You don’t have to be a starving artist to have an art career that you can be proud of. Like many careers today, an art career can be a combination of many approaches that add up to a full-time occupation. The important thing is to always keep taking risks.
Image credit: phanlop88 | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a graphic artist
This is a great way to support yourself when you’re starting out. Advertising agencies are always looking for talented graphic artists, whether they’re in a small market like Cleveland or a big one, like New York or Los Angeles.
These jobs pay well, and often lead to creative director positions that stretch talent and imagination. Graphic artists will work on everything from logos to bright and flashy signs.
Companies like New Style Signs employ graphic artists for their design needs, so this is a legitimate career path.
Sell your art online
The Internet is an excellent marketplace for artists of all mediums, from sculpture to painting, textile art, pottery, jewelry and more. Almost all galleries today have an online presence, and many artists have their own websites.
Investigate the group art sites in your area, and you’ll find a community of artists that stimulate you in addition to helping sell your work. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are also a a great way to build a following and increase your customer base.
Try video games and animation
Video game and animated film artist jobs are among the highest paid in the profession, though you might have to move to Silicon Valley or Los Angeles to get a foothold.
If you have the desire to break into this challenging field, check out internships with Walt Disney Co., which currently owns the mother-lode of animation jobs, Pixar.
Be an illustrator
This one’s tough, but if you can master the art of illustration, you can have a lifelong career in many industries, from medical illustration (health care) to industrial design (automotive and engineering fields) to children’s book publishing.
Teach art
If your talent comes with great communications skills and a desire to share your technique and style with others, teaching art at any level can be an incredibly rewarding career.
Public and private K-12 schools, community colleges and universities have art departments that need teachers, and you don’t always have to have an advanced degree to do the work. Explore the options where you live, and share what you know.
Always remember that if you have artistic talent, it will come out in anything you choose to do, whether it’s being a chef, an interior decorator or a lighting designer. Stay open to the professions that will satisfy you.
About the Author:
Tricia Borren is a mom and a blogger from California. You may connect with her on Google+.
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