Gettin out there

[ExilE]

I don't have a ton of time left before I graduate and I would really like to start getting out there into the paying art world, however it's a little daunting... I haven't really hit any classes that deal with actually marketing yourself as an artist yet, so I don't really know where to start. Any thoughts or ideas? What were some of your first jobs, how did you get noticed, etc?

[strych9ine]

While it hurts to say it, for many artists just starting out the only option is to sleep your way into the business. Get your name and your nubile body out there and make things happen one uncomfortable (yet professionally rewarding) handy at a time. You bondage gear up for the right influential art director and bam, you're in just like that. Don't lose hope, start doing pilates as you'll be strained in many awkward positions, and hope for the best. Good luck!

[JustinBeckett]

Yep, thats just it. You need to get out there, in the real world. You can't just get noticed from the internet only, unless your work is really strong and stands out from many other competing artists online.

Get out there, meet people, talk to people, network. Show in cafes, get in galleries if you want, but in my opinion galleries suck, unless you can get in a fair one. Some can rip you off, you need to be careful.

Be prepared to be declined alot at first, "maybe", unless you are really good. If you are declined, suck it up, work harder, always continue to build your portfolio. Even if you think you are good, there is always someone better. If you work hard and are good, then well what can i say, talent gets noticed, things happen. Everything just starts falling into place.

The making money part just comes in time, slowly but surely. Practice makes perfect as we all say. School or not, if you are into Fine Arts you need to market yourself like crazy, its almost like this, 80 % marketing yourself, 20 % creating. If you are attempting the game industry/movie then well, i hope your very good, otherwise get to the drawing board. There is much competition out there.

For Fine Art, if you are reaaaaallly serious, check out a book called Art Marketing 101, it will give you the insides and out about being a fine artist/starting your own business, copyrighting your work, marketing yourself, insurance, everything.

Anyways, good luck, its a jungle out there.

~JB