What advice should I give a talented, young, aspiring artist?

Question

A former colleague at my place of employment is a young, aspiring artist. I think she's talented (of course, she's beautiful in my opinion, that doesn't hurt)--I advised her upon graduation to go to New York and try to get into an art school. I think she's now in an art school in the greater Grand Rapids area of Michigan. What kind of advice would be helpful to her? Is it rough being an artist in such a left-brained world? How can she make a living at it? I really don't know--I went to a big State college, an Agriculture School, moreover--art was never really taken seriously there I don't think--it was more like a place for business and veterinary degrees.

Answer 1

Follow your own path, don't let anybody tell you how and what to paint unless they are much better than you.
Don't worry about the money, art is not about the money.
Do the best most professional work you can, never take seconds, and never compromise.
good luck

Answer 2

Tell her not to quit painting. It is part of who she is and she would not be the same without it. But she also has to be realistic. She has to have something to pay the bills until her art career picks up. I am a musician, and the best thing that I could tell you to tell her for advice is "Don't quit your day job".

Answer 3

She could take digital photos of her art;then present them to various ad agencies.E-mailing ad agencies or going there might do.I suspect that ad agencies will farm out their work.By the looks of things good artists are in demand.Be prepared to actually draw something right at the ad agency.

Answer 4

Art is the most beautiful, most spiritual profession so good luck

Answer 5

Ask her to marry you that sounds like her best bet and yours too.

Answer 6

Cash is always good

Answer 7

Anything you feel from your heart.

Answer 8

keep it up. dont lose faith.

Answer 9

Advice from artists:

"Here's a little advice for beginning artists to keep in mind when they are trying to learn to draw and create their own style. It's really important to study from life and not focus in too much on your favorite artist's style. This way you create your own thing.... your own style."
http://www.jazmaonline.com/interviews/interviews2.asp?intID=279

"I think something that’s really important that a lot of young artists don’t think about, early in their career, is documenting their work. As you find success, people become really interested in seeing how your work evolved, and it can make a great resource for future researchers. As far as professional advice: be a professional! It’s a job, and it’s important to be organized, make contacts, and be active in the (art) world. If you’re responsible, you’ll find there are a lot of opportunities."
http://nyartsmagazine.com/pages/nyam_document.php?nid=48&did=666

"My advice for beginning artists is to use college to learn something that you can do to make a living. Art is easily learned merely by doing and you do not ever get asked for your degree or what school you went to"
http://www.cybling.com/artists/cherry.html

"Draw at least three hours a day and at least one of those hours commit to life drawing. I would be so much better if I had stuck to this. Also more than natural ability, trained skill or even luck, I would recommend staying determined. Never giving up is the only way to make it into this industry or as an artist at all."
http://www.starwars.com/eu/explore/profile/f20060201/indexp2.html

It's amazing how much computer applications have empowered artists to create wonderful things. They are only tools, however and artists should avoid the trap of being defined by their tools. Our mind, eyes and hands are what makes our work unique and will always be our greatest asset.

"I've learned that sharing company with creative people exponentially increases my own creativity. I'm constantly bowled over by the work of my fellow Pogo artists and it drives me to maintain as high a standard. My last piece of advice is that the knowledge you gain from the experiences of others, you in turn should pass on. You'll be a better artist and person for it."
http://www.pogo.com/misc/cc/cc-behindscenes.jsp?sls=2&site=pogo&pageSection=free_home_buzz

"I�m not sure whether I�m in a position to give advice because I�m still a student and still learning. The only thing I would say is feel what you love. If you love something, there should be no fear. Don�t be afraid that you have to make a living. There are simple ways to be artistic--painting, drawing. If you are determined to make a living, don�t worry that you can�t--you will. If anyone at a gas station or bank can make a living, you can make a living too."
http://www.nyfa.org/level4.asp?id=136&fid=1&sid=51&tid=167

"People are always asking me how to make a living from doing art. I think the less concerned you are about making money, the better your chances of being a successful professional artist. Worry about creating good art, not about how to
get rich.

I would also stress that being a good artist takes a lot of time and practice. A lot of the people who write me for advice seem to want me to show them how to get where I am now in 3 easy steps. It’s just not possible. Each image I created (and I’ve done hundreds of them) brought me one step closer to where I am today. There aren’t any shortcuts.

Lastly, I would remind aspiring artists to always keep their eyes open. Inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places."
http://www.innertraveler.com/guestartist/bliss.htm

"I think the key to portraying your feelings in your artwork is to be true to yourself and make sure everything you do comes from the heart. My advice for aspiring artists would be that talent is only part of what you need to be a successful artist. You must have dedication and self- discipline to make it in this business. It is a very competitive and difficult career, but nothing beats making a living doing what you love to do."
http://www.planit3d.com/source/interviews/earley_interview1.html

"Don't just imitate one artist (like Giger) or one style (like anime). Lay your work side by side next to that of the giants of the field, and give yourself an honest evaluation. Don't be too emotional about your stuff, but see it as others do. Draw in backgrounds, not just isolated figures floating in whiteness. Learn draftsmanship. Most images can generally be cropped in to good advantage. Don't make wimpy art. Make your blacks black, your reds red and your whites white. Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. Every drawing you do should be different than anything you've done before. Otherwise you're just repeating yourself and you'll never improve. Learn to draw eyes and expressions. Otherwise your people will never really breathe. Most of all never use "I'm an artist" as an excuse. Don't go around with the attitude that "I don't have to worry about my appearance because I'm an artist" or "I don't have to worry about money because I'm an artist" or "I don't have to act in a healthy, civilized manner because I'm an artist." That's just b.s."
http://www.frankwu.com/marsdust.html

"Pick up a pencil and draw!! I think any one can be a good artist, whether they have a "natural talent" for it or not. Anyone can learn the mechanics of drawing, after that, you let your imagination guide your hand. I think if you're in school, and there is an art programme available, you could do worse than to take the course. Although, I've heard from artists who've been to proper "art colleges" and then had to learn how to draw for each instructor depending on that instructor's personal tastes and bias to art. I think that is unfortunate, but I do think a basic education in the fundamentals of anatomy, perspective and colour are invaluable. So, if you find yourself in the situation of being molded to any instructor's idea of an artist - take what you need and can use from the experience, and disregard the rest."
http://www.marylayton.net/faq.php

"Get good training. Go to museums. Draw, draw, draw! Try new things within your work. Read. Read about artists. Read what artists write."
http://www.mjinterviews.netfirms.com/Denzil%20Hurley%20Interview.htm

"Talk to each other, community is important. See as much work as you can. Learn to be at one with your own work. Be curious about your own choices. Realize that it might be a big life choice, so don't hurry. Work hard and try to go to good schools where there is dialogue and excitement. Work in many mediums and be open to the demands of process. Realize that it is okay to be alone with your work and yourself. Read history. See something of the country and the world. Talk to your teachers. Have other interests as well. Be lucky!"
http://www.mjinterviews.netfirms.com/Denzil%20Hurley%20Interview.htm

"Never rush your artwork, believe me, it shows..."
http://www.comics2film.com/StoryFrame.php?f_id=20290&f_sec=19

"Don't worry about what other people are doing. Don't try to emulate. Work from what is inside you, crying out, however softly, however timidly, for expression."
http://paigekeiser.typepad.com/

"Don't figure out what people want, or what will sell. Figure out what you love to do. Learn to do it very, very well before you try to catch anyone's attention. When you've learned to do what you really love to do as well as you possibly can, find out who's paying for what you love to do.

There's a real thirst for beautiful, imaginative, and original things in the world. That thirst is not always honored by the usual commercial venues. But if you're doing beautiful, imaginative, and original work, it's possible to get it to the public. We in the fantasy art world are fortunate to have the Cons as alternative venues.
http://www.strangehorizons.com/2002/20020204/mark_ferrari.shtml