dedicated and patient to find one that pays well and is steady. Entry level jobs pay very little, so you might have to have something on the side to in the beginning to make ends meet. In the graphic design field, you often hear the phrase "paying your dues", meaning everyone starts out at the bottom and works their way up to art director. When I was younger, before I got into teaching, and I was looking for an entry level job in graphic design, I heard that phrase a lot.
But, I'm thinking, don't these people watch TV, and don't they realize that what they see in the background of their favorite sitcom or news show is not an accident, and that someone is responsible for how it all looks? That someone is a theatrical designer, (or set designer, or whatever their title is.) Next time someone asks what your "plan B" is, you might want to remind them of that. You might also want to tell them that, yes, you are realistic about the challenges of getting a job as a theatrical designer, but that you are really committed to this field, and you are ready to work hard and do your best. Reassure them that you are as committed to you field as your friends who are thinking of law school, or medical school someday are to theirs. Be sure to give them a big smile as you say this.
Best wishes on your exciting future career!
Nonsense. There are careers in the arts that do provide steady income, pay reasonably well, and are very fulfilling. Graphic designers, fashion designers, website designers, interior designers, photographers, and, yes, theatrical designers, to name a few.
Jobs in the arts, however, are very competitive to obtain, and you have to be really dedicated and patient to find one that pays well and is steady. Entry level jobs pay very little, so you might have to have something on the side to in the beginning to make ends meet. In the graphic design field, you often hear the phrase "paying your dues", meaning everyone starts out at the bottom and works their way up to art director. When I was younger, before I got into teaching, and I was looking for an entry level job in graphic design, I heard that phrase a lot.
But, I'm thinking, don't these people watch TV, and don't they realize that what they see in the background of their favorite sitcom or news show is not an accident, and that someone is responsible for how it all looks? That someone is a theatrical designer, (or set designer, or whatever their title is.) Next time someone asks what your "plan B" is, you might want to remind them of that. You might also want to tell them that, yes, you are realistic about the challenges of getting a job as a theatrical designer, but that you are really committed to this field, and you are ready to work hard and do your best. Reassure them that you are as committed to you field as your friends who are thinking of law school, or medical school someday are to theirs. Be sure to give them a big smile as you say this.
Best wishes on your exciting future career!
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Leah,
Ellen has many good points. The short answer is, an artistic career is absolutely viable.
Having said that, you need to define what viable mean to you. This is very personal and depends on your personal goal and aspiration.
Also, I want you differentiate "artistic career" from "theatrical design". There are a lot of options to have an artistic career. I don't know how big and how competitive the theatrical design is. For instance, between graphic design and industrial design, graphic design is much bigger field than industrial design. To determine competitiveness, you will need to know how big is the field and how many people are in the filed.
I would not pursue a "plan B" outside of your passion. I do however, open to consider what specific design field you want to try. In the end, your passion and persistence, and sometime a lit of luck, determine your success.
Best luck!
Ellen has many good points. The short answer is, an artistic career is absolutely viable.
Having said that, you need to define what viable mean to you. This is very personal and depends on your personal goal and aspiration.
Also, I want you differentiate "artistic career" from "theatrical design". There are a lot of options to have an artistic career. I don't know how big and how competitive the theatrical design is. For instance, between graphic design and industrial design, graphic design is much bigger field than industrial design. To determine competitiveness, you will need to know how big is the field and how many people are in the filed.
I would not pursue a "plan B" outside of your passion. I do however, open to consider what specific design field you want to try. In the end, your passion and persistence, and sometime a lit of luck, determine your success.
Best luck!