Painter Career Pathways
- If you are a person who has toiled with acrylics and oils into the wee hours of the morning or after the stress of a long day at the job, then you know that you have the passion to follow this career. Whether or not you have a degree in art, there are plenty of things you can do to follow your dreams. There are bountiful benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in the arts. You will become immersed in the medium of painting, learn more about art history and make important contacts through professors and classmates. Learn as much as you can about your craft. Countless students go through programs and focus mainly on producing work but forget that the art world values artwork with social and historical relevance. It is important during this time to gain your own unique perspective. As the masters you study, replicating their brush stokes, use of light and perspective will help you gain authority over your craft. You must learn the basics before going off and breaking the rules. Understand why they made such gestures in their own work then take what you've learned and employ your own unique voice.
- While at school, take other classes that will help support you. Graphic design is a great field for artists and it gives them the ability to be creative while making enough to pay the rent. Teaching is another possible career choice that artists have taken. During your time at school become a teacher's assistant or teach at an after-school program to gain experience. After you have received your undergraduate degree, look into obtaining a master's or master's in fine arts degree. People are flocking back to school and getting a master's degree is soon becoming the norm.
- Get a job in your art scene at a local gallery, museum or community arts center. The more you are around other artists, the easier it will be to learn the business side of the art world. The art market is extremely competitive and putting together a resume, list of exhibitions, portfolio and letters of recommendation are of top importance. To get a list of exhibitions, show your art as much as possible when you are first beginning. Choose your best pieces and photographs. Speak with local galleries, and show pictures of your work. If you know someone with whom you would like to collaborate, then plan a group show. Ask businesses, restaurants, music venues and bars if you can hang a piece of work to sell in their establishment. Numerous places are more than willing to have their spaces decorated for free. Research local festivals and art fairs. There will generally be a fee for having a booth, but you may be able to make it back if you sell some work.
- Plenty of artists do not have the money or ability to seek a higher education. There are still a plethora of opportunities available for people with tight budgets. Find an artist residency program. If you have a portfolio and resume together, then look for a residency program that will give you a weekend stipend, pay for your housing and provide for you time to take lectures and paint. Look for grants that offer money for artists. Government grants are available to find on Web sites, but be sure to follow all of their guidelines before submitting your proposal.
- Despite your budget or educational background, there is a plethora of ways to be able to pursue your career. It is important to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. If you are not business-oriented, it is a good idea to learn more about contracts with galleries, people commissioning you for work and buyers. Promote yourself as though you were a company. Create a Web site with photographs of your work and a biography. Enlist the help of successful painters. Ask them about the art market and get ideas about how to price your work. Try not to get discouraged when your work doesn't sell. It may be from lack of promotion from you or the gallery or maybe just the wrong choice of venue to sell your work. While being a working artist is hard work, the benefits will be a life of living your dream.
