Artists...what do you do for work?

Question

I was just curious to see what other artists do to earn a living... especially those who are doing well with their art.
A lot of artists seem to end up teaching...I'm sure that most of them enjoy teaching but do you think that for some of them they just do it because it's hard to make a living as an artist?

Answer 1

Once a graphic designer, but 14 years ago I joined an artists co-op with 5 other artists, working there one day a week. Within a couple of years one of the partners and myself bought out the other artists and now we run it as a partnership. It's a gift store with an art gallery where I sell my work and that of others.

12 years ago I also started an art supplies store and framing business with another artist. I work part time at both places, which are around the corner from each other. They are both great businesses with unlimited opportunities to network with other artists. Both businesses compliment each other and earn me a modest living, giving me time to paint and attend shows.

My work is in other galleries as well and the sales supplement my self-employed income. Not a bad way to go for a mom of 3, working the hours I chose - after the first few years, anyway.

I just HATE tax time...

Answer 2

create a visual message And sometimes or most of the times they starve waiting or die then they get discovered or some get lucky. Depends on what type of art your referring to fine art,
commercial art kitsch It ithe lucky oneds really hard to make a living, but look at those two Canadian men created youtube,
and that really was artistic and a big pay

Answer 3

SOME ARTISTS ARE TAUGHT,SOME ARE BLESSED WITH THE TALENT.THOSE THAT TEACH DO SO FOR THE LOVE AND AVAILABILTY OF MATERIALS,AND SOME TEACH BECAUSE THEY GAVE UP ON THERE QUEST TO BE A TRUE ARTIST.IN MY CASE I WAS BLESSED WITH A TALENT,MANY HAVE SAID THAT I WILL BECOME WEALTHY AND WELL KNOWN AS AN ARTIST UNFORTUNATELY NOT UNTIL I HAVE PASSED AWAY.TO ME IT DOESN'T MATTER,I DO WHAT I LOVE BECAUSE I LOVE IT,NOT MANY CAN SAY THAT THEY MAKE A LIVING DOING WHAT THEY LOVE.I PROMOTE MY GALLERY BY DOING SHOWS AND FESTIVALS,I OPENED A GALLERY AND STUDIO,I WORK AT IT PLAIN AND SIMPLE.AS FOR A LIVING,IT CAN ONLY BE DETERMINED BY YOUR CLIENTS,THEY DECIDE YOUR FAITH,IN OTHER WORDS THEY EITHER LIKE YOUR WORK OR NOT.I HOPE I ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION....KEEP PAINTING,FOR IT BRINGS TO YOU RICHES THAT KNOW ONE CAN PUT A PRICE ON MERELY IN SELF SATISFACTION

Answer 4

Not sure if I do the same type of things you you consider "art" but I'm a writer who actually WRITES for a living. Though, what I write as a day job is technical and has nothing to do with what anyone would consider "art."

Answer 5

The best painter I know teaches. He's very facile and smart as to subject matter. But his sales are nearly nonexistent. He produces a lot of work, and shows a lot in the region. But his doctorate did not translate to dollars, that is for sure.

If teaching doesn't appeal to you, try segueing into illustration or graphic design, while keeping one toe in your first love.

Answer 6

I'm an oil painter, and although I've sold quite a few paintings it's definately not enough to live on. Luckily my husband likes me to be at home, and although I do some alterations (dressmaking) to earn some money I don't really need to work.

Answer 7

http://art-artista.blogspot.com/