Before You Choose an Art Career

So, you like drawing. Can you make a career of it? Certainly, and contrary to popular belief, it is possible to make a decent living out of art. Not all visual arts careers involve drawing, and not all are well paid, but there are many avenues which enable you to make your living with a pencil (or brush, or drawing-tablet stylus) in your hand.

If you are interested in following a career in the visual arts, you'll need to carefully choose the profession you are aiming at and then select the right college courses to get you there. Consult your school careers adviser and find out what careers might best suit your personality and skills. Artists don't need to starve in a garret - but many famous artists made a living painting portraits or doing decorative work until they developed an audience. Learning solid basic skills will enable you to do the same, rather than working in an unskilled job that will have a negative impact upon your creativity. Many creative jobs are satisfying artistically as well as being well paid. Some are obviously artistic, such as graphic design, animation, illustration and portraiture; but depending on your personal strengths, you might consider fashion, visual merchandising, industrial design or architecture.

It is worthwhile to consider the type of people who work in a profession, and the style of life they lead. Do you want to spend the day with them, and live the way they do? If you are a 'free spirit', then the intense environment of an advertising office might not be for you, while working as a Fine Artist will offer you creative freedom. Some careers are highly competitive, and computer graphics has replaced traditional art mediums in others. Explore all the options, find out the sort of income you can expect, what skills you will need, and how to get qualified.
Before You Choose an Art Career gives a brief overview of some of the main careers in the visual arts, with links to related resources from other guides on About.com who specialise in various fields mentioned.
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