There are many potential art careers, and it may seem like the possibilities are endless. While it can seem daunting to get started, hundreds of creative people have put themselves out there and succeeded.
The creative industry is booming, and a plethora of directions can be taken when starting an art career. There are artists, graphic designers, curators, and editors, just to name a few.
If you’re wondering how you can succeed in the big bad creative industry, you’ve come to the right place. The following are some career tips and business advice for artists that we’ve put together to help you reach the sweet smell of success.
Find and Hone In On Your Niche
One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself early on in your career is to find your niche. While it may to alright to dip your toe into different creative waters, focus on finding and then honing in on a niche that sparks your passion and can make you profit.
Trying to pave your way in an industry when you don’t have a clear view of what you want to create will have you going in circles.
Save yourself the time and find a creative venture that resonates with you instead of jumping from niche to niche. Focusing on your craft will help you master it sooner than later.
Perfect Your Networking Skills
Networking is arguably one of the most important things that you can do in the creative industry. An abundance of opportunities can come from past, current, or future connections. Don’t limit yourself.
You can never have too many connections. The more people that you get to know, the more people will see and come to love your work. They might refer you to a friend or family member who also has friends and family.
Before you realize it, you’ll have a network of people ready to recommend you for opportunities in the industry.
Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
It’s natural to be afraid of failure. You might feel like you wasted time and effort just to be unsatisfied with the result. However, failure doesn’t deserve the bad rap it gets. Failing at any point during your career gives you room to grow and improve.
Instead of being discouraged that your work was rejected, ask why. Find out what you can do to improve, or ask if your work would be better suited elsewhere. The worst someone can ever say is “No.” When this happens (because it will happen), don’t get down in the dumps. Dust yourself off and remind yourself that you can always take a crack at it another time.
Keep Learning
You’re never too old to learn. Try not to lose that fire that you had at the beginning of your art career. Make an effort to always look at your field with fresh eyes be willing to try new things.
While you want to focus on your craft, keep abreast of what is happening in your field. Take classes and be open to collaborations.
There will always be something that you don’t know, and that’s okay! As long as you keep learning, you’ll get closer to reaching your full potential as an artist.
Be Open to Critique and Criticisms
As creative people, what we produce is often very personal and close to our hearts. When someone critiques what you’ve made, it feels like they’re critiquing you as well. Although this can be hard, try to be open to critique and criticism.
When you are working on a personal project, you have no boundaries! However, when you’re trying to meet the needs of a client, feedback can be needed. You’ve been tasked with the job of meeting their vision, and this may mean that you need to make adjustments.
Being able to graciously accept feedback is a key part of having a successful career. Being able to take the feedback and turn it into a final product that makes everyone happy will go a long way to helping your reputation. People tend to like people they can get along with.
Be a Problem Solver
Being an active problem solver will get you very far in the creative industry. Having the ability to problem solve makes you an asset to companies — and yourself. It means that when faced with a wall, you either find a way to punch your way through it, or you build a bigger wall and go right over it. As a creative, you’re often going to find yourself in situations that seem like your back is against the wall. So don’t make excuses; make solutions.
Think Outside The Box
Look for new ways to tackle situations throughout your career. For example, if you want to find a new way to connect with your audience, try having an Instagram Live Q&A.
Let people in on your creative process and allow them to ask questions. They’ll get to know the artist behind the screen, and you’ll become more connected with people in the industry.
If you’re feeling like you’ve hit a wall creatively, take a class in a medium you’ve never dabbled in. You never know what will get your creative juices flowing.
Become Business Savvy
Don’t think of artists as creative types that are lacking in the business department; this couldn’t be farther from the truth. When it comes down to it, artists often double as entrepreneurs.
If you’re struggling to sell your art on one platform, do your research and see what else is out there. Take a look at your competition to find out what they have that you don’t.
Get out there and tell your story. Make the masses believe in your art as much as you do. When people see the passion behind your art, they’re much more inclined to buy it.
Take control of your marketing and messaging to show that you value your work, and the rest of the world should too. Starting an art career doesn’t have to be so hard!
