So You Want to be a Professional Artist?

It can be daunting making the transition from creating your art as a hobby to becoming a professional artist. Especially when there is such a wide variety of other talented artists out there who are all wanting to do the same thing. However, breaking into the industry is possible if you are passionate, motivated, and willing to do whatever it takes to get exposure for you and your work.

The art industry is absolutely massive! It is constantly growing and expanding and there is a never-ending demand for new styles. New artists are paving the way for their careers all the time.

If you are just beginning to consider taking your art to the professional level, this lens can give you some simple building blocks to help you on your way.

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This may seem somewhat obvious, but not everyone recognizes just how important it is to create works of art that are authentic to who you are.

People will buy your art because they like what you create, but in a way, they are also buying you.  Not you physically - but you as you've expressed yourself through your work. The most successful artists have found their own unique voice that stands out in the crowd. They aren't creating just for the sake of creating, but they are truly saying something with their art. Not only that, they are doing it in such a way that causes people to stop and listen.

People collect art that touches their soul and creates emotion.

Equally important to your success is why you create. Maybe your father died from leukemia and you donate 25% of everything you make to prevention research. Maybe you lost both of your hands in a car accident and so you learned how to write and draw with your toes. Perhaps the art that you create is the expression of abused women who have overcome extreme diversity and found independence and success. Ask yourself: what's your story? Now get out there and tell it. People want to know!

What sets you apart from others? Feed your passion and create artwork that is genuinely you. This is the absolute essence of what makes your work valuable to others and will continue to bring them back for more.

You might be the next Rembrandt or Monet but if nobody knows that your artwork exists, you will never sell anything.

There are lots of ways to gain exposure for your work, especially on the internet.

Here are some of the most important things you can do to get your art out there:

This is an absolute must! Business cards are an opportunity to give away a small sample of your very best work and make a lasting impression. An eye-catching card is a simple and effective way to reveal what you do without pulling out a full portfolio.  They create interest and invite people to visit your website to see more.

Make sure that one whole side of the card is a full-color piece of your very best work.

One option is to print several card designs, each with different pieces of your art on the front.  Then when someone asks you for your card, fan out all of the different kinds and say, "choose your favorite!"

Most importantly, keep at it - and keep your chin up. Like any career, it will probably not happen overnight and you will probably get rejected several times and have long periods of time where you don't sell anything. Have no fear! Even the best and most established artists went (and still continue to) go through this! It doesn't mean your art isn't any good, it simply means that you haven't found a way to connect yourself to the people that are looking for what you have created. That's all!

If you are persistent and motivated and positive, you can have a career in this industry. It is simply a matter of finding the right tools, resources, and people that will help you along the way. Keep going, and most of all: keep creating wonderful art!

Remember - only you can create what you create.

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I am a professional fine art photographer and I sell my art online as well as through my agent to interior designers.

You can read more about me here: Who is Tien Frogget?

You can see my work here:
The Unique World of Tien Frogget
http://www.TienFrogget.com/

I also write articles for the art and design industry. You can read more at:
OC Designer Source Blog