Speaking from experience, a career in the arts industry is not an easy pursuit. To become successful, or even to draw some kind of income from your artwork, you need to be committed, determined, passionate and able to keep yourself motivated, even when things seem to be at a total loss.

Starting out is in no way an easy task. Unless you’ve been blessed with instant acceptance of your work by a gallery or agent, the initial stages will find you playing the role of the artist, the marketer/promoter and client liaison. This can all be a bit intimidating when initially all you wanted to do was create your art. But if you don’t see yourself cut out to be a self-employed artist, there is also a wide range of career paths for the aspiring artist. Depending on where your interests and strengths lead you, you could consider following a career in graphic design, gallery curation, professional photography, and so on. However, fresh from your recently obtained degree, the competition for these kinds of entry level career roles is fierce. And unfortunately, unless you have the talent or the contacts, you could struggle to land your first job.

There are a number of things you can do to try to increase your chances: create a professional portfolio of your work, include references and referrals from lecturers and people you have worked for (even work experience roles can go a long way here). Research the company and the position so you will best be able to appeal to the company’s preferences as well as the positions requirements. A major part of the recruitment decision is whether or not the candidate will fit in with the company’s culture. Find out what aspects the company prides itself on, for example, being cutting edge in design innovations, or being relatable and approachable to clients etc. Ensure you emulate these things in your interview; it may just give you that advantage you need to land the role.

When pursuing a career in the arts, there is always the daunting possibility that you may find yourself unemployed for a period of time while you search and interview for the position of your dreams. Unfortunately, this is where some people may find themselves taking on other positions in order make ends meet, promising themselves they will continue to pursue their artistic career. While you’re working as an office administrator or telemarketing clerk, you may notice your career taking a hard and fast turn away from your dreams of an artistic career. Even if you’re working fulltime to keep the bills paid, you continue to strive to stay motivated to keep working on your arts and pursuing the career of your dreams.

There are, in fact, a number of ways in which you can draw an income and gain experience to increase your portfolio through gaining and creating artistic and design work through the internet. This can be done part time, after the hours of your full time position, to boost both your income and work experience. All you need is the correct database, resource and tips to find this niche work and get started straight away. This is also where the commitment, determination and motivation mentioned earlier will need to kick in if you’re truly passionate about establishing your artistic career. Put in the hard work and you will surely reap the rewards in whichever path you may choose.

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