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What is a Career in Art?
A career in art is not limited to just the fine arts. Art can be broken up into two categories: fine arts and applied art. Fine arts includes painters, sculptors and printmakers. Applied art is art that serves a functional purpose such as pottery, rugs, jewelry or furniture. Regardless of the type, the life of an artist is known to be a struggling one. Very few artists actually become successful, and all those that have yet to achieve their success usually make a living as a teacher or as illustrators or other jobs. A career in art is not easy, and those choosing it need to be prepared to accept that success in the industry is neither guaranteed or necessarily quick. However, not every single aspiring artist out there is destined to live in bad apartments and eat beans out of a can. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, artists (including painters, illustrators sculptors) averaged a salary of $38,060 in 2004.M
Success in Art
Fine artists try to make a living through the sale of their work. However, until their art can sustain their lifestyle, many beginning artists choose to supplement their income by teaching at art colleges, art universities, as well as art classes in elementary, middle and high schools. Some artists also choose to do freelance illustration work or even give private art lessons. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, approximately two-thirds of all artists are self-employed.
What Does it Take to Become an Artist
A natural talent to draw, understand color, shapes, figures or sculpt is always handy, but students are recommended to further advance their skills in studio classes at an art school or art college. Art universities can be found throughout the country. Prospective students should research local art colleges to see what studio courses are available.
An art degree isn't necessarily required for artists since most artists work for themselves; however, a proper education is always recommended. Studio courses from local art institutes are relevant and productive because they are hands-on training with art; however, art history courses and other coursework in the art field is equally beneficial for the artist. Understanding concepts, techniques and the various styles of previous artists is essential in the repertoire of an aspiring artist. Some students choose to study art abroad in some of the top and best art colleges found around the world.
Prospective artists will need to produce a portfolio of their work to present to galleries and dealers. Most art is sold in local galleries and dealers. These galleries are predominantly found in the US in New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Is self-employment the only option?
Not at all. There are a number of possibilities for advancement in teaching, commercial fields and museums. Artists with a focus on illustration or graphic design can become art directors for publications such as magazines, advertising agencies, or even web companies. Art teachers can advance to become art college professors. Museum art careers can lead to curator and even museum director.
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