It can be difficult to transition from an amateur artist to a professional artist.If you develop your talent and exhibit your work, you can begin to earn a living as an artist.It takes a lot of time and effort to become a professional artist, but it will be worth it in the end.
Step 1: Go to art school.
You can find out which art schools are in your area by searching online.While it is possible to become a professional artist without attending school, this is the most common starting point for amateur artists who want to transition into professionals.You should look into trade school programs if you know what you want to do in art.These programs offer extensive courses in several specialties, such as graphic design and painting.If you know you want to be a professional artist, but don't know what type of artist you will be, look into schools that offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.Bachelor's programs allow you to take a variety of art classes and give you time to figure out what you want to do with your artistic talent.If you have a Bachelor's degree and want to specialize in a particular type of art, consider a Master of Fine Arts program.
Step 2: Professional artists hold art classes or workshops.
Check with local museums, galleries, art schools, and studios to find out if you can take art classes or attend workshops.You will likely be able to find classes and workshops at many art-related institutions.Taking advantage of these offerings will allow you to learn more about the type of art you want to pursue, and will give you the chance to practice and receive feedback from professionals.
Step 3: Improve your artistic skills every day.
It takes hard work and consistent practice to become a professional artist.Working on your art every day will help you hone your skills and find your artistic strengths, even if you have natural talent or have developed new artistic skills in a degree program.It's important to put in the work in order to build your confidence in your art and to present yourself as a professional artist.
Step 4: You can find your own perspective as an artist.
Look for inspiration in a variety of places to help you find your own perspective as an artist.To make a name for yourself as a professional artist, you will want your art to be recognizable as your own.While talent and quality are important, distinctive pieces of art are the most popular in terms of what sells.Traveling, seeking out new experiences, and observing the world around you can help you discover what you want to convey through your art.
Step 5: A portfolio is created.
To get your work seen by professional organizations, you will need to create and submit a portfolio.A strong portfolio highlights your best pieces, so include any pieces that you feel particularly confident in, as well as any that have received positive feedback.If you want to show off your skills, you should include unfinished pieces that are not in your other pieces.Depending on your career goals, personal preference, and the type of art you create, you can choose a digital or paper format for your portfolio.You will want to create a digital portfolio if you are a graphic designer.If you specialize in small, original drawings, you may want to include copies of your work in a physical portfolio to show to gallery or museum personnel.
Step 6: You can submit your art for display.
To establish yourself as a professional artist, learn how to get your art into a gallery.It may take some time for you to break into the gallery world, but getting into a gallery is a great step towards selling your art and making a living as a professional artist.Visit gallery openings and events to get to know the people that work there, as well as other artists, when you submit your work.People will become familiar with your work if they get to know you.
Step 7: You can use social media to display your art.
Regardless of where you are in your career as an artist, starting an account on social media can give you a boost in recognition.If you don't already have an account on social media, you should start posting your art at least 3 times per week, if not every day.If you want to increase your sales, you should look into how to advertise on social media.
Step 8: You can display your art in public.
Think outside the box and reach out to various establishments to ask if you can display your art.Retail stores, restaurants, public parks, craft fairs, and festivals are great places to display your art and get noticed as a professional.You never know what an opportunity to exhibit your art might be, so try to be creative and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Step 9: If you want to price your art, research the market.
To determine how much to charge for your art, assess the size, shape, medium, weight, subject matter, colors, and how experienced you are at that particular artistic medium.You should research how much similar pieces in your area sell for once you have determined these factors.You can find similar artwork by searching online or talking to stores that sell it.You need to be able to justify the price of your art.Every piece of original art is different.This is not a factor in determining how much you should charge.It is possible that you will have to sell your art for less than other established artists are selling their work for.You can begin charging more after selling a few pieces.
Step 10: A business plan is needed.
Writing a business plan can help you establish your goals as a professional artist and determine your financial needs, regardless of what type of art you create.As part of your business plan, you should research the potential markets for your art.Take into account all the ways that you can potentially sell your art, as well as the prices you have determined for the various types of pieces you create.How many pieces you need to produce and sell to meet your financial needs should be outlined in your business plan.Consider all of the things that you need to pay for, including food, housing, more art supplies, and any other expenses you incur on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis in determining your financial needs.
Step 11: Join art organizations.
You can sign up to become a member of a professional organization by searching online.This can help you establish yourself as a professional artist and send a message to potential clients and employers that you take your career as an artist seriously.Professional organizations can help you spread the word about your work by giving you opportunities to network with other artists.Staying connected to local artistic communities is a great way to meet other artists, learn about the industry, and get exposure.
Step 12: You can sell your work online or in stores.
You can also sell your work in a gallery or store.While retail stores and galleries take a percentage of your sales, selling your art through such companies is a great way to expose your work to a larger audience and hopefully make more sales.In addition to brick and mortar options, look into the many ways to sell your art online, including through social media, an artist collective website, or through your own retail website.It is a great option to learn how to sell your art.It is a great way to expose your work to a large audience and help you make a living as a professional artist if you choose to use the site, because it is popular and gets a lot of traffic.
Step 13: Commission pieces can be created.
You can create original pieces for individual clients on commission if you advertise your ability to do so.At some point in their careers, most artists create commission pieces.If you want to get your art out into the world while making some money, working on commission is a great way to do that.To be successful as a commissioned artist, you have to be flexible and listen to your clients.While you want to stay true to yourself as an artist, you are also being paid to create something specific for your clients.Finding a balance between what you want and what your clients want will make the experience mutually beneficial and hopefully help you build a positive reputation and land more commission work.
Step 14: Art classes and workshops.
If you are a professional artist, you can make money by teaching classes and workshops to budding artists.You can teach classes at a studio, gallery, community center, or school.Teaching can help you improve your skills and stay up to date on current trends.You can find new ideas and inspiration from your students.Depending on skill level and technique, you could offer different classes.You could teach basic drawing classes for beginners, as well as advanced shading techniques or still life watercolors for intermediate or advanced students.
Step 15: As an employee, you can produce art for the company.
An in-house artist is needed for a company.There are many companies that hire professional artists, including software and print materials companies, advertising and design agencies, and motion picture companies.Artists with special skills are in high demand by these types of companies.Ensuring that you have a steady salary is a benefit of being a professional artist.