Become an Artist >> Browse Articles >> Starting your Visual Art Career
Nine Steps to Becoming an Artist
Valerie Atkisson/ArtBistro
Do you want to become an artist but don’t know where to begin? Here is a nine step guide to help you along the way. You will learn about the different paths to a career in the arts, how to choose a school, and how to get a job or a gallery show. This guide is meant for prospective, current, and second career visual artists.
Table of Contents
Please click on the links below to access a comprehensive description for each step.
Step One: Recognize Your Abilities
Step Two: Research Art Careers
Step Three: Narrow Your Interests
Step Four: Identify Lacking Skills
Step Five: Choose a School
Step Six: Networking
Step Seven: Internships
Step Eight: Studio Visits
Step Nine: Follow Up and Do Not Give Up
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preetiusa
about 1 year ago
6 comments
i am an indian artist here in nj,,,can you tell me how to sell art,,to buy colors n canvas coz nothing comes cheap.??
moe
about 1 year ago
2 comments
thanks
this is what i do now really but the proplem is that i am away from the college i love to study in
can anyone help me by suggest how i can do that
dmweiman
about 1 year ago
5838 comments
I agree with trr623, if I knew then what I know now,
which still have so far to go. Much to absorb.
trr623
about 1 year ago
24 comments
I wish I had read this 20 years ago. I like the step by step process. You have defined a clear route.
fashexecutive
about 1 year ago
6 comments
It's a great article I just came across. Just glad I've done all steps already! :)
Chaddy
about 1 year ago
62 comments
Excellent article - I noticed that it was written in August, 2007, but the guidelines are timeless - great job!
formaldehyde
about 1 year ago
50 comments
Even if you feel you already know this information and/or even figured out what step you may be at, I highly recommend reading this, it's definitely worth the time.
Chaddy
about 1 year ago
62 comments
My problem has always been Step Three - I have so many diverse interests that it is difficult to narrow them down! Thanks for pointing this out!
meme
about 1 year ago
10 comments
Thanks!!!
phroggrl
about 1 year ago
116 comments
can we skip step five? I wish i'd had this infor 15 years ago.
brushmechanic
about 1 year ago
148 comments
So far, so good! I'm already to step Six and I didn't know it. :) --B
CandiceinArt
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I think that this is an especially well-planned out and presented article. It really helps beginners to start without bieng overwhelmed. This is a must-read for anyone interested in taking a step forward.