Just curious about the paths other artists are taking who want to do it professionally. This has been a more recent discovery in my life and I just love it but I have only really tackled drawing versus anything else. I love to draw everything from what I have noticed so it puts me on this very general scale. Does anybody have advice on their own journey through this?
Full Version: Advice on knowing what direction to take.
Drawing everything is good. 
QUOTE (mchereynolds @ Jun 25 2009, 03:30 AM) 
Just curious about the paths other artists are taking who want to do it professionally. This has been a more recent discovery in my life and I just love it but I have only really tackled drawing versus anything else. I love to draw everything from what I have noticed so it puts me on this very general scale. Does anybody have advice on their own journey through this?
I just had to answer to this topic because I was going to ask the same sort of question. I have been drawing and painting from a young age. And Im mostly inspired by cartoons. I would love to earn a living from art. And have joined a local art society. And been involved in exhibitions. But still it seems to be a hobby that wont become a living. Which isn't a problem.
But I would love to earn a living from what I love to do.
The very first question that you need to ask yourself when wanting to make a living from drawing or painting is 'How much do I want this?' Because you need to want it A LOT to make it succeed. It is very hard work, but very rewarding too.
In very many cases, artists become multifunctional people and few make their entire living from drawing or painting. In my case, I work full time but use all my off time to work on and promote my art. I also teach drawing and painting. I find that many artists go this route to bring in additional dollars.
Also, you need to find what you do best in art and keep honing that skill. Become known for it, promote it, market it. No one will come to you. You have to work VERY hard to sell your art and be prepared to get a lot of rejections. Artists need thick skins because there are a lot of critics in the world.
To even approach a gallery you will need a minimum of 10 - 20 recent paintings or drawings and then galleries will take anywhere from 30 to 50% in commission fees. Often its better to market your work outside a gallery setting initially.
If you draw, say cartoons, then target organizations that buy them. Magazines, periodicals, newspapers, book publishers etc. Buy a current copy of the Artists & Graphic Designers Market to access contact information and try some submissions. You need to meet deadlines, be creative, be prepared meet editors requirements to a 't'.
In a nutshell:
Practice constantly (and that means daily no matter what) and be the best that you can in a specific genre or medium. Know it inside out so you do almost do it in your sleep.
Be prepared to work very hard at marketing and promoting your art. Yes, you'd rather be drawing, but if you want to make a living from your art, the marketing side of it is very large and very time consuming. The production of art becomes the icing on the cake.
Look at other art related areas that you can make money from. Once your skills are good, can you teach others these skills?
Start out pricing your work comparable to other artists in your area who do similar work. Do some research. How long have they been around, what is the medium, are they technically sound, does their work sell well? Who is buying it?
Review the economy in the area and target those who still have dollars to spend on art. They are there, you just need to find out who they are and where they are? For instance, horse owners, boat owners seem to have surplus dollars to spend on luxury items so target them if that's your strength.
Be serious about it. Treat it as a business. Make a business plan, have goals and aim for them. Dedicate resources to marketing and look professional. Produce a body of work. Hold a local exhibition if you can't get into a gallery.
Its not easy to become known and respected in the art world, but it can be done. Only then will the dollars follow. You have to be dedicated to make it work. You have to want this more than anything else in the world. Remember, no one will come looking for you out of the blue. You have to make them come to you.
In very many cases, artists become multifunctional people and few make their entire living from drawing or painting. In my case, I work full time but use all my off time to work on and promote my art. I also teach drawing and painting. I find that many artists go this route to bring in additional dollars.
Also, you need to find what you do best in art and keep honing that skill. Become known for it, promote it, market it. No one will come to you. You have to work VERY hard to sell your art and be prepared to get a lot of rejections. Artists need thick skins because there are a lot of critics in the world.
To even approach a gallery you will need a minimum of 10 - 20 recent paintings or drawings and then galleries will take anywhere from 30 to 50% in commission fees. Often its better to market your work outside a gallery setting initially.
If you draw, say cartoons, then target organizations that buy them. Magazines, periodicals, newspapers, book publishers etc. Buy a current copy of the Artists & Graphic Designers Market to access contact information and try some submissions. You need to meet deadlines, be creative, be prepared meet editors requirements to a 't'.
In a nutshell:
Practice constantly (and that means daily no matter what) and be the best that you can in a specific genre or medium. Know it inside out so you do almost do it in your sleep.
Be prepared to work very hard at marketing and promoting your art. Yes, you'd rather be drawing, but if you want to make a living from your art, the marketing side of it is very large and very time consuming. The production of art becomes the icing on the cake.
Look at other art related areas that you can make money from. Once your skills are good, can you teach others these skills?
Start out pricing your work comparable to other artists in your area who do similar work. Do some research. How long have they been around, what is the medium, are they technically sound, does their work sell well? Who is buying it?
Review the economy in the area and target those who still have dollars to spend on art. They are there, you just need to find out who they are and where they are? For instance, horse owners, boat owners seem to have surplus dollars to spend on luxury items so target them if that's your strength.
Be serious about it. Treat it as a business. Make a business plan, have goals and aim for them. Dedicate resources to marketing and look professional. Produce a body of work. Hold a local exhibition if you can't get into a gallery.
Its not easy to become known and respected in the art world, but it can be done. Only then will the dollars follow. You have to be dedicated to make it work. You have to want this more than anything else in the world. Remember, no one will come looking for you out of the blue. You have to make them come to you.
Thank you Jeanette, for sharing all that about art.
This is information is very useful. It does inspire me. Thanks a lot.
This is information is very useful. It does inspire me. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for taking the time to give so much info. Its really interesting. Many Thanks
Spot on Jeanette, great advice.
Hello Chris,
I would just like to suggest you have a ArtBisto for some good leads and information about becoming a designer or artist. The site is run by Monster so it is geared toward career and jobs.
Best wishes,
Hello Chris,
I would just like to suggest you have a ArtBisto for some good leads and information about becoming a designer or artist. The site is run by Monster so it is geared toward career and jobs.
Best wishes,
Good luck in your endeavour, dont get discouraged along the way..I have found (course i dont sell anything) that the things i really like that i draw/paint, ACK! no one else cares for..and the things i think are awful are the ones that get the most praise..it can be frustrating. I wish you luck
Thank you everyone again for the sound advice. I know I have to stay realistic but always keep the hope in front of me!
QUOTE (rjblanchette @ Jun 26 2009, 08:24 AM)
Spot on Jeanette, great advice.
Hello Chris,
I would just like to suggest you have a ArtBisto for some good leads and information about becoming a designer or artist. The site is run by Monster so it is geared toward career and jobs.
Best wishes,
Hello Chris,
I would just like to suggest you have a ArtBisto for some good leads and information about becoming a designer or artist. The site is run by Monster so it is geared toward career and jobs.
Best wishes,
Thank you RJ! That is a great site.
QUOTE (IslanderNL @ Jun 25 2009, 08:16 AM)
The very first question that you need to ask yourself when wanting to make a living from drawing or painting is 'How much do I want this?' Because you need to want it A LOT to make it succeed. It is very hard work, but very rewarding too.
In very many cases, artists become multifunctional people and few make their entire living from drawing or painting. In my case, I work full time but use all my off time to work on and promote my art. I also teach drawing and painting. I find that many artists go this route to bring in additional dollars.
Also, you need to find what you do best in art and keep honing that skill. Become known for it, promote it, market it. No one will come to you. You have to work VERY hard to sell your art and be prepared to get a lot of rejections. Artists need thick skins because there are a lot of critics in the world.
To even approach a gallery you will need a minimum of 10 - 20 recent paintings or drawings and then galleries will take anywhere from 30 to 50% in commission fees. Often its better to market your work outside a gallery setting initially.
If you draw, say cartoons, then target organizations that buy them. Magazines, periodicals, newspapers, book publishers etc. Buy a current copy of the Artists & Graphic Designers Market to access contact information and try some submissions. You need to meet deadlines, be creative, be prepared meet editors requirements to a 't'.
In a nutshell:
Practice constantly (and that means daily no matter what) and be the best that you can in a specific genre or medium. Know it inside out so you do almost do it in your sleep.
Be prepared to work very hard at marketing and promoting your art. Yes, you'd rather be drawing, but if you want to make a living from your art, the marketing side of it is very large and very time consuming. The production of art becomes the icing on the cake.
Look at other art related areas that you can make money from. Once your skills are good, can you teach others these skills?
Start out pricing your work comparable to other artists in your area who do similar work. Do some research. How long have they been around, what is the medium, are they technically sound, does their work sell well? Who is buying it?
Review the economy in the area and target those who still have dollars to spend on art. They are there, you just need to find out who they are and where they are? For instance, horse owners, boat owners seem to have surplus dollars to spend on luxury items so target them if that's your strength.
Be serious about it. Treat it as a business. Make a business plan, have goals and aim for them. Dedicate resources to marketing and look professional. Produce a body of work. Hold a local exhibition if you can't get into a gallery.
Its not easy to become known and respected in the art world, but it can be done. Only then will the dollars follow. You have to be dedicated to make it work. You have to want this more than anything else in the world. Remember, no one will come looking for you out of the blue. You have to make them come to you.
In very many cases, artists become multifunctional people and few make their entire living from drawing or painting. In my case, I work full time but use all my off time to work on and promote my art. I also teach drawing and painting. I find that many artists go this route to bring in additional dollars.
Also, you need to find what you do best in art and keep honing that skill. Become known for it, promote it, market it. No one will come to you. You have to work VERY hard to sell your art and be prepared to get a lot of rejections. Artists need thick skins because there are a lot of critics in the world.
To even approach a gallery you will need a minimum of 10 - 20 recent paintings or drawings and then galleries will take anywhere from 30 to 50% in commission fees. Often its better to market your work outside a gallery setting initially.
If you draw, say cartoons, then target organizations that buy them. Magazines, periodicals, newspapers, book publishers etc. Buy a current copy of the Artists & Graphic Designers Market to access contact information and try some submissions. You need to meet deadlines, be creative, be prepared meet editors requirements to a 't'.
In a nutshell:
Practice constantly (and that means daily no matter what) and be the best that you can in a specific genre or medium. Know it inside out so you do almost do it in your sleep.
Be prepared to work very hard at marketing and promoting your art. Yes, you'd rather be drawing, but if you want to make a living from your art, the marketing side of it is very large and very time consuming. The production of art becomes the icing on the cake.
Look at other art related areas that you can make money from. Once your skills are good, can you teach others these skills?
Start out pricing your work comparable to other artists in your area who do similar work. Do some research. How long have they been around, what is the medium, are they technically sound, does their work sell well? Who is buying it?
Review the economy in the area and target those who still have dollars to spend on art. They are there, you just need to find out who they are and where they are? For instance, horse owners, boat owners seem to have surplus dollars to spend on luxury items so target them if that's your strength.
Be serious about it. Treat it as a business. Make a business plan, have goals and aim for them. Dedicate resources to marketing and look professional. Produce a body of work. Hold a local exhibition if you can't get into a gallery.
Its not easy to become known and respected in the art world, but it can be done. Only then will the dollars follow. You have to be dedicated to make it work. You have to want this more than anything else in the world. Remember, no one will come looking for you out of the blue. You have to make them come to you.
Just in case you didn't get my reply from earlier this week, I just wanted to say thank you again for taking the time you did to put this all down. It's excellent and true!
Dear IslanderNL:
I enjoyed reading your post, very informative. I am learning how to draw and don't expect to make much money off it but I love art and enjoy doing it. My dream is to become a great artist like Leonardo or Michelangelo, but if it pays little that is good enough for me. My dream is to become a master artist, but money is not my main interest in studying the arts.
Cheers !!!
rednova
I enjoyed reading your post, very informative. I am learning how to draw and don't expect to make much money off it but I love art and enjoy doing it. My dream is to become a great artist like Leonardo or Michelangelo, but if it pays little that is good enough for me. My dream is to become a master artist, but money is not my main interest in studying the arts.
Cheers !!!
rednova
leonardo never sold anything..maybe one in his life..he became famous after he died, like lots of famous artist
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