Whether or not you're going or have been to art college, many new artists have the same general questions so today I wanted to answer three that my own students have asked me regularly over my first two years of teaching at a collegiate level. It has felt really good to be able to impart a little solid advice onto the bright young minds I have the pleasure of being around weekly, and I wanted to pass just a few gems onto you that can apply to pretty much anyone seeking a creative career path.
If you find some insight today, check out the full 'Ask an Artist' playlist for all kinds of simple yet actionable advice going all the way back to my days in Hawai'i.
Top Three Questions My College Students Ask..
Do I have to invest in fine art materials or is it ok to just buy the student (or big box) grade? Honestly, unless you have read really great reviews otherwise, you should avoid the cheap super low grade/ big box brand art supplies. They are so poorly made (think low pigment, scratchy chalk or charcoal/ plastic-y pencils, etc) that they literally hinder your ability to make quality artwork. And if you are able to pull something decent out of them - you would have certainly done better with better supplies. Art supplies you purchase in college or early on can sometimes last you a long time so better to spend a little bit more on some medium-low brands than than the bottom of the barrel.
What should I do first once I graduate? If you can possibley set up something in a creative career before having graduated, then awesome! But that certainly is not the case for all, soo.. before all else, just make sure you have a job that covers your bare bills (even if it’s not in the ‘arts field’ of your dreams yet) in no more than about 30 hours a week so you still have the time and energy to pursue artistic ventures in town and online that will put you closer to your ultimate goals. Don’t worry if a job (or even volunteer position) in the arts is too small when starting off, just do you very best and opportunities will grow!
What’s the best general advice for getting clients or employment as a professional artist? You need to be not only skilled as an artist, but skilled as people-person. Enthusiasm counts!! You need to show your clients that you share their vision and can’t wait to work on their commission. You need to show your boss that you are excited about the next big project and can’t wait to brainstorm ideas and show up with all your best work. And definitely, always have your work finished on time, on budget, and on point. Let the folks around you see that you are not only a highly trained artist, but are fun easy, and enjoyable to work with, and you will be practically guaranteed enough work to keep you full!
11.6.2022
