Have you always dreamed of a career in the art world? To make your dreams a reality takes much more than keeping a sketchbook, there are steps that should be taken.
Not only should you know how to develop and maintain your portfolio, you should also know how to market yourself as well.
Networking is a key part as well.
To become the professional artist you are striving for, follow this step by step plan.
1.
Make a plan.
Identify your short-term as well as medium to long-term goals as an artist and create a realistic time line.
Try to make then tangible such as to complete five murals or write an entire novel.
Be sure to consider your weaknesses and strengths and identify how to conquer the obstacles along the way.
2.
Think about your artist's statement.
All artists have one, whether their a screenwriter or a sculptor.
This is simply a brief statement about who you are as an artist and what your art is all about.
This should not be overly written.
The main thing to remember is to use clear simple language and keep the details to a minimum.
3.
Create a complete body of work.
This sounds silly but some people make the mistake of doing too much reading, researching, and networking that they forget the core aspect of it, the artwork.
Be sure to have some frame-worthy finished pieces ready to back up your talk when you're looking for support from galleries and other artists.
4.
Display your work professionally in a portfolio.
If you are serious about art, everyone knows you should have some kind of portfolio.
Keeping a DVD on file as well as showcasing printed work is the best way to represent your work.
Be sure to know the standards when compiling a CD and figure out a portfolio format and style that works for you.
5.
Document your work accordingly.
Be sure to not get too caught up in interviews and artwork give-a-ways, documenting your artwork is just as important.
Photographs and slides are the best way to keep track of all your artistic renderings.
You never know when one of your old sketches will turn into your most successful comic book character.
6.
Understand and know your market.
Do your research before you start marketing yourself around town because the art world can be both competitive and tricky.
The appropriate marketing tactics must be carried out in regards to your artistic style, whether you are showing originals or prints, size, and of course different price brackets.
Be sure to sign legal agreements, read the fine print, and be completely honest about your artistic abilities.
7.
Find a gallery or publisher to work with.
Check out all the local spots and figure out where your work would fit best and perhaps excite the most viewers.
Consider their business tactics, the location, and who the gallery represents.
A great way to do this is through volunteering or recommendations.
By simply hanging artwork once in a while, you can easily get your foot in the door and get your work recognized.
You may look into finding an agent and developing an online presence as well.
8.
Lastly, consider your alternatives.
You should always be pro-active and consider any opportunity to gain exposure.
Partake in competitions, networking, and unpaid work.
As they say, no press is bad press.
Keeping an open mind about the world of art, can sometimes take you in a whole new direction for the better.