Let’s start by dispelling some of the myths about art as a career…Starting a career in art, however, can be a bit tricky at times. Many aspiring artists may not know where to start at all.Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Believe it or not, many people have made their dreams into reality. They make a living doing what they love every day. Careers in art are perfect for creative right-brainers that can’t stand the thought of spending their days in a tiny cubicle or stuffy office.
Myth: If I choose to pursue an art career, I’ll become a “starving artist”.
The “starving artist” myth has been around for years, and it is often one of the most common reasons why people don’t end up pursuing their passion. While, you may not strike it rich as an artist right away, an art career could be very lucrative.
There’s no sense in sugar coating it, however – making a living with an art career can be difficult. Unlike some other careers, there is no guarantee that you will make a living wage, or in some cases, any wage at all. Like the majority of other careers, however, an art career will only give back as much as you put into it. In other words, if you’re a dedicated hard worker, an art career could lead to a very comfortable life.
Myth: One “big break” will make me rich and famous.
This isn’t necessarily true, although some artists have gotten lucky. Don’t think that choosing an art career will automatically lead to the cushy life you so desperately seek…if only you get that “big break”. Successful art careers require loads of passion, patience, dedication, and hard work, much like other careers. This is an extremely competitive industry, and typically only the strong survive.
If you’re looking for immediate fame and fortune, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you’re ready to rise up to the challenge and aren’t afraid of a little hard work, you’re on the right track!
Myth: I don’t need a college degree, because I’m going to be an artist.
Stop right there! You may want to rethink this myth. While you may have heard that you don’t need a formal education for an art career, this isn’t always the case. Granted, it is true that creativity and artistic skills simply can’t always be taught, a college degree doesn’t necessarily go out the window once you decide to become an artist.
A formal education in your chosen field can help you hone your skills and develop your talent. At the right art school, you will also be able to branch out and explore new areas as well, and possibly find yourself following a different path than you originally planned. The simple truth is, artists never stop learning. They are constantly evolving and honing their skills.
Myth: Even though I really want to pursue an art career, I should have a back-up plan, since there’s not much else I can do if I fail.
The biggest problem with this myth is the implication of failure. Everyone starting a new career is afraid of failure. Humans, by nature, are afraid of failure. But, if you start your career constantly worrying about the possibility of failure, chances are you will fail. Unfortunately, society as a whole has helped perpetuate this myth, causing artists to constantly doubt themselves and their chosen career paths.
Art is a perfectly acceptable career choice. Yes, it may be difficult at first. Yes, it may seem impractical at times. The truth is though, the world needs art. People need to be surrounded by beauty and expression. We crave it. For this simple reason, choosing a career in art is neither far-fetched nor foolhardy. If you want to badly enough, you will succeed as an artist.
Myth: I can’t draw or paint, so I can’t choose art as a career.
Wrong! Simple as that. While these talents are a large part of art as we know it, drawing and painting aren’t the only forms of art.
There are a number of different types of art careers that you can choose from that don’t necessarily require drawing or painting skills. Let’s say you’re a creative type and yearn to become an artist. You feel it in your bones. The only problem is, you can’t even draw a proper stick man. If you lack drawing and painting skills, look into the various other careers in art and design.
Are you good with your hands? Learn about becoming a woodworker, a sculptor, or a jewelry designer. Do you know your way around a computer? Check out graphic design or photo retouching. Try painting a picture with words as a novelist or screenwriter, or capturing a moment in time as a photographer.
The point is, there are tons of art careers to choose from. In this industry, you are only limited by your ambition and your imagination.
