Freelance artist....?

Question

It's been a year now in art college, and I came to a conclusion that the college is not helping me at all on what I want to learn. I'm the self-taught type, and I am starting to take that road again. My art skills art good and I have my own unique style. I was thinking about starting a Freelance career. I first wanted to do commissions on DeviantArt, but before that, I need to start learning how to use Photoshop, which will get me started.

I don't want my mom to waste any of her money anymore, and I think this might be good for me. Is there a problem on where I am going here? I really wanted to do this before I decided to come here, but now since I been here for a year, I realize what I want to do now.

Is this a good or bad idea?

Answer 1

Competitive field, but, as long as you realize that a freelance artist is a SALESPERSON, first, and an artist, second, the potential can be good.



A freelancer has to spend a LOT of time doing work that is not art related, such as sales and self promotion, bookeeping and other paperwork and so on. These other types of labor is what an EMPLOYER does for artists on their staff. But getting a job with a design agency or studio is very difficult without a degree.



The way I always state is is that the degree gets you the interview. THEN the portfolio gets you the job.



"Follow your heart." Yeah, THAT'S a sure path to success.

Answer 2

(It would be a lot easier to answer this honestly and helpfully if you could show us some of your work.)



You could always try freelancing for a year, and then maybe go back to school. It's very hard to make a living right away when you start. If you get a degree you can always go on to teach and make your own art on the side. A large percentage of professional fine artists are also teachers.



The main thing that all artists who can make a living from it have in common is persistence. Not talent, though that helps, but just working at it and getting out there with it. Good luck!

Answer 3

What kind of art do you want to do? And do you want to be rich? (If money is an issue, don't go into art, go into geophysics.) Do you want to do advertisement or work for a big newspaper/ magazine? (that's not always true though... i have a friend working for a local paper with no college experience whatsoever.) For those types of jobs, then yeah, a degree would be beneficial. Those aren't freelance artists though, and I think that's more of an issue of how much money you want to make. If you want to be an artist on the side and work a part time job, then this would be a good idea. If this is going to be your only source of income, then no, probably not a good idea.



Not too long ago my fiance was in the same situation you are.



He was in school for art, and although he enjoyed college, he didn't want to stay in it for various reasons. Even though he dropped out, he is by far one of the best artists I know (and I know a ton of them...)



A lot of being a good artist is having good intuition a unique style, and being able to teach yourself. I am entirely self-taught, and draw a decent bit better than most of my art-school friends. I have found that the majority of really talented artists (in my social circle at least) have had little to no professional training. I think it's because they weren't expecting to go to school and magically become an amazing artist. They took the initiative to develop their talent themselves. (I know a lot of people who can't draw, and then go to art school b/c they think it will turn them into Rembrandt or something.)



If money isn't an issue... I know it sounds bad, but if you aren't into school, I wouldn't spend anymore money on it. Especially if you're taking out any student loans... After 3 years of college I have finally come to this conclusion. Do what makes you happy. Life is short. Having a great paying job that you don't like makes for a crappy life.



Just a random tip: Do you have any friends who are in bands? A good way to just get your name out there is by doing album covers. I know it's not glamorous, but you can get a surprising amount of work just by taking that route. Deviantart commissions are also a good idea. (I'm poor, but if I had the money, I'd totally buy some commissions from the really good Deviantart artists! ) Depending on how much experience you have, you might try to participate in an arts festival. The art there goes for a lot. (You have to be really good at traditional media and extremely unique though.) If you're more into stuff like anime, I'd check out the anime-conventions in your area. Or try doujinshi. (Once again, you have to be really good.)



Also, Do you have a copy of Photoshop? They are pretty pricy ($700-$800). If you haven't worked much with it, I would suggest using Photoshop Elements until you get comfortable. (You can get it for free in a software bundle if you buy a Wacom Tablet!) Elements has a lot of the essentials for a beginner. And a Wacom tablet is a must!



I'm rambling, but I hope this helps!

Answer 4

sure, that's totally complicated to make a residing as an artist, era, much less "loose lance". you have not pronounced what your medium is, yet you will prefer an huge portfolio as properly as yet another approach of incomes a residing until eventually you get some purchasers and/or a gallery. you would be doing rather some pavement-pounding to flog your artwork, so which you're able to desire to upward push up a catalogue of places and/or people to whom you prefer to sell. in case you're in school, ask your artwork instructor for some concepts - they many times have get admission to to 3 techniques, as properly because of the fact the community library, and go searching for some artist communities you could hook up with get some training and concepts as properly.

Answer 5

follow your heart, im also an artist