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July 12, 2012
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Replies: 36

Going Professional

Forums > Art Related > General
:iconkurtislauwereys:
~KurtisLauwereys Jul 12, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
I've always been into art and now I've decided I'd like to design and paint things as a career. This isn't just some over night thought either, I've been thinking about this for years.

I was wondering if anyone here knows how to jump from hobbyist to professional? I'd like to get my art into galleries, as well as improve my skills. I'm also trying to learn to market art, but I haven't had a ton of luck with that. Any suggestions?
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:iconnda-patel:
~NDA-Patel Jul 15, 2012   Traditional Artist
I am currently a pre-dental college student, but art is what I am truly passionate about. Eventually, I would LOVE to sell my art on the side ( I guess I want to avoid the whole starving artist thing, so college is a practical thing for me, you know, have a steady career while you work on your dreams on the side). Nonetheless, as everyone is saying, going pro is a gradual thing, and the one thing that you have to get good at is your art (something that I am trying to work on) and the key is practice. Overall, learn to be practical (i.e. smart with your money, market your artwork, and, most importantly, try to get contacts), keep an open mind, and work hard!
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:iconkurtislauwereys:
~KurtisLauwereys Jul 16, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
Thank you! I'll remember that. :)
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:iconmeganmissfit:
*MeganMissfit Jul 15, 2012  Student Digital Artist
In my area, there are quite a few "first ___days" art walks where you can sell your art, as well as craft shows and markets that run on a regular basis. Along with local galleries, a lot of local businesses (coffee shops, restaurants, retail shops) like to display artwork to hang on their walls, or even will allow you to sell your stuff at their shops (they would take a small percentage of everything you sell from them). Be sure to always carry business cards with you in your wallet, you never know who you run into!
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:iconkurtislauwereys:
~KurtisLauwereys Jul 16, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
I'll start with local galleries then, and other stores that have art somewhat similar to the style of art I enjoy. :)

Oh trust me, business cards are a must! :)
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:iconkarmakrif:
~karmakrif Jul 13, 2012
Be passion in your profession then you can reach your desired level easily.
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:iconkurtislauwereys:
~KurtisLauwereys Jul 13, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
I'll remember that. :)
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:iconchalmersartwork:
~ChalmersArtwork Jul 12, 2012  Hobbyist Traditional Artist
IM not going to do my normal lecture size reply here, but rather just a couple of comments.

Going Hobby to Pro is a gradual step not an over night one.

I personally would say you are still at a level where you need to work on your skills, and also original paintings and ideas.

What I would suggest is start by putting your artworks into a couple of competitions, these are generally run by Art Societies or small galleries. Google is your friend in finding these. This will give you an idea of your skill level, will help you understand the gallery systems, give you help and indicators on pricing, and also help you learn how much it is going to cost for each work realistically.

Get yourself a website. Start amassing quality professional photographs of your work for your website portfolio.

Make a physical portfolio of your best pieces over a range of styles

Start offering commissions by way of flyerss at local stores etc. This will help with the skill level also.

And finally, go look at this website: www.artbusiness.com
There is a section for Artists and another for buyers. He gives great tips on all areas of being a paid artist, and is focused on Traditional Art rather than digital. It is a great resource.
I have started a blog myself on making your art into a business, link is in my signature.

Hope this helps 
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:iconkurtislauwereys:
~KurtisLauwereys Jul 13, 2012  Student Traditional Artist
Wow thank you. I know I'm not amazing yet but that's my painting skills. My drawing and illustrations are much better and I'll start uploading them once I get some good art markers.

I'll take a look at artbusiness.com and thanks for all the advice. :)
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:iconsherubichan:
~Sherubichan Jul 12, 2012  Student Digital Artist
I know something I have done is talked with the board of local art galleries. They sometimes have showcases of local art in some places, and if you asked around and did some research then you could possibly find some where to place your art. Get your art style known before you try to sell it. That's always the best. I didn't get into Graphic Designing as a business until people started coming to me about it.

I hope I helped a bit. ^ ^
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:iconkuiji:
*Kuiji Jul 12, 2012  Hobbyist General Artist
How DID you come in to graphics design as a business, though? If you don't mind me asking ^^
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