There is a perception that Art cannot be a profession or it is not good enough to be a profession. This statement is true only for people who think that it is a hobby, It will not give a secure and stable future. I think the major reason according to me is that a fine arts degree does not teach students business and marketing skills. Thus, the lack of these skills is one of the major blocks in the career path.
Art is a creative thing in many ways it can be writing, photography, designing, or painting. There are 2 types of people, one who considers it as a hobby and to enjoy and relax, not thinking of creating any money from it. Second are those creator who want their creation to help pay their bills. Whatever the profession is in the end if it is paying your bills, it falls under profession. A hairstylist cuts your hair, you pay for its service. You take your car to the mechanic and he fixes the issue.
As somebody has said it is not your job to think what society will think of you. All the stereotypes and beliefs are not meant to be believed, instead create your version of a path out of it, and that will turn into your profession.
“You can’t make enough money if you choose to be an artist” if you choose to think these things blindly, you will choose to block yourself and that is what I regret. Whichever path you choose, you have to build it from scratch, and also you learn from your mistakes which you did from your wrong decisions and that is where you develop your critical thinking as well.
There are many benefits to choosing art as a career.
Firstly, There is freedom in what you want to create and how you want to create. You can set your schedule. You can set your rates and you can also give jobs to others. After doing a degree in any creative field, there is no compulsion that you can only work independently or on your own. Rather you can choose the corporate path to be a commercial artist. There are n no. of fields in Art which people does not know. So, How do know if you want to be in the Art sector? Research is the answer- Give yourself some time to deeply know how many jobs are there in a particular field. Which are the locations? What is in high demand nowadays? What are the pathways after pursuing the particular stream?
Here are some key ways you can find job opportunities in the art industry.The art industry encompasses a wide range of careers beyond just being a fine artist. Some potential art-related jobs include:
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Fashion Designer
- Interior Designer
- Art Director
- Multimedia Artist
- Art Curator
- Art Therapist
- Art Teacher
- Set Designer
- Illustrator
- UX/UI Designer
- Product Designer
Researching these different art-related fields can help you identify potential career paths that align with your skills and interests. Also apart from it, here are some of the tips which also serves as key ingredients in building a career.
Building a Strong Portfolio
Regardless of the specific art career you pursue, having a strong, diverse portfolio is crucial. Showcase your best work, highlighting your technical skills, creativity, and versatility. This portfolio can be used when applying for jobs, internships, or freelance opportunities.
Networking and Internships
Connecting with professionals in the art industry can open doors to job opportunities. Attend art events, join professional organizations, and reach out to alumni from your art program. Internships are also a great way to gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections.
Considering Freelance and Entrepreneurial Paths
Some artists choose to forge their own path by freelancing or starting their own art-based businesses. This can involve selling artwork, offering design services, or even teaching art classes.
Continuing Education and Certifications
Pursuing additional education, such as a master’s degree or specialized certifications, can make you a more competitive candidate for certain art-related roles. This can include programs in areas like graphic design, animation, or art administration.
So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box, experiment with different revenue models, and always keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities. The art world is brimming with possibilities for those who are willing to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and forge their path, especially in this digital era where we are exploded with AI tools that can help us to expand our ideas and knowledge and can be our mentors.
