How many times have you heard that there are no career prospects in art? Especially in countries such as India, the taboo associated with such fields make it even difficult for students to gather the courage to pursue higher education in the subject. Most often students remain confused as to what they can become if they study art ignoring the fact that there are an immense number of opportunities in the field. Art in itself is a broad term that encompasses subject areas such as animation, fashion, design, and many more.
If you’re an art student who is looking for tips and ways to boost your confidence and kick start your career, then you have come to the right place. To have a successful career, working hard is essential but at the same time, smart practices can accelerate your growth to a smooth ride.
Brush up your skills
While art is a subjective field and requires creativity and innovation, improving your skills will always be necessary for you. Be open to learning new things or gaining expertise in perfecting color texture, design software, or that one method you still cannot get the hang of. By consistently developing your talents, you will be able to create an impressive portfolio that remains one of the most vital pieces in your succession as an artist. This will not only help your work become more impressive and exquisite but it will also enhance your personality. As an artist, whether you are a fashion designer or product designer, your portfolio should speak for itself. It acts as the proof of your capabilities, of what you can and cannot do.
It will not matter if you are in college or actively seeking work, your portfolio will be evidence of your talent and help you make known with other painters, designers, animators, or artists. Beware of making mistakes by confusing your portfolio with your resume. They are two different things, one gives information about your artistic work, and the other is used for your educational background.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to take up new courses to learn something new. Being open to constructive criticism will also help you understand which areas you need to improve and which are your strengths and weaknesses. Becoming a successful artist is not an easy task but if you are determined to display consistent growth, then it won’t be long before your hard work pays off.
Find your own voice
Art, be as it may is a field to which people get drawn for exploration of deep meanings and different ideas. It is also a powerful medium for people to voice their opinions and matters which hold importance in the current scenarios around the globe. Once you have developed your skills, the next step would be to find your artistic voice. For example, if you are an animator, then you need to decide which style or form of animation you wish to excel at. Whether it is 2D or motion graphics, it will be vital for you to gain experience and expertise in that form.
Finding your artistic voice does not mean that you need to discover a new version of yourself or your work, but is essentially a metaphor to identify your unique strengths. By exploring new subject areas, styles or methods, you can create innovative pieces of art and designs. Apart from just making designs, paintings or sculptures, you must also know how to talk about other existing pieces of art. Read as much as you can, visit museums, galleries, or places of interest to know how one can have an engaging discussion with another about art.
Establish your image
No matter how much talented you are, if you are not known to people, it will be impossible for you to sell your work. In today’s world, marketing and networking play a huge role in making yourself known. Earning money and making a living for yourself as an artist is difficult, initially and can be the same for a longer period of time. Thus, the earlier you understand the need for making connections to grow your business, the sooner you can establish your place as a designer, artist, sculptor, animator, or fashion designer.
Apply for jobs, register yourself in competitions, projects, or display your work on public platforms. The more people see you, the more they will know about you. You can start writing blogs and spreading the news about your work. Discuss with your friends and acquaintances how you can improve and what you can do better to increase your reach as an artist.
Strategize business ideas
Nowadays, social media is a tool you can use as a means of communication anywhere and everywhere in the world. No matter if your audience is in the US or in Europe, by promoting your work, you can develop a steady client base for yourself. Businesses do not take off so easily and it takes persistent efforts to make it work. Especially, when you are an artist, you will need to adapt to multitasking and expanding your market. Similarly, organizing business will also be important as it will lead to diverse sales at multiple venues or organizations.
For recognition, you need to establish yourself as a brand. Someone people know just by the name. Now, remember that it is not easy, and gaining success as an artist is a long and bumpy ride that will sometimes even demotivate you to try again at all. However, it does not mean that you will stop trying. Set small goals for yourself from time to time. If you are a sculptor, contact galleries and other artists to educate them about your work. Provide brilliant descriptions and add value to what you create. For painters, you will need to get your work exhibited and sold for sustenance. Selling art is tough but not impossible. Budget your time and money so that you are not working in losses. With consistent production of work, keep your social media active and interact with your audience. Gaining trust and relationships is a difficult task but by constantly challenging yourself as an artist, you can and will become a successful artist.
Below are a couple of examples and job options that you can pursue after your undergraduate or master’s degree.
BFA –
Advertising agency
2Animator
Design Agency
Illustrator
Visualizer/ Concept Artist
Storyboard Artist
D Sketch Art/ Digital
Game artifact Developer
Caricature
MFA –
Teacher/ Professor
Art Director
Curator
Art Critic
Art Writer
Lastly, be prepared to burn many candles during the initial stages of your career. You should also understand that your determination and dedication will act as catalysts for your success. It is you and only you who have the strength and courage to reach your goals. Any textbook or video cannot prepare you for the journey but if you are willing to walk the distance, then pat yourself on the back after small accomplishments as consistent motivation is important. All in all, preparing yourself for a career in any field of art can be challenging but if you love the work you do and wish to do it as a profession then the hard work will be worth it.