Getting Started as an Artist
What Makes An Artist?
An artist uses the sensory mediums as a vehicle to communicate ideas, thoughts, feelings and worldviews. Art is a form of expression and storytelling. As a means of communication, art can bring people together and shape society and its culture.
Types of artists are as diverse as mediums of art; sculptors, photographers, performance artists, tattoo artists, makeup artists, cinematographers, graphic designers, illustrators, textile artists, craft artists, and more. The foundation they share is a passion for their work, fueled by a desire to create.
Artists have responded to and shaped culture for millennia, and art and artists will continue to play an important role in society as we navigate the future, and come to greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Artists shape how people experience and interpret information and events, offering unique insights and evoking responses that resonate on a personal and cultural level.
The choice of career pathways for artists offer varying levels of financial stability. For example, companies and brands may offer a lot of opportunities for more commercial-based artists. Government bodies will frequently partner with artists for commissions; artwork to be installed in public spaces. Art galleries and centres may offer Artist-in-Residence programs that can last anywhere from 6-12 months, and granting bodies may support these endeavours. Artists with gallery representation may see yearly guaranteed exhibitions of their work, with opportunity to sell through their institution. Artists using digital platforms mentioned above can create additional revenue streams to support them during and outside of these employment opportunities.
In this era, artists have the ability to not only use technology in the making of their work, but artists can market their products using digital platforms and tools giving them creative control over their online presence and reach. Some dedicated selling platforms like social media and third-party platforms, such as Etsy or Format’s Prints Marketplace, are examples of digital spaces where artists can reach desired audiences.
Mapping out a career in art can feel disorienting, and there isn’t a set formula to becoming a successful artist. The journey can look different depending on your community, geographic location, medium and more. This article will help you untangle the basics of becoming an artist so that you can come up with a plan that works for you.
If you find yourself daydreaming about filling your days with creating art, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered about how to become an artist professionally.
Figuring out how to build an art career for yourself can be tricky since there isn’t necessarily a clear path to becoming an artist. The journey can look different depending on your field, geographic location, medium, and more.
We’ve developed a framework to get you started on your career path.
Learn what it means to create art, scroll through some of the best examples of online portfolio websites for artists, dive deeper into the different kinds of artist, and learn how to price your work.
The Importance of Art
The importance of art in how the world functions should not be overlooked. Art has been present for as long as humanity–as proven by ancient cave etchings. Ever-present throughout history in cultures and societies across the world, as means of communication, expression and as preservation of history. Dating back to 3100 B.C., hieroglyphs were once one of the only means humans had to keep a historical record, a cultural story, apart from an oral history that would be passed down through generations.
Bringing beauty, inspiration, and calls to action to a place, people, or communities, art can act as a vehicle for change or political critique. It can also help foster a sense of community or belonging in different cultures. Art is used as a form of self-expression or a way to communicate concepts and ideas, so powerful and moving that it challenges your thinking and perspective.
There is no one path to becoming an artist or one single definition of art. Making art is as individual as the artist.
Whether you love making art as a hobby or are looking to make your art a full-time career, with persistence and tenacity you’ll be able to mold the career path of your dreams.
What Are The Different Types Of Artists?
While it would be difficult to list every type of artist in this article, we can look at some of the most common types of studio artists. Including:
- Photographers: using the medium of light and light-sensitive materials and tools to capture moments in time.
- Painters: whatever the form of paint; oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc, painters express their ideas onto surfaces of all kinds and any scale.
- Graphic designers: using a more rigid set of rules to create their work, graphic designers are often more project-based
- Illustrators: drawing is one of the foundational art forms, accessible in medium and surface, and regularly a part of how we grew to communicate from childhood onward.
- Textile artists: using a medium of all things tactile.
- Cinematographers: filmmaking and photography, cinematographers are responsible for framing each shot, for molding the aesthetic of a film
- Sculptors: using all manner of physical materials, wood, clay, marble, stone, metal, to form works for installation.
- Craft artists: Often overlooked as fine artists, craft arts are one of the oldest traditions of making, in enriching culture and passing down traditions. Weaving, sewing, carving, and the fabrication of functional objects for everyday use.
- Tattooists: with the human body as canvas, tattooists draw and paint using a needle and ink onto skin.
In each of these categories are career stages from beginner, emerging, mid-career or established professional. While the type of artists listed here are among the most common, and they represent a very wide range of real-life careers, there are other art forms and ways to practice. only for exhibitions. While crafts can sometimes be a hobby, a craft artist is also a trade in itself.
What Makes a Good Artist?
The artistic path can vary so drastically as there are many ways to be a good artist. There are a few common threads you are likely to find connecting all experienced artists. These are personality features and skills that will increase your chances of finding success as a new artist.
If you don’t see these attributes in yourself, it’s never too late to start developing them. Some of the best traits you’ll find among good artists include:
1. Persistence
The creative process isn’t easy, and most artists struggle at some point in their careers; creativity can be temperamental, there can be technical challenges, conceptual challenges, difficulty in promoting work, etc.
Finding success as a professional artist requires being persistent and developing the grit to work through those challenges. You’ll need to develop the patience to practice again and again to master new techniques, being a firm believer in your worth even when you face rejection, and challenging yourself to improve when you know you’re not living up to your own potential.
2. Handling criticism and being objective
Being able to take constructive criticism in stride, and to apply it to your art as you improve, will serve you well as an artist.
Sure, not everyone will “understand” your work, and their criticisms may sometimes be misguided. However, exposing yourself to criticism from people you admire and trust, and learning to view your own work with a critical lens, will make you a better artist.
3. Striving to better their work and grow
As an artist, you can always get a little bit better at your craft. The best artists see themselves as lifelong students and are always looking to get better at what they do, and develop their practices.
4. A Unique Vision
Learning how to become an artist isn’t just about obtaining a formal education or mastering certain technical skills and different mediums. All of that can help, but the best artists also develop their creativity.
Many artists are able to build a career primarily through technical skill, but if you want to really stand out, spend some time thinking about your unique vision and what you want your art to say.
5. Business Acumen
To become an artist professionally, you also have to be able to market yourself and advocate for yourself.
The best artists are able to get organized and build time into their schedule for marketing, networking, and seeking business opportunities.
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How Do You Become an Artist?
Learning a craft is the first step, and this can be through formal training like courses, or specialized higher education programs, or you may be self-taught. You may be able to practice at home or anywhere (as many photographers and illustrators do) or need a dedicated work space. You’ll have to determine your needs as you grow. Developing your art requires a lot of practice. Creativity and skill are muscles that have to be flexed or they atrophy.
Many artists become freelancers and may work on a number of different projects for different clients at the same time. Other artists may be exhibition-based. Group shows, multi-person and solo exhibitions each require different levels of focus and effort–some have multiple exhibitions running concurrently.
Artist often have to start their practices on the side while working “day jobs” before moving into a full-time gig. Other artists may continue to work those day jobs–it’s really important to remember that recognition, and even fame, during an artist’s lifetime is actually quite rare. While it can be scary to follow your passion into a career as an artist, fewer things may be more fulfilling, and there’s no rule saying you can’t be considered an artist if you also have to do other things to make a living.
Learn Your Craft: Art School
Formal training in an art school is a path on which you can spend dedicated time learning about art, art history, and the foundational elements of your medium. Art school programs vary between 2-4 years, depending on the institution and type of diploma or degree you’re seeking. This time will have you fully immersed in art while also being surrounded by creative people. Without a doubt, you will leave art school with a number of skills you didn’t have when you started as well as new knowledge informing your concepts and ideas. You’ll also end up with a network of peers to connect with in the future as your art community grows.
Learn Your Craft: the Autodidact’s Path
The drive to learn, practice and develop your skills should already be intrinsic, and so if you find yourself pushing yourself and making time to grow as an artist, you may find that this is your path. There are always workshops or online courses to further bridge any gaps you find. You can also explore museums or galleries of the artwork you want to specialize in. Learning from other artists’ online website portfolios is another way for you to gather knowledge and inspiration.
Regardless of whether you go a traditional route with a fine arts program at school or take the self-taught approach, always remember that your learning as an artist is lifelong. Mediums change, you will also change, your practice will evolve along with you.
Get A Workspace
When you start out, you may not be able to dedicate an entire studio or room in your place just for art, but carving out a dedicated space–even if it is just a canvas–will get you into a creative mindspace. Being intentional in your space means letting your mind know that you are there to create art. As you move through your career as an artist, your workspace may grow into a dedicated studio, or you may carve out a space in your home. It’s ok to start small, and, depending on your practice, remain small.
Depending on where you live there may also be artist-run studio spaces, or art collectives you can be a part of to share a dedicated workspace.
Build Your Online Website Portfolio
A very important piece to becoming an artist is developing your online website portfolio. Often, this is going to be the first place clients, curators or institutions learn about you and your artwork. Your online portfolio website will be a highlight reel of your best work and it should also be an insight into who you are as an artist, and your practice as a whole.
To get started, Format has put together some tips on building an artist portfolio website and has developed a comprehensive guide on making one from the ground up.
When curating your portfolio, showcase your vision as an artist, and tell your story. Focus on quality over quantity and keep it concise. You may also want to share your artist C.V. so visitors can know your history of exhibition and publication and what art organizations you are affiliated with.
Promote Yourself As An Artist
The ongoing role of a professional artist is self-promotion. Until you have representation from a gallery or agent, you are your own one-person marketing team. You will want to build up your network so you can further your reach, whether that is to potential clients or other artists who may want to work with you. There are always new galleries, exhibitions, markets, workshops, or studios who are looking for new artists or collaborations. The more you can get your name out there, the more success you will have making it as a professional artist.
Utilizing a business social media account to promote your artwork and link back to your website is a great way to ensure exposure, and analyze your reach. You can also build your network by getting in touch with other artists or potential clients you want to work with via LinkedIn or by emailing them. Building your network can be hard, but also very rewarding. It’s a tool that can lead to your own self growth and to more opportunities as an artist.
Can an Art Career Be Profitable?
The potential income of an artist will vary depending on their field, geographic location, and level of skill. In creative fields, it’s not uncommon for the top earners to be making much more than the median for the field, while the bottom earners may not make a living wage.
Though potential earnings vary dramatically based on where you are in the world, social media has begun to level this field to some degree.
In short, you can certainly earn a living as an artist, while making large amounts of money would require reaching the top of your field: talent, people you know, and sheer luck all factor in to reaching that pinnacle.
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List of Careers in Art
Within each type of art that we listed above are many potential career paths. Here is a non-exhaustive list of ideas you can pursue within some of the major art specializations:
Photographers
- Wedding photography
- Portrait photography
- Travel photography
- Commercial photography
- Fashion & Editorial Photography
- Documentary Photography
Painters
- Fine artists
- Instructors
- Commission-based painting
Graphic Designers
- Book and magazine design
- Industrial packaging
- Product design
- Brand design
- Web design
Illustrators
- Editorial illustrators (think NYTimes)
- Children’s books
- Graphic Novels
- Storyboarding
- Decorative illustration
Textile Artists
- Fashion design and construction,
- Pattern-making
- Textile-based fine arts
- Home textile design
Cinematographers
- Conceptual art cinematography
- Narrative filmmaking
- Documentary filmmaking
- Commercial videography
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How Do You Price Yourself As An Artist?
As a new artist, pricing your artwork can be challenging so it is important to remember that you are deserving of being well paid for your time and hours. When pricing artwork, you should keep in mind that you want to make sure you cover the cost of all of your expenses and also that you are taking into consideration the number of hours you’ve spent on the project. For a full breakdown of how to price your artwork you will want to start with some market research, follow a simple equation, have confidence in your work and its worth, and be consistent with your pricing regardless of where it is being sold.
Market Research
To get started, it is a good idea to get accustomed to the going price of artwork in your area. Since there are a number of different types of art, you are going to want to find the best comparison—whether that is similar type of paintings, photographs, or videography work. Where you are located, the experience you have, and what you are selling will all be important factors to consider. Research appropriate sources: galleries showcasing artists on your level, Etsy for makers like you, and even ask trusted experienced artists in your community.
Remember to consider the artists that are most comparable to you—this should give you a great jumping off point.
Pricing Breakdown
The next step is the actual equation to come up with a price. The basic equation you should follow is: Expenses + Hours (x Hourly Rate). It is important that you work out what that hourly rate looks like for you, because this will heavily affect the outcome of your pricing. Remember, your level of education and specialized skill are important factors. You spent time and money to become good at what you do. Also, as your reputation grows you’ll want to adjust your hourly wage.
Factoring in your overhead costs, like studio, laptop, phone, internet are also a part of pricing your work as an artist.
Finally, it is important to cover the cost of the materials you’ve used to create the artwork you’re selling. We have a guide for photographers on pricing work, this can be adapted to any medium.
Confidence
Part of pricing and selling your artwork is knowing your worth, and being confident that what you are asking for is reasonable. With a price that’s well-researched, you can be sure that this is established, so that even if people push back on the price you can stand firm. This can be challenging to do and it often comes with internal thoughts of self doubt or imposter syndrome, but always remember that you are worth your time. And so is your artwork.
Consistency
Finally, you are going to want to make sure that your pricing stays the same regardless of where it is being sold—whether that is at your studio or in a gallery. The same goes if you are selling your work on different websites, whether that is on your own or on a third-party site. For one thing, the lack of consistency would upset customers or potential customers, and there is also the potential that it will upset a gallery if your work is listed with a cheaper price tag if selling from your studio.
Whatever price you set, is the price it needs to be across the board. Keep in mind that with gallery representations comes their commission–which is fair, as they are responsible for exhibition, marketing and will be exposing your work to their clients and collectors. If you’re represented by a gallery, you should be selling through your gallery.
Keep in mind there are many other complexities to pricing your artwork. For example, you can have a tiered pricing model with editioned artwork. As the editions sell, fewer pieces will be available on the market and your pricing should be reflective of that scarcity.
Starting to Start
We have only scratched the surface of what it means to be an artist and to have a career in the art world but this guide should give you a good starting point. Working as an artist has its challenges but is also incredibly rewarding and gives you the freedom to explore so many different practices and types of work in order to inform your artwork.
One thing to keep in mind is that your art is meant to be seen. The best way to do that when you’re starting out is to have a strong online presence by using social media and building a website where you can host your portfolio. Once you have a website you can use that to share your work with potential buyers or to submit your work to exhibitions, calls for submissions, and galleries.