How to Pursue a Career in the Arts

So, you’d like to work in the arts. It’s a big step to take.

A few big names aside, artists don’t make a lot of money; they do, however, have high levels of job satisfaction, and many feel they can contribute something worthwhile to the world, perhaps by making people think or simply making them happy. Art serves many purposes, and if you feel called to it, it could change your life for the better.

In an era when the arts are not valued as much as they have sometimes been, it’s important that we incorporate an appreciation of the arts when educating young minds; starting as early in school life as possible. Unfortunately, not all schools regard study of the arts as being a priority; however, some that teach the subjects do so very effectively. Stamford American School in Hong Kong has an active arts program that helps children gain a richer perspective on life early on, and that is the type of approach that all schools in America should take. But this kind of education just isn’t available everywhere, and young adults starting off their career in the arts are often ill-prepared for what lies ahead.

The onus on building a successful career in the arts is up to the artists themselves, and reaching out to the public to help them connect is essential. If that’s what you’d like to do, these tips will help.

Get smart about education

Many people believe that everybody working in the arts has an Art School degree. In fact, although this route can open a lot of doors, artists come from many different backgrounds. The most important thing is to have a wide-ranging education that helps you find things to say; to keep on learning, and to work on the techniques of your particular craft.

Be professional

It’s true that artists get a lot more leeway in how they dress and present themselves and, often, how they arrange their working hours, but if you’re going to stay in work, you’ll need to be highly professional in other ways. Strict self-discipline is essential – you can’t afford to get a reputation for missing deadlines. You’ll need to be diligent and courteous, and keep your ego in check.

Be realistic

While it can be very appealing to pursue your passions as an artist, you’ll need to spend most of your time focused on work that you know will bring in money if you’re going to survive. Creating whimsical art is entirely possible, but you’ll need to ensure you have a market for it. Grand projects should be pursued only with guaranteed funds or in your spare time.

Don’t let yourself be exploited

It’s shocking how many people expect artists to work without pay, “for the exposure.” Money isn’t everything – early on, you really do need to focus on visibility and developing your skills – but you should always be getting something in return, whether it’s mentoring, direct promotion, or exposure that actually means something – that is, to large audiences or influential people.

Network, network, network!

In the arts, who you know counts for a lot, so you should always be busy making contacts. That includes people at your own level, including those in other artistic fields, who may well be able to help you find opportunities if you look out for them in return. Use online tools like LinkedIn and go along to exhibitions and events to talk to other artists and promoters.

Art is not a career you can be passive about, no matter how talented you are – if you want to achieve success in this business, you have to get out there and grab opportunities as and when they arise.