13 October 2014

Building A Career As A Visual Artist

By Ashis Jain


Statics show that most of the visual artists work independently compared to those who are employed and depend on a salary. A Visual artist has different areas of specialization. Some of the specialization includes crafts, multimedia, animations fine arts and art direction. You will require a college degree or a post-secondary course in a visual arts program to qualify in most of the jobs that involve visual arts. There is so much competition in this field due to many qualified people who have done these courses.

High school is the best place to begin your career as a visual artist. You can start by taking art related classes such as art history classes. If you are post high school, you can enroll for an art history class at a community college.

Business skills are also important. So you will need to take business classes as well as English skills. These skills will help you if for instance and have to write a grant application to help you develop your business in future.

Practical experience is equally important in this case. Participate in extra-curricular and leisure activities to add to your visual arts knowledge. Visit photo galleries, photo trade fairs and museums frequently to improve your knowledge. If you are in high school or something, consider joining the school theater groups or work for the school yearbook.

Unlike universities and colleges, art schools stress generally on practical abilities rather than the theory part. Many people have been successful with no certificate or degree but it is still better to get one for you to enhance your odds of working. Most studio art classes have recently incorporated computer graphics and software packages into their curricula. It will likewise be advantageous to consider premedical courses if you plan to focus on a medical illustrating niche. A skill director needs to take classes in art direction or art administration.

Building your own portfolio is the ultimate thing any person who wants to develop a career in visual arts. This is very important in any art related career path. You need to put your photos, drawings, painting, prints and any other own media in order to promote your portfolio. Your portfolio will be the one to show your best skills whether you are a freelance illustrator, fine artist or any other specialty.

The best way to begin your professional career is by finding an entry level job or look for freelance clients in case you are a freelance illustrator. Ask most of the artists and most of them will tell you they began freelancing as students and increased their client base as time went by until they became professionals.

It is advisable that you begin with less challenging tasks to help you improve your skills as time goes by. The bureau of labor statistics indicate that jobs for multimedia artists will get more opportunities by the year 2018. The percentage projection of this is around 14 percent job increase.




About the Author: