STRUGGLING ARTIST? NO MORE!

I would have never picked up the book “I’d rather be in the studio” by Alyson B. Stanfield if it wasn’t for my class. But I am so happy that I own this book now. Why? Because it really made me want to promote myself and be a professional. Not only did it make me desire it, but it also taught me how to get started and how to maintain an art career. It is very hard being a senior in an art major track because of the uncertainty once you leave. It is very hard being in any art career track, not just studio. So how do you figure things out for leading a stable lifestyle?

Now this isn’t something I have figured out yet. I think a lot of people haven’t figured it out after being out of school for a few years. Yes many people go into teaching, few become renown, and most end up with multiple jobs just trying to pay the rent and try to focus on producing work. And sadly a lot of people end up forgetting about their dreams of being an artist for a day job.

Lets brainstorm for a bit… how many different art jobs are there? (this isn't the full list either)

-Artist                              -Therapist

-Curator                           -Agent

-Blogger                           -Auctioneer

-Teacher                           -Appraiser

-Small Business owner       -Investor

-Art Handler                      -Courtroom Artist

-Archivist/Conservator       -Police Sketch Artist

-Registrar                          -Layout Artist

-Historian

-Critic

-Journalist

-Restorer

-Designer

-Illustrator

-Director

-Studio Assistant

-Advertiser

I’m pretty sure that there are more than a couple of options for any type of artist. Once I realized what I truly an passionate about and I saw my options I became less scared of having to turn to a job that had nothing to do with my career path. The best thing is that no matter which path you choose you still will be able to be around art and appreciate it.

Now, how to push your freelance art career further? Check out the book I mentioned before. Seriously. It helps set up your Internet profiles, make important connections, stay organized, how to set up a resume, business card, or PR folder, write an artist statement, basically everything you’d need to know about how to be an independent artist. It’s important to keep up your web presence and make contacts to keep people interested in your work. The biggest thing is that if you’re passionate about what you do, let people see that because it will make them passionate about it too. Also not to be afraid to reach out to different magazines and submit your work into different call for entries. Talking to people isn’t really as bad as it seems and actually benefits you and your end result. So get out and promote and maintain that image you want of yourself.

+If you want more about this topic, comment and let me know!+