There’s probably a sizable “self-help” section in your neighborhood bookshop. You can learn everything you need to know from its contents to become somebody and succeed at work. I’m grateful for this frequently derided genre because it has benefited me greatly throughout my life. But what if you ignored the rules, stopped copying other people’s successes, thought for yourself, and developed a fresh, exciting vision for your life?
If you choose to take on a novel endeavor, you can develop as an artist. It must entail the chance of failure as well as the threat of mockery. Only then will you be able to accomplish something that will challenge the status quo and open the door for novel artistic expressions (Andy Warhol would be the ideal illustration of this kind of artist, but I’m sure you can think of many more).
Your work, in your opinion, could be characterized as being exceptional, epic, remarkable, extraordinary, and unique, but never perfect. With that strategy, you put yourself in danger, but if you persevere, you will gain the audience’s gratitude. not “a target market,” but rather the fans you’ve gained as a result of your efforts So even if you believe that most people won’t enjoy what you produce, start by making it for yourself.
You can produce art purely for aesthetic reasons, but you can also use it as a powerful tool to impact the lives of many people and create value. In fact, you might develop ideas that will ultimately have an impact on millions of people and sketch out a grand vision. It all depends on your perspective and the objectives you want to accomplish.
What is a career in art?
Working in any field that incorporates or directs artistic expression is what it means to have a career in the arts. There are many options available for those who want to pursue careers in the arts. Fine artists are creative people who produce and market unique works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, or digital creations. Some of them might be commercial artists who produce artistic designs for goods or marketing initiatives. Others may combine aspects of fine and commercial art or incorporate artistic expression into a variety of other contexts, such as education, entertainment, design, psychology, fashion, and technology.
26 reasons to become an artist
Here are 26 reasons why pursuing an artistic career may be appealing to you:
1. You can have autonomy over your work
Many working artists have complete or at least some creative autonomy, which allows them to choose what they create and how to approach their work. This is especially true for independent fine artists and craftspeople who produce primarily their own ideas-based work. Since their work may involve interpreting specifications, artists who accept commissions or work for employers may also get to exercise some control over what they produce.
2. You can set your own schedule
Creative professions can support freelancing, allowing practitioners to set their own working hours. The ability to set one’s own working hours may be available to those who are employed, as many jobs in the fields of graphic design and game design permit flexible scheduling. Due to their ability to work both full-time and freelance, artists can earn more money.
3. You can set your own rates
In a similar vein, independent artists are in charge of setting their own prices for their products and services. In essence, an independent artist runs a small business where they can increase their value with each sale or client encounter. For long-term job satisfaction, it’s critical to receive compensation that you feel is fair and commensurate with your abilities.
4. You can create jobs for others
Your company expands as your standing as an independent artist does. You can appoint others to assist with tasks that can advance your art brand in order to maintain and maximize growth. You can employ an e-commerce manager to manage sales, a web designer to create a website, and an art assistant to assist you with your work. By assisting your company’s growth, you will also be assisting others in finding work.
5. There are many types of art degrees to consider
Your employer will probably require at least a bachelor’s degree for employment if you’re interested in working as an employed artist. Because there are so many different kinds of art degrees available, you have a better chance of finding one that’s perfect for you. Some common areas are:
6. You learn from professionals
If you decide to pursue an art degree in college, you’ll likely benefit from the advantage of learning about your craft from established artists. The fact that educators are frequently practitioners themselves is a trait of the creative disciplines. Their insider information can be extremely helpful for developing your abilities and launching your career.
7. There are many career paths you can take
There are numerous paths you can take as an artist, just as there are various kinds of art degrees. You don’t have to practice a traditional art form as an independent artist. Instead, you can decide to pursue corporate careers in commercial art, investigate alternative genres like tattoo or street art, or run your own e-commerce business as a specialty artisan.
8. It can teach you some important transferable skills
The career options open to artists and art students can extend beyond the arts. Several significant transferable skills—competencies that are helpful across many professional fields—are highlighted and taught in art. Among them are the skills needed to communicate with others, analyze complex ideas, think creatively, come up with inventive solutions to problems, and approach work objectively.
9. Art can be therapeutic
By lowering stress and anxiety, two common health factors that can raise your risk for serious health conditions, participating in a creative, expressive activity like art can improve your health. This might be the case because making art can be a meditative process or because it enables the creator to express their emotions through their creation. In either case, artists can relieve themselves of some worries that cause stress on the body or mind.
10. There are networking opportunities
The process of networking involves getting to know other experts in your field and forming connections with them. An artist’s job frequently provides numerous opportunities for networking. Independent artists frequently interact with art collectors and gallery owners, while commercial artists frequently attend events attended by others in the field of commercial art. Every conversation is an opportunity to meet someone who can help you advance your career.
11. You can earn a high salary
12. The job outlook is positive
13. Theres a lower barrier to entry
People can now self-teach and self-train in the arts more easily thanks to the spread of the internet and other cutting-edge technology. If you don’t want to go to school for an art degree, you can learn concepts and techniques from resources available online for free or at a reasonable cost. Additionally, there are online certifications that many employers will accept in place of a college degree.
14. You can get feedback
Being a professional artist can also enable you to get audience feedback. Being an artist can help you become more resilient because you get feedback on your work all the time. So, if you want to succeed as an artist, you often need to be able to take criticism and use it to improve your work.
15. Theres no age limit
While many professions favor younger candidates, the arts may be an exception. It is possible for art professionals to continue in their careers for as long as they want in part because many of them are self-employed. Some people even choose to become artists after they retire.
16. You can be part of a community
Artists of all types often associate with other artists. Together, they can talk about their work and exchange concepts that might inspire new expressions and voices. This sense of belonging to a community of artists can make the field more vibrant.
17. There are always new things to learn
In response to evolving trends and new technologies, art is constantly evolving. As a specialist in the field, you frequently have the chance to pick up new knowledge, abilities, tips, and tricks. Because of this, a career in the arts has the potential to be exciting.
18. Its portable
A large portion of the art world is portable, as you can almost anywhere practice your craft. Paper, pencils, pens, brushes, and tablet computers can all be transported and fit easily in shoulder bags. Being an artist means you are not limited by geography.
19. You produce visible results
As a professional artist, you produce finished, observable works of art or assist others in doing so. It can be incredibly satisfying to see finished work because it shows you that your efforts pay off in the form of tangible outcomes. This may be particularly true if the work results in financial reward.
20. Every day contributes to the future
Every day at work gives you the opportunity to develop your portfolio and secure your future because you work in a field that demands producing tangible results. A portfolio is a carefully curated collection of work used to show potential employers or clients your aptitude. Building your portfolio is a natural part of your job, allowing you to progress to better opportunities while performing your current responsibilities.
21. You can track your growth
Having a portfolio allows you to track your artistic development. Your career is represented by the progression of your work from your earliest to your most recent works. You should be proud of your accomplishment if you can demonstrate consistent performance in your chosen field.
22. You could become well-known
Independent artists can now more easily establish their reputations and draw a large audience by using the internet to showcase their works. This has helped a lot of illustrators, animators, and fine artists grow their fan bases. You can establish yourself as a well-known figure in the art world by reaching out to potential supporters via online art communities and channels.
23. You can experiment with new ideas
Artists often have the freedom to experiment with novel styles and techniques because they are creative professionals. Even commercial artists have the ability to interpret ideas and give projects their unique artistic voice. For artists who enjoy experimenting with a variety of styles and want to advance their craft, this kind of freedom with experimentation may be ideal.
24. You get to express yourself through your work
An artists work expresses their unique worldview and voice. Selling creations that represent ideas, emotions, or experiences that are significant to them allows independent artists and craftspeople to support themselves. Even when working within set guidelines, artists in other fields are still given the opportunity to express themselves. It is advantageous to have the capacity to express yourself through your work because it can give your job a sense of purpose.
25. Art can be fulfilling
You can only have a fulfilling career if you enjoy your work and feel appreciated for it. It is likely that you value the craft and enjoy practicing it if you have chosen to pursue art as a career or academic endeavor. so that you can start each workday with the knowledge that you are doing something worthwhile for yourself.
26. You can contribute to society
Because it speaks to the universality of human experience and helps to shape people’s values and opinions, art is regarded as being fundamental to culture and society. Artists can express their ideas and experiences through images, and future generations can view these images and learn about historical norms. You can contribute to this ongoing conversation with society as an artist.
Why It’s Important to Be an Artist
FAQ
What are the 4 reasons why artists create art?
- To demonstrate technical expertise with a medium.
- Celebrating the aesthetics of common, ordinary and mundane objects.
- Depict the beauty in nature.
- Explore elements of art – line, shape, space, color, etc.
- Innovation and breaking rules.
What are some reasons to like art?
- Art improves hand-to-eye coordination. …
- Art helps self-expression. …
- Art is the perfect cooldown. …
- Art nurtures inventiveness. …
- Art builds confidence. …
- Art keeps them amused. …
- Even tiny tots can benefit. …
- Art can teach them the value of recycling.
