artists who do not work as an artist

~imFragrance Jul 24, 2012 General Artist

I am one of them... I studied architectural lighting design and because of money and status issues, i will get a job in that field. However, i have been drawing since the age of 4 and i do love art ! It would be great ( or living a dream) for me if my job was an art related one ( yes, architectural lighting design is also an art but i would be happier or more satisfied if i can get paid for my paintings or illustrations.) I had no idea that i could sell paintings online, and even there was a job called children's book illustrator. I wish i had knew those opportunities before and i wish i had spare time to work on my drawings more... I have the urge and the desire to start an additional career in illustration or even selling paintings field. however sometimes i feel discouraged , because i do not know where to start and i fear fail. I have noone around me in this field or no one that can help me. I want to see if there are some people that can show me a way , or give examples like me ( having a passion in art but having another job..)

Thanks.

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Devious Comments

*Debit Jul 26, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

I work in an accounting office. Once I finish my college and pass some exams, then I should become financially better off. Meanwhile, art has been my hobby. I thought about art as a career, but I think it makes much more sense for me to have a source of dependable income, and predominantly treat art as a hobby. If, instead, I were to depend on art as the primary source of income, then whatever art that I do will very likely to conflict with what I want to do, since whoever pays me decides what I have to work on.

~imFragrance Jul 27, 2012 General Artist

Yes you are right. Maybe after some years of works and a chance of being known in the art field, i can take art more seriously as a job

*Debit Jul 27, 2012 Hobbyist Traditional Artist

Yeah ... so, what I am thinking of doing is to gradually build up a portfolio over many years (this is predominantly going to be comics, since this is what I tend to do the most). Once I have built it up to a considerable degree and learn more about the business side of art, then I would not mind having my art as a peripheral source of income.

In a way, my 'role models' resemble well-known literary authors more than modern artists. Many of them did not start out as writers. In fact, they had diverse careers. (Fyodor Dostoevsky started out as a military engineer, Daniel Defoe held business and government positions, Hermann Hesse worked for a bookshop specializing in philosophy and theology.)

~imFragrance Jul 27, 2012 General Artist

same for me ! *long term plans* ...

*ensoul Jul 26, 2012 Professional General Artist

I work full time in a hospital office and on the side I do freelance art work. I love it and even make decent money from it; the trick is finding an ongoing contract or project with one client, rather than trying to make money off of dozens of tiny commissions. It helps that the stuff I enjoy tends to be part of larger projects (concept art and book illustration). This is with a degree in Studio Art.

Don't be discouraged. Some of the best contacts I've made have been here on DA, especially the job offers forum. Something that I seem qualified for, especially something new without a lot of responses, I'll send a note or email. Posting in the forums themselves is practically useless, especially since there's about 2 dozen artists who go on the board and just spam every single job offer with a bunch of thumbnails, no matter how unqualified they are for that particular job.

~imFragrance Jul 27, 2012 General Artist

this great ! i hope that i can do that too

thank you for the tips

=CharlotteXXI Jul 26, 2012 Student Digital Artist

I think it's not common.

If you're living in a place where art isn't really appreciated, then it's better to find a job that pays decently and gives you enough free time to relax at home and do art (perhaps about an hour a day for art?). Being an artist, even if you love art, isn't that exciting as it sounds. It takes a ton of work for people to actually notice your art, so before that, as a random artist working for a boss, you're getting underpaid, and having to work longer than an average office guy. Worse, you're likely unable to draw what you like.

So, instead of working like a machine pumping out paintings/illust for random people and trying really hard to pay the bills, wouldn't it be better to have a secure income, while still be able to draw -what you like- (maybe even take on freelance requests if you have the spare time!), and also able to spend time with your family frequently?

That being said, if you're super patient, diligent person and really, really love art and don't mind drawing things that you probably don't like, or if you've found a great company, then by all means, go for it.

~imFragrance Jul 26, 2012 General Artist

that 's is really a good response . Loved your ideas. Thank you

*electrifried Jul 26, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

I'm in full time marketing which is kinda creative...but its all within corporate guidelines. I'd love to just be able to stay home all day and create but I don't know if that will ever happen...I really don't want to commit to a course starting from the basics but then again a piece of paper can be worth a lot especially if I decide to switch from marketing to graphic design XD I don't know how I'd feel about doing work for other people anyway. Creating art for yourself is one thing, creating art for others..particularly businesses....can be not as fun.

~imFragrance Jul 26, 2012 General Artist

yes , you might be right. However, i sometimes think that if doing a job that you do not like that much or drawing something you do not want to is better

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