The following article presents the very latest information on art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee. If you have a particular interest in art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee, then this informative article is required reading.
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
If you're a graphic artist, the sky's the limit when you're planning your career. Income opportunities are everywhere when you know how and where to look.
Make these important preparations before looking for work: Be sure that your portfolio is current and represents your best work. Update your CV or resume. Print business cards, and copy slides of your art. If you have a website for your art, make sure that it's fresh, that your images load quickly and completely, and that all of your links work.
With those basics in place, it's time to look for work.
A JOB OR SELF-EMPLOYMENT?
First, decide is whether to work for a company or be self-employed. That will depend more upon your best work environment rather than opportunities. Some people remain most creative when they don't have to worry about a weekly paycheck, and are required to keep a regular work routine. Others flourish when the boss is the client, or even an agent, rather than a constant supervisor who may not understand how artists work.
In general, you'll earn far more money if you freelance in art. But, you may need to develop good work habits and self-discipline.
If you're going to look for a fulltime job, or two or three part-time jobs in art, start with the newspaper. Help wanted ads are usually the best resource. You may also discover jobs if you network with other local artists; they'll let you know if someone has given notice and a job is about to open up.
But, in the long run, it's better to freelance. Most artists find that they are more productive when they can work on their own schedules rather than someone else's.
There are two sources of income that you'll focus on when you start: Immediately identify sources of significant future income. These are big projects that you may work on just two or three times a year, with good pay and great visibility. Then, start finding easy short-term work to keep the bills paid.
BEGIN AT THE LIBRARY
The first thing to do when you're "planting seeds" for a long-term harvest as an artist, is to go to the public library.
Your first stop will be the reference desk, where you'll ask for a book called "Artist's Markets." (Sometimes the title changes slightly. And, when the art market is booming, the publisher may issue a separate "Illustrator's Markets.") This is an annual publication that lists every major publisher, agent, and other resource for selling your art. The book tells you who is buying, what they're looking for, how to approach them, and how much--and how soon--they'll pay you.
The focus of this book is often illustration. However, illustration isn't just line drawings and clever cartoons. If you're a fine artist, many publishers are looking for impressive work to feature on book and magazine covers.
Read through "Artist's Markets" and select five or ten companies to contact. Note everything that they say in their listing. When art is rejected, it's rarely because the work wasn't good enough; usually the artist didn't follow directions. Perhaps he sent slides when the company wanted prints, or missed the deadline altogether.
While you're at the library, look through their collection of art-related magazines. Many magazines for artists list upcoming shows, competitions, grants, and other opportunities to show and sell your art. These will not only make your resume look better, but also provide income.
Also, ask your library about shows that they host. Many public libraries feature the work of
local artists. They may have an annual show in a meeting room, or a steady, rotating exhibit of local art. A helpful librarian may also tell you about other businesses that have similar displays.
HIRE AN AGENT
You can double your efforts if you find an agent to represent you. Your agent's job is to find steady work for you, and to act as a buffer between you and the client so that everyone is happy with the completed project, as well as your paycheck.
But, it may take awhile to find the right agent. First of all, you'll want an agent who is fun to work with. But, it's even more important to have an agent who can find steady assignments for you. Start looking for an agent early, but expect that it may take awhile. And, most agents want to see an impressive portfolio of work that's already sold.
Using "Artist's Markets" and your local phone book, make a list of art agents in your area. Many agents specialize in local artists, and this is a good place to start.
If an agent is looking for new artists, call for an appointment immediately. As you get ready for your interview, dress like a professional and make certain that your portfolio represents the kind of art that this agent is looking for. Be a little early for your appointment; many artists are notorious for being chronically late. Go out of your way to smile and be friendly. The "dark, brooding artist" is another stereotype to break quickly for a good impression.
But, remember that you're interviewing the agent while the agent is interviewing you. Never sign with an agent if the chemistry isn't right, or if something doesn't feel right to you. And, the agent earns his or her money as a percentage of what you're paid; there should be no up-front fees.
There's no doubt that the topic of art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.
Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?
If you're a graphic artist, the sky's the limit when you're planning your career. Income opportunities are everywhere when you know how and where to look.
Make these important preparations before looking for work: Be sure that your portfolio is current and represents your best work. Update your CV or resume. Print business cards, and copy slides of your art. If you have a website for your art, make sure that it's fresh, that your images load quickly and completely, and that all of your links work.
With those basics in place, it's time to look for work.
A JOB OR SELF-EMPLOYMENT?
First, decide is whether to work for a company or be self-employed. That will depend more upon your best work environment rather than opportunities. Some people remain most creative when they don't have to worry about a weekly paycheck, and are required to keep a regular work routine. Others flourish when the boss is the client, or even an agent, rather than a constant supervisor who may not understand how artists work.
In general, you'll earn far more money if you freelance in art. But, you may need to develop good work habits and self-discipline.
If you're going to look for a fulltime job, or two or three part-time jobs in art, start with the newspaper. Help wanted ads are usually the best resource. You may also discover jobs if you network with other local artists; they'll let you know if someone has given notice and a job is about to open up.
But, in the long run, it's better to freelance. Most artists find that they are more productive when they can work on their own schedules rather than someone else's.
There are two sources of income that you'll focus on when you start: Immediately identify sources of significant future income. These are big projects that you may work on just two or three times a year, with good pay and great visibility. Then, start finding easy short-term work to keep the bills paid.
BEGIN AT THE LIBRARY
The first thing to do when you're "planting seeds" for a long-term harvest as an artist, is to go to the public library.
Your first stop will be the reference desk, where you'll ask for a book called "Artist's Markets." (Sometimes the title changes slightly. And, when the art market is booming, the publisher may issue a separate "Illustrator's Markets.") This is an annual publication that lists every major publisher, agent, and other resource for selling your art. The book tells you who is buying, what they're looking for, how to approach them, and how much--and how soon--they'll pay you.
The focus of this book is often illustration. However, illustration isn't just line drawings and clever cartoons. If you're a fine artist, many publishers are looking for impressive work to feature on book and magazine covers.
Read through "Artist's Markets" and select five or ten companies to contact. Note everything that they say in their listing. When art is rejected, it's rarely because the work wasn't good enough; usually the artist didn't follow directions. Perhaps he sent slides when the company wanted prints, or missed the deadline altogether.
While you're at the library, look through their collection of art-related magazines. Many magazines for artists list upcoming shows, competitions, grants, and other opportunities to show and sell your art. These will not only make your resume look better, but also provide income.
Also, ask your library about shows that they host. Many public libraries feature the work of
local artists. They may have an annual show in a meeting room, or a steady, rotating exhibit of local art. A helpful librarian may also tell you about other businesses that have similar displays.
HIRE AN AGENT
You can double your efforts if you find an agent to represent you. Your agent's job is to find steady work for you, and to act as a buffer between you and the client so that everyone is happy with the completed project, as well as your paycheck.
But, it may take awhile to find the right agent. First of all, you'll want an agent who is fun to work with. But, it's even more important to have an agent who can find steady assignments for you. Start looking for an agent early, but expect that it may take awhile. And, most agents want to see an impressive portfolio of work that's already sold.
Using "Artist's Markets" and your local phone book, make a list of art agents in your area. Many agents specialize in local artists, and this is a good place to start.
If an agent is looking for new artists, call for an appointment immediately. As you get ready for your interview, dress like a professional and make certain that your portfolio represents the kind of art that this agent is looking for. Be a little early for your appointment; many artists are notorious for being chronically late. Go out of your way to smile and be friendly. The "dark, brooding artist" is another stereotype to break quickly for a good impression.
But, remember that you're interviewing the agent while the agent is interviewing you. Never sign with an agent if the chemistry isn't right, or if something doesn't feel right to you. And, the agent earns his or her money as a percentage of what you're paid; there should be no up-front fees.
There's no doubt that the topic of art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about art, arts, artists, find work, graphic artists, self employee, you may find what you're looking for in the next article.
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