8 answers
Lyla
Student
Zimmerman, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
821 views
How do you stay financially stable with a career in the arts?
I am a sophmore in highschool beginning to prepare for my future. I am really creative and want to expirience new things everyday. I am very invested in the arts and would like to stay involved in them in some way. I fear that being involved will cause me to struggle in the future. Here I am involved in theatre, dance, choir, Student council, and NHS. I am a good leader and really enjoy social interaction.
8 answers
Sikandar Sidhu
Director
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sikandar’s Answer
Explore the job opportunities in the area that resonates most with you. Next, acquire valuable and verifiable skills to enrich your resume. Securing a stable job that's available in this field can be a stepping stone towards your dream job, while also providing for your needs. If you can't immediately identify a professional skill that's in high demand, it's okay. You may need to consider a temporary job, such as food delivery, to keep you going. Remember, every step you take is progress, and each job can be a valuable learning experience on your journey.
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Lyla
This is the question that any young person interested in pursuing a career in any of the arts, fine art, music, dance, drama will have to face. We all have to earn a living, and for most people involved in the Arts, that is always a challenge. Most actors, dancers, artists, musicians need to have "day jobs" to support themselves while they pursue their art, especially when they first start out, and even then, the income can be insufficient to live comfortably. Some people pursue full time careers in other fields and do their art in their spare time, on an amateur basis. This is probably what you don't want to hear, so read on.
If you enjoy working with people, and like the idea of being a leader, then you might enjoy working in arts administration for non-profit or for-profit Arts organizations. Theater groups, theatres, dance companies, community art centers, museums, orchestras, choral groups and other musical organizations, all need staff to organize events, take care of publicity, manage the finances, fundraise, manage the box office, and other needs. Smaller organizations may only have one person doing this, but larger organizations do have more staff members doing this. Although there may be no set degree or professional training for this, (I'm not sure), but you'll probably need a college degree with some management and business courses in addition to music, art, dance, or drama courses (whatever you are interested in). If you have any arts organizations in your community, contact them and ask if you could visit and do an "informational" interview with the person in charge. You could also talk to your teachers about this. Maybe ask you drama teacher about upcoming productions, and how you could be of help behind the scenes to get a taste of this.
If you enjoy working with children, teens and adults, and you enjoy sharing your passion for your art, then you might consider going into arts education. Teach drama, dance, or choral music in public or private schools, or at the college/university level. I am a retired art teacher, and I enjoyed sharing my love of art with my middle school students. I was able to work on my own art during the summers, and in retirement, I can focus on my art full time. You could do this to by teaching chorus or drama, or any other art subjects offered by the school system.
I hope this helps! Best wishes.
This is the question that any young person interested in pursuing a career in any of the arts, fine art, music, dance, drama will have to face. We all have to earn a living, and for most people involved in the Arts, that is always a challenge. Most actors, dancers, artists, musicians need to have "day jobs" to support themselves while they pursue their art, especially when they first start out, and even then, the income can be insufficient to live comfortably. Some people pursue full time careers in other fields and do their art in their spare time, on an amateur basis. This is probably what you don't want to hear, so read on.
If you enjoy working with people, and like the idea of being a leader, then you might enjoy working in arts administration for non-profit or for-profit Arts organizations. Theater groups, theatres, dance companies, community art centers, museums, orchestras, choral groups and other musical organizations, all need staff to organize events, take care of publicity, manage the finances, fundraise, manage the box office, and other needs. Smaller organizations may only have one person doing this, but larger organizations do have more staff members doing this. Although there may be no set degree or professional training for this, (I'm not sure), but you'll probably need a college degree with some management and business courses in addition to music, art, dance, or drama courses (whatever you are interested in). If you have any arts organizations in your community, contact them and ask if you could visit and do an "informational" interview with the person in charge. You could also talk to your teachers about this. Maybe ask you drama teacher about upcoming productions, and how you could be of help behind the scenes to get a taste of this.
If you enjoy working with children, teens and adults, and you enjoy sharing your passion for your art, then you might consider going into arts education. Teach drama, dance, or choral music in public or private schools, or at the college/university level. I am a retired art teacher, and I enjoyed sharing my love of art with my middle school students. I was able to work on my own art during the summers, and in retirement, I can focus on my art full time. You could do this to by teaching chorus or drama, or any other art subjects offered by the school system.
I hope this helps! Best wishes.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Lyla
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Lyla,
Securing Financial Steadfastness in Artistic Careers
While attaining financial steadiness in an artistic career may seem daunting, it's entirely achievable with meticulous planning and astute choices. Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain financial security while navigating your artistic career:
1. Broaden Your Skillset: Enhancing your earning potential in the arts can be achieved by diversifying your skills. If you're engaged in theatre, dance, or choir, think about broadening your abilities to include teaching, choreography, or arts management. A varied skillset allows you to assume diverse roles within the arts sector, opening doors to more income opportunities.
2. Cultivate a Robust Network: Establishing strong relationships with fellow artists, industry insiders, and potential clients is key in the arts sector. This can boost your prospects of securing financially rewarding work and collaborations. Make it a point to attend industry gatherings, workshops, and conferences to meet new people and grow your network.
3. Develop Multiple Revenue Channels: Beyond traditional artistic pursuits like performances or exhibitions, think about establishing multiple revenue streams. This could involve offering private tuition, selling your artwork online, or taking up freelance work in related areas such as graphic design or event management.
4. Implement Financial Planning: Having a robust financial plan is crucial to manage your earnings effectively. Establish a budget, set aside funds for emergencies, and contemplate future investments. Grasping fundamental financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing can aid in navigating the financial fluctuations of an artistic career.
5. Apply for Grants and Scholarships: Seek out opportunities to apply for grants, scholarships, and other artist-supporting funding sources. Numerous organizations provide financial aid to artists at different career stages. Investigate these opportunities and apply for those that match your artistic aspirations.
6. Adopt an Entrepreneurial Approach: Think about your artistic endeavors from an entrepreneurial perspective. Discover ways to monetize your creativity, such as selling merchandise, launching crowdfunding campaigns, or developing online courses. Innovative thinking about income generation from your art can bolster your financial stability.
7. Pursue Professional Growth: Continual skill and knowledge enhancement in the arts can unlock new financial growth opportunities. Consider enrolling in workshops, classes, or certifications that augment your expertise and increase your marketability in the sector.
8. Try Programming making art software!
If I can do it anyone can! There is code on my Youtube references.
I got involved in computer graphics art programming about 20 years ago. I am on YouTube.Studio as Jim Frangos. One-third of my work is computer graphics and one-third is Diet Wizard software.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
The Balance Careers
Forbes
Arts Council England
BLESSINGS!
James Constantine.
Securing Financial Steadfastness in Artistic Careers
While attaining financial steadiness in an artistic career may seem daunting, it's entirely achievable with meticulous planning and astute choices. Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain financial security while navigating your artistic career:
1. Broaden Your Skillset: Enhancing your earning potential in the arts can be achieved by diversifying your skills. If you're engaged in theatre, dance, or choir, think about broadening your abilities to include teaching, choreography, or arts management. A varied skillset allows you to assume diverse roles within the arts sector, opening doors to more income opportunities.
2. Cultivate a Robust Network: Establishing strong relationships with fellow artists, industry insiders, and potential clients is key in the arts sector. This can boost your prospects of securing financially rewarding work and collaborations. Make it a point to attend industry gatherings, workshops, and conferences to meet new people and grow your network.
3. Develop Multiple Revenue Channels: Beyond traditional artistic pursuits like performances or exhibitions, think about establishing multiple revenue streams. This could involve offering private tuition, selling your artwork online, or taking up freelance work in related areas such as graphic design or event management.
4. Implement Financial Planning: Having a robust financial plan is crucial to manage your earnings effectively. Establish a budget, set aside funds for emergencies, and contemplate future investments. Grasping fundamental financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing can aid in navigating the financial fluctuations of an artistic career.
5. Apply for Grants and Scholarships: Seek out opportunities to apply for grants, scholarships, and other artist-supporting funding sources. Numerous organizations provide financial aid to artists at different career stages. Investigate these opportunities and apply for those that match your artistic aspirations.
6. Adopt an Entrepreneurial Approach: Think about your artistic endeavors from an entrepreneurial perspective. Discover ways to monetize your creativity, such as selling merchandise, launching crowdfunding campaigns, or developing online courses. Innovative thinking about income generation from your art can bolster your financial stability.
7. Pursue Professional Growth: Continual skill and knowledge enhancement in the arts can unlock new financial growth opportunities. Consider enrolling in workshops, classes, or certifications that augment your expertise and increase your marketability in the sector.
8. Try Programming making art software!
If I can do it anyone can! There is code on my Youtube references.
I got involved in computer graphics art programming about 20 years ago. I am on YouTube.Studio as Jim Frangos. One-third of my work is computer graphics and one-third is Diet Wizard software.
Top 3 Credible References Used:
The Balance Careers
Forbes
Arts Council England
BLESSINGS!
James Constantine.
Thank you, James Constantine!
Lyla
Joel Chavez
Client Executive at Verizon
10
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Joel’s Answer
Hi Lyla,
Staying financially stable in an arts career requires diversifying your income streams, managing finances wisely, and building a strong professional network. Consider freelancing, teaching, selling merchandise, applying for grants, and exploring digital platforms for additional revenue. Budgeting and saving are crucial, as is investing in your skills and marketing yourself effectively. Additionally, consider joining artist associations or networks for support and opportunities.
Staying financially stable in an arts career requires diversifying your income streams, managing finances wisely, and building a strong professional network. Consider freelancing, teaching, selling merchandise, applying for grants, and exploring digital platforms for additional revenue. Budgeting and saving are crucial, as is investing in your skills and marketing yourself effectively. Additionally, consider joining artist associations or networks for support and opportunities.
Thank you so much!
Lyla
Where's Waldoe
Songwriter
13
Answers
Lebanon, Ohio
Updated
Where's’s Answer
This is a very good question and unfortunately the answer is not always pretty. To be a full time artist means alot of struggle financially. Many artists will supplement their income with a job and work on art on the side until they reach success in the art industry. I suggest finding a principle occupation that can support you while you do art on the side.
Lisa Irving
Activities Director
5
Answers
Peekskill, New York
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Be flexible and follow your talents. I was really gifted as an artist but instead of becoming an illustrator or fine artist, I became an art director because I was worried about a paycheck. Don't get me wrong, I did good as an art director until a recession and people stopped buying magazines. I couldn't find a job. I was faced with reinventing myself. I never saw what was in front of me until I had no choice. I was good with people. I found a part time job working at psychiatric hospital in the art therapy department. I was super interesting to me and helping other was rewarding. Since then I've move through healthcare as a recreation therapist to activities director. My creative mind helps me in the work force always but not with painting and drawing but creative ideas. I recommended looking through your strengths and seeing what you want. Being an art director for me meant being stuck at a computer and endlessly learning new software. When I was young, I was fairly active person so it was hard adjustment sitting a long day under tight deadlines. Neither high school nor college ever talked about different creative jobs in the work force beside fine art or commercial art. I never heard about art therapy and was surprised I went to the same college as some of the art therapist. Spend sometime seeing what fits your personality when it comes to jobs.
Blakely Taylor
Acting, graphic & digital design
1
Answer
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Updated
Blakely’s Answer
I would definitely look into a stable graphic or digital design job. Meanwhile you can also do freelance illustrating for books, or just do commissions on the side.
Laura Doreson
Coordinator
5
Answers
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Artists and art are so needed in our world, so I salute you for being an artistic type!
I studied fine art painting and film, and got my degree in fine arts, and film studies. My talent was in screenplay writing and film editing. I found that although I loved these areas, I did not feel I was a good fit for Hollywood and working in the film industry. I fell into computer work to support myself.
I then found I loved working with interiors and interior designers. So I was given opportunities to create custom paintings for interiors. This was rewarding and gave me a side income while working in the computer field.
Looking back on this part of my life, I strongly feel that if I had taken the opportunities presented to me by a mento (my Professor) in the field I truly loved (film editing), I would not have been so timid about trying.
I would say that you should look at which area of the arts you love, truly love, and would be willing to work hard at. While practicing and learning more skills in that area, find a mentor who you connect with. Trust your instincts if you feel they are a good person and can help you make connections in that field. Accept the help from others who see your talents, and stay away from those who want to put you down.
Do what you love is something we hear all the time and I find it to be true. When you do what you love, other opportunities will come to you. Don't be afraid to take them! Shine your light. <3
I studied fine art painting and film, and got my degree in fine arts, and film studies. My talent was in screenplay writing and film editing. I found that although I loved these areas, I did not feel I was a good fit for Hollywood and working in the film industry. I fell into computer work to support myself.
I then found I loved working with interiors and interior designers. So I was given opportunities to create custom paintings for interiors. This was rewarding and gave me a side income while working in the computer field.
Looking back on this part of my life, I strongly feel that if I had taken the opportunities presented to me by a mento (my Professor) in the field I truly loved (film editing), I would not have been so timid about trying.
I would say that you should look at which area of the arts you love, truly love, and would be willing to work hard at. While practicing and learning more skills in that area, find a mentor who you connect with. Trust your instincts if you feel they are a good person and can help you make connections in that field. Accept the help from others who see your talents, and stay away from those who want to put you down.
Do what you love is something we hear all the time and I find it to be true. When you do what you love, other opportunities will come to you. Don't be afraid to take them! Shine your light. <3
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