[Rainy Day]

I've always loved art...you know drawing, painting, and all that jazz, and I've always wondered if I could make it as an artist. I've considered a lot of careers...like A LOT, and being and artist always comes up.
But...I really don't know if I'm good enough. I'm afraid of failing and becoming the "starving artist". And I want to be able to give my future children a stable home...
I don't know, I've thought of becoming a doctor or a psychologist...because I can help people and not worry about income really...
But I really love art.
Enough of my rambling,
So, Is it hard to become a successful artist?
Is it hard to get into art college? Is it worth it?
Will I end up eating my own pieces like Squidward!?
Please help!!! And share experiences!!

[aig0o]

There are a lot of different jobs you can take as an artist such as graphic designers, fine artist, museum people, etc. but it's not easy to find a job, or must I say, it's not the best to earn you money. That's how I see it because I like Art too.

I think that you should study Art because you love it. It's your passion. If you make it successful then good for you. But, I suggest, after studying Art, you should also consider pursing a subject that can get you enough money as a back up so that even if Art doesn't turn out good for you in the future, you also have something else you can count on

[elevatormusic]

i'm going to an art college this fall, and hopefully i'll be able to give you a little advice. first, what grade are you in? if you're a junior, it might be a little late (you can always catch up), but if you're a sophomore or freshman, there's still time. ALL art colleges will require for you to have a portfolio that shows your artistic talent, so you should get started with that first. (take art classes outside of school, participate in competitions, get a private art tutor, etc.)

there is WAY more to art than just painting. there's graphic design, commercial design, architecture, illustration, painting, photography, art education and the list goes on. you should find something that you're really passionate about and let that be your drive for pursuing art.

many artists become famous after they've died. but there are many artists who become famous while they're still alive. this brings me back to the there's-more-to-art-than-painting point. besides becoming a famous artist that has their own exhibitions in the national gallery of art, you can be an extremely in demand advertising artist, or a portrait photographer, even a ice sculptor for special events/parties.

but if you really have a passion for art, then going to art college will definetly be worth it.

[prechuz_azn]

Sure you can.

In my opinion, artist careers are the most fun, you get to unleash your inner imagination
and people will appreciate your talents more so because they can't do
the things you can.

Any dumbass can read a book on psychology and know the perks that come with
psychology but it takes more to paint a painting or drawing something other than stick figures
or flowers or anime.

And for Art you can like do lots of things, you can be an architect, you can work
making props for film sites, you can work in museums or be a teacher.

=D

[catgirlcat]

Art is a booming industry, you should defiantely check it out if you have the passion for it. "A starving artist is a myth" is what my art teacher always say to us.

[Rainy Day]

i'm going to an art college this fall, and hopefully i'll be able to give you a little advice. first, what grade are you in? if you're a junior, it might be a little late (you can always catch up), but if you're a sophomore or freshman, there's still time. ALL art colleges will require for you to have a portfolio that shows your artistic talent, so you should get started with that first. (take art classes outside of school, participate in competitions, get a private art tutor, etc.)

there is WAY more to art than just painting. there's graphic design, commercial design, architecture, illustration, painting, photography, art education and the list goes on. you should find something that you're really passionate about and let that be your drive for pursuing art.

many artists become famous after they've died. but there are many artists who become famous while they're still alive. this brings me back to the there's-more-to-art-than-painting point. besides becoming a famous artist that has their own exhibitions in the national gallery of art, you can be an extremely in demand advertising artist, or a portrait photographer, even a ice sculptor for special events/parties.

but if you really have a passion for art, then going to art college will definetly be worth it.

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

And I don't know.......ack I'm a sophmore right now.
But I don't have enough money for art lessons or anything like that, even though I desperately want them.
My family is going through financial hardships, and marital issues, so I can't ask for anything like that

And yeah, I know there's a broad field in art, but I'm really fond of traditional art.....and perhaps photography.
But, I don't know.......I just have this great fear that I won't be good enough in the art world...that I'll just fail.
That's my greatest nightmare.
Ack, so my question is, What does it take to succeed?
I don't want to become a failure.........

Maybe I should just double major with art and something else?
Gah......I don't know. Someone help me

[elevatormusic]

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

And I don't know.......ack I'm a sophmore right now.
But I don't have enough money for art lessons or anything like that, even though I desperately want them.
My family is going through financial hardships, and marital issues, so I can't ask for anything like that

And yeah, I know there's a broad field in art, but I'm really fond of traditional art.....and perhaps photography.
But, I don't know.......I just have this great fear that I won't be good enough in the art world...that I'll just fail.
That's my greatest nightmare.
Ack, so my question is, What does it take to succeed?
I don't want to become a failure.........

Maybe I should just double major with art and something else?
Gah......I don't know. Someone help me

there are the community art lessons [although i took those when i was younger, and they were absolutely no help at all] which are cheaper. for now, your best bet is to take as many art classes as you can during school, and hopefully your school has good art teachers. the teachers at my school really suck, which is why the after school art lessons really helped me.

traditional art isn't only drawing perfectly. any one can paint a still life, but it's the way you paint, and the movement of your brush strokes that really stand out.

for art i really feel that passion is a HUGE factor in success. it's really something you have to do for yourself because you love it. but if you go to a regular academic university/college, it would be better to minor in art and major in something else. but if you go to an art college, you can double major with english or creative writing, and other english related things. well, that's what i'm assuming since i haven't attended art college yet.

[Sweet_Asian819]

You will be very successful if you believe in yourself and always improve in what you love to do.
If you choose a job you don't like, you won't be happy and end up spending money on relieving stress from the hated job.

Have faith in yourself

[FallenLove]

And I don't know.......ack I'm a sophmore right now.
But I don't have enough money for art lessons or anything like that, even though I desperately want them.
My family is going through financial hardships, and marital issues, so I can't ask for anything like that

And yeah, I know there's a broad field in art, but I'm really fond of traditional art.....and perhaps photography.
But, I don't know.......I just have this great fear that I won't be good enough in the art world...that I'll just fail.
That's my greatest nightmare.
Ack, so my question is, What does it take to succeed?
I don't want to become a failure.........

Maybe I should just double major with art and something else?
Gah......I don't know. Someone help me

Do you have photography at school?
Maybe asking your counselor is a good idea [:
I want to go into art too ;D
I just realized I wanted to go into graphic design
and I'm a junior = =

[Rainy Day]

Hmmmmm........I am so indecisive.
Is it weird to get a double major in two unrelated subjects like, psychology and visual arts?
Maybe I'll be a psychologist and then when I'm financially set, start my art career??????
>< eek
Art school is so expensive though..
Are there any good art programs at "academic" schools such as Columbia, Berkeley, etc?
Sorry I'm asking so many random questions;

[meisaeteurn]

Hmmmmm........I am so indecisive.
Is it weird to get a double major in two unrelated subjects like, psychology and visual arts?
Maybe I'll be a psychologist and then when I'm financially set, start my art career??????
>< eek
Art school is so expensive though..
Are there any good art programs at "academic" schools such as Columbia, Berkeley, etc?
Sorry I'm asking so many random questions;

From what I've heard, Berkeley has an amazing art program :]

Good luck with everything!

[elevatormusic]

Yale has an amazing art program. they're raked #2 in top art schools in the nation they have a graduate program with MICA (#4 ranked). Brown also does a graduate program with RISD (#1 rank) and Columbia also has a good art program. but getting into these schools require amazing grades as well as an amazing portfolio.

you should definitely try to take art classes in school if you can't get out of school ones. as for my school, if i only took art classes offered there i wouldn't be able to even think about art colleges.

[dottywine]

Rainy Day,

YES it is DIFFICULT to live life as an artist. And it is even more difficult to live life with the creative control you want.

There are lots of jobs for artists, but you won't be doing what you want to be doing (such as advertising). You can be a real artist... paint pictures and try to sell them. Its a hard life and you'll need to make a lot of connections.

I mean... being an artist is hard. And it takes a long time to see fruit most of the time. You just have to believe and be passionate in what you're doing. I know its scary to think that your life could be that un-stable but it will be and its just something you have to accept if being an artist is truely what you want to be.

[simplicity_x]

i'm going to an art college this fall, and hopefully i'll be able to give you a little advice. first, what grade are you in? if you're a junior, it might be a little late (you can always catch up), but if you're a sophomore or freshman, there's still time. ALL art colleges will require for you to have a portfolio that shows your artistic talent, so you should get started with that first. (take art classes outside of school, participate in competitions, get a private art tutor, etc.)

there is WAY more to art than just painting. there's graphic design, commercial design, architecture, illustration, painting, photography, art education and the list goes on. you should find something that you're really passionate about and let that be your drive for pursuing art.

many artists become famous after they've died. but there are many artists who become famous while they're still alive. this brings me back to the there's-more-to-art-than-painting point. besides becoming a famous artist that has their own exhibitions in the national gallery of art, you can be an extremely in demand advertising artist, or a portrait photographer, even a ice sculptor for special events/parties.

but if you really have a passion for art, then going to art college will definetly be worth it.

What art college are you going to?


@ Rainy Day -
But yes, I do agree. If you try your hardest, you'll get what you want. It's better off doing what you're passionate about than doing something you're forced to do because of other reasons.
Do something you enjoy so in the future you won't regret your decision.

I'm in my fourth year of art (in 2-D Design AP right now) and I love it. I got accepted into MICA.
Take some art classes in school, at studios, and do some on your free time. Go to National Portfolio Day and get your portfolio reviewed to get some feedback on what you need to work on. (some get accepted to the college on the spot).


You still have time.
Plus, your college will help you get a job according to your major. They should help you.

[dietPill]

Hmmmmm........I am so indecisive.
Is it weird to get a double major in two unrelated subjects like, psychology and visual arts?
Maybe I'll be a psychologist and then when I'm financially set, start my art career??????
>< eek
Art school is so expensive though..
Are there any good art programs at "academic" schools such as Columbia, Berkeley, etc?
Sorry I'm asking so many random questions;

I don't think it's weird =D It depends on the career, really, but in this case it's fine. Like if you were going to be an engineer and I see a bunch of art courses rather than math, I'd be like wtf...
Why don't you go into art therapy? I've decided that I want to major in art and minor in biology to be a medical illustrator... both my passions combined x3.

[elevatormusic]

What art college are you going to?


@ Rainy Day -
But yes, I do agree. If you try your hardest, you'll get what you want. It's better off doing what you're passionate about than doing something you're forced to do because of other reasons.
Do something you enjoy so in the future you won't regret your decision.

I'm in my fourth year of art (in 2-D Design AP right now) and I love it. I got accepted into MICA.
Take some art classes in school, at studios, and do some on your free time. Go to National Portfolio Day and get your portfolio reviewed to get some feedback on what you need to work on. (some get accepted to the college on the spot).


You still have time.
Plus, your college will help you get a job according to your major. They should help you.

HEY I GOT INTO MICA TOO XD it's my #1 choice. i got accepted to a couple other schools, but now it's a matter of how much scholarship i get from each school to see which one i go to :T are you definetly going to MICA?

[simplicity_x]

@elevatormusic -- COOL. WE can be MICA buddies. =D I actually just applied to MICA for fun...I had no intention to go because it's so freaking expensive.
I calculated how much money my family would have to spend just for my freshman year and it came out to be about $60,000 (with additional fees & housing - plus, i live out of state so yeah). It also depends on how much scholarship money I'm going to receive. It's soo sadd...hahaha. How about you? Are you most definitely going? And what other art schools did you apply to?

[elevatormusic]

@elevatormusic -- COOL. WE can be MICA buddies. =D I actually just applied to MICA for fun...I had no intention to go because it's so freaking expensive.
I calculated how much money my family would have to spend just for my freshman year and it came out to be about $60,000 (with additional fees & housing - plus, i live out of state so yeah). It also depends on how much scholarship money I'm going to receive. It's soo sadd...hahaha. How about you? Are you most definitely going? And what other art schools did you apply to?

i applied to VCU, SVA, RISD, SAIC, and MICA. i've been accepted to all of them except RISD (i haven't heard from them yet :T) but MICA (and most other private art colleges) is the same for in state and out of state because it's private. did you apply to any other art schools?
but i'm not definitely going because it's so expensive T_T i'm probably gonna go to VCU because it's instate (VCU is a public uni) and it's half the price of MICA.

[love*beat]

I hope it isn't too late to reply

But yeah, I've been feeling the same lately and to be honest, I'm not quite sure myself.

It kind of hurts me and my passion for it to hear other people saying that going for art = setting yourself up for failure with money

But then again, it's not about your pride, but what you want to do .. and maybe this economy haha.

I'm trying to figure out if the path I'm taking is right or if I should just conform with what everyone else says and try to go with something else.

Even though, in all honesty, I'm not good with anything else or anything worth gaining money off of. x__x haha

[Justalilodreamer]

Thanks for the replies guys!!!

And I don't know.......ack I'm a sophmore right now.
But I don't have enough money for art lessons or anything like that, even though I desperately want them.
My family is going through financial hardships, and marital issues, so I can't ask for anything like that

And yeah, I know there's a broad field in art, but I'm really fond of traditional art.....and perhaps photography.
But, I don't know.......I just have this great fear that I won't be good enough in the art world...that I'll just fail.
That's my greatest nightmare.
Ack, so my question is, What does it take to succeed?
I don't want to become a failure.........

Maybe I should just double major with art and something else?
Gah......I don't know. Someone help me

I believe its passion, style, and confidence...plus getting your name out there. Artists that can't succeed are mainly the ones who restrict themselves, if you want to succeed you really have to pour everything into your work. If you don't have confidence in your work, it means you're most likely restricting yourself. If you're afraid of failing, you probably will.
If you do some research on famous artists, most of them work all day because their inspirations just keeps flowing in. How do they attain that ability? Simple, its passion. They dont care about fame, they dont care about money, they dont care if people think their works are junk. To them there is no such thing as failing because they're just doing what they love to do. They can completely dedicate themselves into their work and once people recognize their style, their fame grows from there. However, some artists experience downfalls because they let their fame break them.
I don't really believe anyone can truly teach you 'art', taking art lessons are only for sharpening your techniques. You can most definitely improve your skills through practice...drawing everyday, or if you're into photography, carrying a camera with you and taking shots frequently. Do you have any art classes at your school? You could try taking some art classes at school, if not you could always do art on your own time. Try studying other artworks and artists to have a better understanding of the art world, etc. You may even develop your own style along the way.

If you're interested in photography, you could always do photography studies on your own but its always better to take photography lessons because photography is big on technique and composition. Once you've got a decent portfolio, you can start as an assistant photographer (age usually doesnt matter).

Majoring in fine arts isn't easy, they will really drain you...and many people give up because they find themselves loosing passion. But regardless, i think you should give it a shot. You've only got one life to live, why not give it a try? If you fail, you could always go for something else art related (art field is extremely wide).