are the majority of people in the graphic designer and CG art industry struggling to make a living?

Question

I believe that EVERYONE who becomes a dentist, doctor, lawyer, can become successful, I mean getting lots of money. BUT, only SOME people who are in graphic design or animation are successful. The majority of them are nobodies who don’t make enough money to fully enjoy life. I mean, I don’t think there are too many people who are as successful as the comic creator of stan lee, for example, who made millions creating x-men and spiderman, etc. in royalties. ***Is this true, or just a sterotype of the “starving artist”? are majority of graphic designers, or art people are struggling to make a living they want, constantly looking for a new project? (im currently near the seattle region and desperately want to know. if you guys know any websites, or resources about it, that would be awesome.)

Answer 1

It all comes down to your drive and passion. It is a highly competitive field, everyone with a computer thinks they can do graphics. The difference is quality and an understanding of what makes good design. Also as a professional you can be the most brilliant designer to ever hit the planet but if you can't get it done on time or with in budget nobody wants to hear it....
The flooding of the market with quick schools(6 months and you're an artist) has brought down the overall salaries. The way to be successful as a comic or anime artist is to do it relentlessly and find ways to distribute it whether it is on the internet or old school handing out fanzines at a show(punk or alternative usually) Join an organization in your area ...art council or graphics businees group...

Answer 2

I've been a graphic designer for over 10 years and I make a fine living off of it. However, your point about Stan Lee makes me think you're equating 'artist' with 'fame/riches' and that is not the case. Just because someone is out-front in their field doesn't mean they're the only one making money; nor does it mean that they don't have room for more people in that industry because someone has already made it big in that arena.

Seattle is a major city, and it would have a wealth of opportunities available to a graphic artist. If you're looking for a more specialized career, like animation, you might need to go south a bit to San Francisco or Los Angeles.

If you are an independent artist/freelancer, you will be tight on money while you are looking to establish yourself and getting clients; however, you can always look for a staff job at an advertising agency, newspaper, printerhouse, etc. if a steady income is what you're searching for.

Lastly, if you're only interested in this career path because you think that you *might* be famous, don't bother -- then being an artist isn't for you.

Answer 3

Graphic designers are the best of GENERALLY in the visual arts community. An entry level designer averages from 28k to 38 k to start. 38k would be san fransisco, and 28k, somewhere out in the midwest. Boston is about 34k, which is enough to live off of, but usually the coss of living even out across the board. It is still a very compettitive field to get into

Illustrators have an even tougher time, because unlike designers, they don't work for a company (usually), they're freelance. It's more day-to-day with that.

"fine" artists have the most difficulty of all, and usually find their way into one of the two above fields, or otherwise. The fine artists that do make it, really make it. It is a difficult existance, but every artist that i'm friends with wouldn't change it for the world.

Answer 4

I have several friends that have graduated and are now working in the CG art industry. I can tell you this out of the 4 I know only one of them is currently working in a CG related field all of the others are now doing web design or graphic design.

This field is very competitive and the hours you will work are really really long. My friend works an average of 10-12 hours 5-6 days a week and he is only making around 36,000 a year. This is a career you get into because you really love it not to make a pile of cash!

Answer 5

The fact that we are living and breathing and able to do all these things. The fact that we are not rocks and some divine coincidence made use who we are instead of some inorganic atom. The fact we can give things worth. We can categorise. Its all beautiful, the sight, the sound, the feel, the emotion, the taste. Even pain. We can feel that not many other things can. Pain may be painful, but we can feel it just as we can feel happy. Its amazing really that out of all of this we can do these things. Although it seems to suck sometimes its still wonderful. random fact: if you shoot a rabbit, it doesnt know why it feels pain, it doesn't register that there is an explanation, it just knows it feels pain and as a reaction will run away, even if its dying. Shoot a human (even if they did not know what a gun was) it would realise its something launched, have some sort or knowledge of what to do and so on. I dont think this was relevant but its written now... But if youre looking for one reason it would definitely be pie.

Answer 6

im trying to get into the graphic design field, though im not already in it, i know going in that one day I will not make 1 million dollars just doing that. its always about where you are, location etc. also, its about your ambitions, i belive that everyone who is working has ambitions and if you follow them then you will make enough where one day you will think of yourself as successful. also, i believe there is a difference between the true artist like Renoir and a Graphic designer. Graphic Designers have more potential of moving into other areas of design, web design, print work etc. While true "starving artists" only concentrate on one field and may not venture into other categories considered art.

Answer 7

I live in a small little town and work as a designer - the pay SUCKS here. If you are near a large metropolitain city like Seattle, you really should have no problem securing a great paying job. Get into the web design aspect - and you'll hit pay dirt. Good luck!

Answer 8

I suppose "Making A Living" is all from an individual's point of view as to what THAT should be.

For me, I have been in the Graphic Design industry for a little over 20 years. Raised three children on it. Still work in it.

Am I "rich" - by your deffinition - probably not, but I am very happy. I challenge you to put a price on that.

Answer 9

have 2 jobs don't just rely on your art to make a living....