
How to Become an Artist
To be a successful artist in your own lifetime, you need to balance institutional learning, good business sense, hard work and talent. Read on for an overview of the basic steps involved in pursuing a career in fine art.
Steps:1. Research and apply to universities with the best undergraduate programs in art. Find out whether they offer adequate foundation studio classes that cover all the technical information you'll need for your chosen medium.
2. Take slides of your artwork. Many undergraduate programs require a portfolio...
Read MoreTo be a successful artist in your own lifetime, you need to balance institutional learning, good business sense, hard work and talent. Read on for an overview of the basic steps involved in pursuing a career in fine art.
Steps:
1. Research and apply to universities with the best undergraduate programs in art. Find out whether they offer adequate foundation studio classes that cover all the technical information you'll need for your chosen medium.
2. Take slides of your artwork. Many undergraduate programs require a portfolio in addition to your general application.
3. Go to art openings and become familiar with the art scene, since this will be your main venue for selling your work when you get out of school.
4. Learn the business of art. Take business management classes.
5. Begin building your r?sum? by entering both open and juried exhibitions. Be discriminating. Request to see images from the previous exhibitions and find out who the juror is. Be sure the exhibition provides adequate insurance and security for your artwork.
6. Go to a graduate school that offers practical classes and lots of instruction. Your goal is to learn as much as possible from those who know how to teach.
7. Find a studio space when you leave school, and get to work. Stay focused. Try to devote at least half of your total work week to art. Build a strong body of work.
8. Promote yourself. Have business cards made and begin introducing yourself to the art community. Involve yourself in as many events as possible and become a familiar face. Have studio parties if your space allows.
9. View other works that seem similar to your own, and compare prices locally and abroad. Galleries should add their commission to the amount you want rather than cut into your wholesale price.
10. Consult a local arts alliance for contract help. Have a written contract or agreement and have it reviewed by your attorney. There are certain laws that will protect you as well as some by which you must abide.
Tips:
It may not be wise to go to a specialized art school early in your education. Go to a college or university that offers a broad-based core curriculum to develop other career options just in case you find that art is not your calling.
Consider teaching; it will hammer in all the information you learned as a student.
Avoid signing your life away to any gallery. Remember, without you they have nothing to sell. Know what you're worth and stick to it.
Never stop learning about your craft.
HideTop Online Art Schools
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division (Online)
Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class.
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Full Sail University (Online)
If you're looking to launch a career in recording, music, film, video games, design, animation, entertainment business, or Internet marketing, you've come to the right place.
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Westwood College (Online)
Your future in technology starts right here. The Anaheim, CA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success.
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International Academy of Design & Technology Online (Online)
IADT's new Virtual Campus has opened its doors to online degree programs for imaginative, career-focused students
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AIU Online (Online)
Earn your Associate's, Bachelor's completion- even an MBA- from the comfort of home at AIU Online. Choose from career-track programs such as Visual Communication, Information Technology and more.
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DeVry University (Online)
DeVry University provides you with the skills you need to succeed. Choose from one of DeVry's many campuses to earn an associate or a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields.
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Kaplan University (Online)
Kaplan University's accredited online degree programs allow you to earn the degree you need and advance your career without missing a day of work.
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Penn Foster College (Online)
Penn Foster College offers affordable, career-focused Associate degree programs in some of today's fastest-growing fields, including business, health services, criminal justice, technology, engineering and more.
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University of Phoenix (Online)
University of Phoenix makes higher education highly accessible.
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Ashworth College (Online)
You don't have to rearrange your life to get a quality education. Ashworth College, a respected worldwide leader in distance education, offers high school diploma programs, professional-level career diploma programs, associate's programs, and master's degree programs in a variety of career fields. Ashworth College can teach you the practical, hands-on techniques you need to succeed in the real world. Study on your own schedule, at a pace that makes sense for you.
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