Photo by Thirdman / Pexels
A career is a lot like a relationship. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out, and you must move on. It’s not bad for you; it’s just not the right time. Other times, if you’re lucky and everything falls into place at the right moment, your hobby can grow into a fantastic career with opportunities that will take your breath away.
1. Be Persistent
It’s easy to get discouraged when nothing is happening with your art. Many artists think they are just too old, their skills are lacking, or they don’t have the right connections. Of course, it’s hard to see why you should continue when nobody is buying your work, and no one seems interested in learning more. But remember that there are lots of artists who don’t get noticed right away, either. It takes time and a lot of hard work.
2. Be Patient
Art doesn’t pay off right away, either. It may take a while before you can make a living painting, and likely the first few years will be lean. Even the most successful artists had to wait a while before they received the fame and recognition they enjoy today. So be patient: your hard work is paying off even if you can’t see it yet. Also, patience is one of the qualities you will need if you decide to become a full-time freelance artist.
3. Be Flexible
At any stage of your career, it will help if you can adapt to changes and changes in demand for your work. You should be able to work with various clients and styles. It may be necessary for you to change your technique, class, or materials depending on what the market wants at that moment.
4. Be Loyal to the Right Art Community
Some artists focus on exhibiting in galleries and making money from selling their work, while others prefer to share their work with other artists and make friends. The right place for your art will depend on your interests and what you like most about art. So find a group that supports your art and your efforts to turn your hobby into a career.
5. Be Open-Minded About Your Art
What do you love most about art? How can you share that with others? Think about what kinds of art don’t appeal to you but interest other people. Use those things and intentionally create art that others will enjoy. If you make one kind of art well, other people will want to buy your work. And don’t forget that the art you love most will become the business you least like.
6. Be Honest with Yourself
It would help if you felt that your art was good enough to make a living. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time. And if it’s not, change it to suit what makes you happy, or find a new way of doing art. You can either give up on your dream or find a way to continue, even if it doesn’t look like it right now.
7. Be Accountable to Yourself
If you don’t remember why you started painting, consider why you should keep going. Even though you might be tired and worn out, you must remember how proud of yourself you felt when you were working on your best art. Think about how great it will feel to share your art with the world. Remember how fantastic you’ll feel when you get to call your art your job.
8. Be Honest with Your Work
The most successful artists don’t worry about what other people think of their art; they worry about making it the best they can. Think of who you are and create work that appeals to people just like you, not what might appeal to trend seekers. This is your work, so put what you want and feel on your artist’s canvas. You won’t get anywhere trying to please everyone, so be true to your vision and don’t compromise it. Have you chosen the right career for yourself? If not, then think about your ultimate goal. How can you best earn money with your art? What kind of help do you need from others? Do you already know how to sell your art? Are there people in your area who either want to buy it or share it with others who will appreciate it? If not, then don’t give up. Figure out how to get your art in the right hands.
Conclusion
Art is a great way to make a living, but it won’t happen overnight or by accident. You must be persistent, patient, and loyal in your approach to turning your hobby into a career. Be honest about what you love and who you are, and don’t forget why you got into art in the first place.
