There are so many artistic jobs out there and ways to make art online and in our today's society. It used to be so difficult to do so in the past but it's becoming easier to be exposed on social media as an artist. In this generation, there are so many new rising artists taking over the art market and turning it into a more common job to live off just as an artist. Though, the art journey is still not easy to make a consistent income. While there is more opportunity than before to make sales off of paintings, digital works, and commissions; there is still a chance to not make any every month or year. If selling your artwork and becoming a full-time artist interest you then here are 4 ways to make sure you get the most out of this fulfilling career.
1 . Always Create - Make Tons of Artwork
The best way to start your art journey and career is to constantly create works of art. It can be anything and practiced however long you wish. The reason for this is to practice for commission basis work in the future or working in a company. Traditionally, galleries prefer works in collections and series as well to encourage meaning and a message your target audience would admire.
It also helps improve skills, quality, and generates new ideas.
This can also help you understand what does and does not work for you in terms of medium, subject, color, and style of course.
It helps you see what you enjoy creating the most as there are several crafts to try out.
2 . Learn the Basics - Be an Expert
When it comes to professionalism and understanding the basics of art; it can significantly help you in the long run. As most individuals, when we look at art to purchase we want to make sure the artist understands the essentials of their work's quality, value, representation, and of course how it is and can be perceived.
Learn and perfect proportions as it is vital to know what precise anatomy looks like in any style of art whether it be realistic or cartoon/anime-like. (If it is meant not to be it should look like it was on purpose and not because you lack that skill.)
Document your work by taking professional pictures of your art and editing with Photoshop if needed.
Make sure your work has great value as it should have great shadows and highlights. Reference to picture perfect or make the animation realistic in its world.
Be a great writer- this is because understanding how to write art statements and an artist bio will impact you as an artist if you don't use the right choice of words or grammar.
Use colors that complement or pop. It is not best to mix colors that make black or brown or don't even look good with each other. Colors look best if they bring the best qualities out of each other and are vibrant. Art is sold more if it is highly saturated or looks great together.
3 . Branch Out - Post your Art Everywhere
A great way to get exposure to your artwork is to take advantage of social media. It's best to learn how to use each platform as they are not the same and are different in their own ways. If you do have social media but nothing has worked for years. Try to learn the new updates perhaps you're using old techniques to gain new followers but it was during 2014. It is now 2022, everything has changed including the algorithm on each platform.
Posting consistently on social media is a must in this day and age. Try posting 4 times a week minimum.
Build your own professional website. This will help your customers know who you are as an artist and it brings them straight to you.
Make an Etsy account. All artists should take advantage of free platforms to help them sell their work better.
Create an Instagram shop. This will also help your followers see what you do have for sale.
Post everywhere! I do mean post your work everywhere on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat, Reddit, DeviantArt, Youtube, Pinterest, etc.
4 . Be Involved - Network Befriend Artists
The art journey should not only be about making a living. It should be fun and enjoy the journey as there are so many unique individuals you will get to meet along the way. The best way is to befriend others who are on the same path as being on the art journey. We all have different journeys but it helps us remember the good and how exciting it is to pursue this dream.
Collaborate with other artists. This will help get to know someone and make a new friend.
Join art pages and forums. A lot of these spaces are great as they help you with your art struggles and blocks or learn new tricks and mediums to make art more fun.
Offer art trades. This is also a great way to build friendships and showcase your work because their friends and family will see your art on their wall when they visit as well as for you. This creates excellent conversation starters and can potentially build an art friend group.
Volunteer with your school or community. Several events go on that will need artists to assist with their project needs. This can also help befriend others and to build up your resume for the future.
There are so many ways to make art into a career but the best part of it all is having the privilege to do what you love to provide for yourself and your family. It is not an easy journey but it is a great adventure that won't ever end. There is always something new to learn and new ways to do things differently as the internet changes almost every day to where it will become either easier or harder for us artists. It is always best to enjoy life with both the big and some wins as there will be plenty of losses. I wish you all luck in your artistic journey!
Photograph by: Alexander Grey
Hashtags: #art #tipsforart #artjourney
Comments