I enjoy painting and drawing but I heard that artists are always poor but my family thinks I should make a career out of it. Is it a waste of time to go to college for something that isnt popular in society?
2006-08-16 14:23:13 · 18 answers · asked by peachturnover 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
I have done some research on this topic for personal reasons and I'd like to share what I've learned with you here. First, you are correct in saying most artists do not make it financially... hence the term "starving artists." However, some do make it because they have found ways to market their art... and that seems to be the key. Look at the artist for the Precious Moments figurines... his partnership with Hallmark is certainly a success... what a great way to market his art... in gift shops. Most artists work at their passion part-time and never leave their day job... they need insurance and a steady income... and it's difficult to raise a family without knowing whether you're going to be paid or not. Second, I don't believe it's a waste of time to go to college and get a degree in Art... you should go with that passion if it really drives you. There are careers in Art that can be had with that degree; a few examples would be Art Teacher, Art Museum Currator, Art Purchaser (some companies love to hire people with an eye for art as an investment... AG Edwards, Inc. is one company that does this), Graphic Artist, Commercial Artist, Art Auctioneer, and Art School Director. I would recommend though using what I have learned... you can major in Art, but how about a minor in Marketing? That would be a good combination if you have the artistic ability to produce your work; and if the talent is lacking, marketing is a skill that is easily transferable to any type of business. Third, you mention that your family thinks you should make a career out of it; you need to appreciate their opinions, but it is YOUR decision to make... it is your life, and you can't be influenced by others when it comes to following your passion.
2006-08-16 15:05:09 · answer #1 · answered by Mike S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There ARE artists out there who make money with their work, but you have to be prepared to be very dedicated and yes, be poor for a while.
If you explore art in a social-commentary context, rather than just in terms of aesthetics, there is no reason to believe you will not have it exhibited, especially if you are very good, but even if you aren't... and since getting good is not just a matter of talent, but very hard work, pursuing art is the way to being good, getting exhibited and making money...
Even if you don't make a great deal of money as a "famous" artist, if you build skills in many areas (say drawing, pottery, photography and graphic arts for example) you will have many diverse skills which will make you employable, or enable you to be self employed.
If nothing else, after pursuing art professionally, you can always become a teacher, which is nothing if not fulfilling.
Em
2006-08-16 14:37:10 · answer #2 · answered by Emmerage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can be an artist with a career if you make art everyday. Doesn't matter if you moonlight with a fulltime job in an office, at Burger King or cutting hair. Being an artist means being an art maker. When someone asks, what do you do, you say...I am an artist but I also do (fill in the blank) for a living.
2006-08-16 16:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by Victor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Evert artist start in the bottom .there is the Rich Artist and there is the deep artist The rich just paint and sell the work but the poor artist or should I say the deep artist always tells the truth throw the lie and it is a very amazing lie.
2006-08-16 17:03:15 · answer #4 · answered by luie8luis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if money is not a problem for you I would suggest illustration. If you are going to school to be able to make more (much needed money) then go with graphic design. animation is not easy to break into at all and require tons of knowledge in computer 3-D rendering. If you want to do general art courses while still being able to love art I would suggest art history and become a teacher.
2016-03-27 05:05:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With painting your most secure job will be teaching. Making a living as an artist can be done, but it's difficult. If you enjoy painting, go for it. Don't settle for something else because it pays better. You'll be miserable if you do.
2006-08-17 10:23:44 · answer #6 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Art is wonderful. I'm in an art major.
I'm going to school for graphic design though. You draw and design ads for billboards, magazines, commercials. Stuff like that it's actually REALLY fun and REALLY creative. It's a really good field to get into right now as well. Graphic designers are high in demand currently.
2006-08-16 19:36:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can become a professional artist or you can teach art to student.I know it isn't popular in America, but I know it's very prestigious in some parts of europe.
If you can't make it in art choose another talent
2006-08-16 14:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Art is all around. Computers is the best way to go. Computer art is everywhere like movies, tv, Advertising, and alot of other stuff.
2006-08-16 14:42:44 · answer #9 · answered by butterfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you could go to college and study art as well as education and become an art teacher.
2006-08-16 14:28:52 · answer #10 · answered by Joy M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋