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Writer's pictureMallory Shotwell

Do you Want to be a Professional Artist? Here's What you Need to Know!


We share our free articles here, and they function as a professional practices courses in college, so we can remove the barriers of cost. We want to ensure that all artists have the resources and tools they need to succeed!





Are you passionate about art and want to make it your profession? Becoming a professional artist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, but there are some essential elements that you need to be aware of before taking the leap. One of the most important steps in becoming a successful artist is to understand what a professional art practice entails. This article will outline the key components of professional art practice, and why it is necessary for any aspiring artist.


Introduction: What is a professional artist?

Professional artists use their visual art skills to create, develop and promote their work as a business. They may specialize in a particular area of art, such as painting, sculpture, printmaking or photography, but they have a deep understanding of the many aspects of art that come with the job. Professional artists create artwork for private and corporate clients, for exhibitions and for competitions. They also teach and engage in public art projects. Being a professional artist requires a wide range of skills, from technical and creative abilities to marketing and networking. To succeed in this profession, an artist must be well-rounded, organized and entrepreneurial.


How to Succeed: The business of being an artist

As a professional artist, you need to be aware of the business side of the creative industry. This is an important part of being successful as a professional artist. You need to understand the market, create your own marketing strategy, and create a brand.


Visuals, ie photos of your work, are key when it comes to marketing yourself as a professional artist. Your portfolio is essential in showcasing your work, but it’s important to create other visuals as well, such as videos and social media campaigns. These visuals should showcase your artwork and the unique style you bring to the table.


It’s also important to understand the industry itself. You need to stay up to date on industry news and trends so that you know where to focus your energy. Knowing which companies are looking for new talent and what kind of projects they are working on can help you decide where to apply your talents.


You should also be aware of pricing in the industry. It’s important to know what kind of fee structure works best for you and how much to charge for your work. Knowing what other artists are charging can help you decide where to set your rates.


Finally, networking is an important part of succeeding as a professional artist. Connecting with other professionals in the field can open up job opportunities, give you valuable advice, and provide support when needed.


By taking a professional practice course, you can gain knowledge about the business side of art and start building a successful career as an artist.


The skills you need to be a professional artist

If you’re considering a career as a professional artist, it’s important to understand that the job requires more than just artistic talent. The skills you need to be successful depend on what kind of artist you want to be and the medium you choose to work with. Here are some of the key skills you will need:


1. Creative Thinking: You must have the ability to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. Being able to recognize patterns and visualize concepts will be essential in order to stand out from the crowd.

2. Drawing Skills: Even if you plan on working with digital media, having strong drawing skills is a great asset. Having a good sense of composition, color, perspective and anatomy is important for any visual artist.

3. Technical Knowledge: Knowing the technical aspects of your chosen medium will help you develop a consistent style and will enable you to create more complicated works.

4. Self-promotion: As an artist, you are your own best promoter. You will need to be comfortable marketing your work and attending events to network with other artists and art professionals.

5. Professionalism: Having a professional attitude towards your work is key for any artist. You should be respectful of deadlines, be reliable when dealing with clients, and demonstrate good customer service skills.

6. Art Professional Practice Course: A professional practice course will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the business side of the art world, including pricing artwork, copyrighting, marketing, exhibition opportunities and more. We share our free articles here, and they function as a professional practices courses in college, so we can remove the barriers of cost. We want to ensure that all artists have the resources and tools they need to succeed!


By honing these skills, you can become a successful professional artist and make a living from your art.


The importance of networking

Networking is an essential part of any professional career. It’s no different for artists. Having a strong network of contacts is invaluable when it comes to succeeding in the art world. Networking can help you find resources, gain insight, and find leads on potential job opportunities.


When it comes to networking, it pays to be proactive. Make sure you’re active in social media, join artist groups and forums, attend relevant exhibitions and art fairs, volunteer your services, and generally make yourself visible to the art world. You never know who might be looking at your work and what opportunities may arise.


Another great way to build your network is to reach out to galleries, curators, and other art professionals. They can provide advice and help you find the right outlets for your work. Even if you don’t have anything to show them yet, simply establishing connections with people who are already in the business can be beneficial.


Networking is an essential part of being a successful artist. Take the time to build a strong network, and you will be well on your way to finding success as a professional artist.


Building your portfolio

If you want to become a professional artist, you need to create a cohesive portfolio. A portfolio is an organized compilation of your best artwork, which you can use to demonstrate your talent and experience. Creating a portfolio is an essential part of any artist’s professional practice, and it should be tailored to showcase the kind of artwork you want to do.


Your portfolio should include samples of your work that demonstrate your level of skill, knowledge, and experience. It should also include information about any awards or recognitions you have received for your artwork. Additionally, you should include a brief artist statement that gives readers an insight into who you are as an artist.


It's important to stay up-to-date with trends in the art industry. Familiarize yourself with the style of artwork that is popular in galleries, museums, and other art organizations. You should also look for opportunities to share your work online through websites like Instagram and YouTube. This can help give you more visibility and get your work noticed by potential clients.


Finally, keep in mind that your portfolio is an ongoing project. As your skills evolve and you acquire new experiences, you should update your portfolio to reflect those changes. With a strong portfolio, you can prove to potential clients and employers that you are capable of creating high quality artwork that meets their standards.


What is an Emerging Artist?

An Emerging Artist is an artist who is just starting to gain recognition in the art world, but who has yet to make a significant impact. An emerging artist doesn't denote age or education, but rather means that an artist is in the early stages of their artistic career. While they may have gained some attention or praise for their work, they are still in the process of establishing themselves as professional artists. Emerging Artists often have difficulty navigating the complexities of the professional art world, such as managing finances, marketing their work, and finding opportunities to display their work. As such, they benefit greatly from guidance and support from experienced professionals in the field. We are happy to provide mentorship, advice, and access to resources that can help an Emerging Artist become established in the art world.


You can do it!

You have what it takes to become a successful professional artist! It takes hard work, dedication, and an eagerness to learn, but you can make it happen. Take the time to build your skills, create a powerful portfolio, and network with other art professionals. Also, don’t forget that there are many resources available to help you along the way. With determination, passion, and the right tools and guidance, you can achieve your goal of becoming an art professional.

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