A Career in Art

Camryn Knauer

English III Honors Pd. 4

Mr. Alburger

February 23, 2017

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Camryn Knauer

Mr. Alburger

English III Honors

23 February 2017

A Career in Art

Art takes on many forms and definitions, differing from person to person, yet leaves an

impact on all who encounter it. Since the beginning of civilization, art has played important roles

in society as a tool for communication, worship, symbolism, or viewing pleasure. This art

evolved along with society, becoming more diverse each day and satisfying the unconscious

human need for beauty and aesthetic appeal. The artists who create these works left their mark

on the world by dedicating their lives to expressing themselves through drawing, painting,

sculpting, and many other medias. A person acquires the role of an artist not only as a passion,

but also as a profession. Modern artists build careers using technical skills and creativity, that

combined with fine arts education and modern technologies, create limitless opportunities for a

profession as an artist.

The vast history of art includes many different styles and purposes that influenced

societies, defined eras, and still continue to impact all cultures around the world. The earliest

known artworks date back to the Stone Age in 30,000 BC, on cave walls in France and Spain

(Careers). The people who painted these images on the walls presumably did not know that

humans would later refer to their creations as art. These early painters covered the cave walls

with their pictures using natural resources such as sticks, feathers, clay, and other substances

from the earth (Careers). Since then, artists and producers of art materials continue to include
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natural resources in their mediums and artworks. The cave paintings of the Stone Age primarily

illustrated animals, most likely due to the necessity of hunting for survival (Careers). These

works represent the first known use of painting and receive credit for creating the basis of art that

expanded throughout history.

As art evolved over many years, it took on different uses and trends, often specific to

certain regions or civilizations. In ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerians constructed religious

sculptures of their gods to honor and share their beliefs, while the Assyrians often carved intense

scenes of war and soldiers to demonstrate strength (Careers). The art of these ancient societies

reflected the values of their cultures and exhibited their assets. The ancient Egyptians used art to

commemorate the dead by building extravagant tombs filled with hieroglyphics, jewels,

paintings, and golden objects for important Egyptian rulers (Careers). This type of art honored

the deceased by representing their wealth and legacy in the Egyptian culture. The ancient Greeks

and Romans often depicted the human form in their artworks, focusing on realism and symmetry

(Careers). Their precise, lifelike statues and paintings well represented the intellect and skill of

their cultures. The Greeks mainly portrayed athletic male figures to exhibit physical fitness,

while the Romans preferred to illustrate a truthful, less flattering perspective of man (Careers).

These different focuses demonstrate the contrast in values between the Greek and Roman

societies. Like these civilizations, art in different regions around the globe helped represent the

ideals and culture of that specific place.

Many art movements had a tremendous influence all around the world, establishing

different eras of art history. Throughout the Middle Ages, art expressed themes of religion and

God, often through colorful works that filled churches in the form of paintings, drapery, and
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stained glass (Careers). Following this time period, the theme of religion continued to hold a

strong position in the art community, appearing in most later eras. The Renaissance, beginning in

the 15th century, brought along a massive revival of the arts and added new perspectives, while

still maintaining a classical Roman style (Careers). This rebirth of art spread throughout all of

Europe, immersing the society with culture and introducing many of historys most famous

artists. Leonardo da Vincis paintings, The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, remain some of the

worlds most famous artworks (Careers). The realism and undetectable facial expression

featured in the portrait of Mona Lisa captured the attention of many, while the depiction of Jesus

and his disciples in The Last Supper embodied the prospering theme of religion. Michelangelo,

another Renaissance artist, created the Statue of David and painted the ceiling of the Roman

Sistine Chapel with The Creation of Adam (Careers). These iconic works reflected classic

Roman and Greek styles and Michelangelo became known as one of the Renaissances most

acclaimed artists.

Other artistic movements following the Renaissance included the Baroque and Rococo

periods, which ranged from the early 16th to late 18th centuries (Careers). The Baroque period

focused on realism and strong emotions, with painters such as Rembrandt, while the following

period of Rococo celebrated riches and wealth, especially when it came to interior design

(Careers). All of the artistic eras in history led to modern movements of artists that changed the

game with new styles and techniques. The artists of the 20th century introduced new concepts,

such as Pablo Picassos cubism, Salvador Dalis melting clocks, and pop artist Andy Warhols

iconic soup cans (Careers). These painters revolutionized the idea of art and constructed new

styles that future artists would take inspiration from and expand upon with their own ideas.
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As art continued to progress throughout the years, artists introduced new types and

techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpting, printing, and many more. Photography

emerged as an art form in the late 19th century, growing into a prominent field since then

(Careers). Photographers capture moments and feelings with their cameras, taking pictures of the

world around them. Due to developing technology and computer software, graphic art and design

has become one of the most widely used art forms of modern times. Graphic design differs from

other types of art, such as drawing or painting, allowing the artist to work solely online.

Businesses often hire graphic designers for tasks such as advertising, website building, or logo

design (Careers). Graphic art appears everywhere in the 21st century, including in commercials,

books, videos, and product packages. Artists may choose to work with their hands and stick to

drawing, painting, or sculpting, but many modern artists turn to technology to create their work.

Although creating and selling various types of artwork does not require a degree, earning

one provides many advantages. Kate Mullin, an artist located in Charleston, South Carolina,

earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Auburn University and claims that furthering her

education greatly improved her art abilities (Mullin). Depending on the degree, art students learn

different technical skills and types of artwork to enhance their portfolios. While Mullin states

that college helped her art skills, she admits that she did not learn much about the business aspect

of art in school, and she had to learn it from experience (Mullin). Artists should consider taking

courses, such as business classes, to help prepare them for professional and management

elements of the art field. A large variety of art schools and universities offer a broad range of art

degrees, including Art History, Applied Arts, Art Education, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, and
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many more (Careers). These degrees can assist those aspiring to become an independent artist,

and may assist with qualifying for other jobs within the field, such as art education.

Artists who choose to earn a degree have the choice of attending an art university or a

traditional college, both viable options for students. Art colleges in the United States include the

Academy of Art University, the Pratt Institute, The New York Academy of Art, the School of

Visual Arts, and many more (Art Schools). These schools offer various degrees and, unlike

traditional colleges, feature the main focus of art in their curriculum. Although art universities

offer great opportunities for art students, many traditional colleges offer excellent art programs

as well. Notable universities that offer arts education include Duke University, Princeton

University, University of Florida, and Cornell University (Art Schools). These colleges offer

many degrees other than art, and may appeal to artists who want to learn about business

management or other skills to help with their career. For students specifically interested in

graphic design, notable universities include Yale School of Art, School of the Art Institute of

Chicago, and North Carolina State University (Brower). Due to the rapid growth in the field of

graphic art, attending a school that excels in that area could provide many advantages. These

schools stand out in the United States for what they offer to graphic design students (Brower).

Art students must decide what type of university best suits their needs and career goals.

To maintain a successful career, artists must possess certain qualities and abilities.

Technical skill and creativity both play essential roles in making great artwork. People often

view these things as separate, referring to technical skill as learned technique, and creativity as

an unteachable ability to create new ideas (Chan). Technical skill helps artists create an image or

object accurately, while creativity assists with originality and uniqueness. Although perceived as
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separate processes, these two aspects truly work together as artists use their technical skills to

express creativity (Chan). The cooperation of these two skill sets allows for endless possibilities

when an artist creates a piece of art. Aside from technical skill and creativity, thriving in the art

field also requires many other abilities and personal qualities. According to Kate Mullin, artists

must seek to improve their skills, welcome new ideas, and learn from their mistakes in order to

succeed (Mullin). By practicing this routine and creating more artwork, artists may gain new

knowledge and enhance their technique.

An artists career requires abilities other than those needed to create artwork, such as

entrepreneurial, management, and business skills. Entrepreneurs use opportunities in the market

to create an original business, or platform, to satisfy a need in the economy (Thom).

Entrepreneurial skills must apply to artists because of their need to create a business platform for

selling their artwork. Essential entrepreneurial skills include innovative thinking, tactical

planning, the ability to find new opportunities, professional socializing, strong guidance, and

knowledge about funding and sales (Thom). These abilities allow entrepreneurs, including

artists, to start, grow, and operate their businesses successfully. Once artists starts their business,

they must know how to manage the business elements of the arts market. When building their

careers, artists must consider their target audience, the income their lifestyle requires, and how to

price their work (Bauer). Analyzing these factors helps artists find their place in the market and

sell more artwork through fair pricing. Most artists in the current market grow their management

and business skills through experience and learning while they work (Bauer). Gaining

knowledge on the business side of a job allows many artists to expand upon their understanding

of the market, especially if they lack a formal business education.

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Maintaining a successful art career requires knowledge of the arts market and the people

within it, including buyers and sellers of art. The art market differs from other markets because,

instead of input costs, visual appeal and the prestige of an artist often determines the value of a

piece (Leavell). Due to this fact, lesser-known artists must work hard to prove themselves

valuable in the art community. Art buyers and collectors may purchase works based on aesthetic

appeal, the artist's reputation, or as an investment (Leavell). Recognizing these consumer

motivations helps artists determine what kind of buyer they appeal to and the best ways to

promote their artwork based on their target audience. In addition to interacting with buyers,

meeting other artists or contacts in the arts market can greatly benefit an artists career. Artists

who desire gallery exhibits of their work need to create professional relationships with gallery

owners by reaching out to them or attending gallery events (Fuller). Creating contacts within the

art community helps to spread an artists reputation and can lead to career advancements, such as

a gallery show. Good first impressions and name recognition with important people in the art

market benefits how these influential contacts view an artists work (Fuller). Creating

professional relationships and building strong reputation in the art world, along with impressive

artwork, can make or break an artists success.

The creation and growth of the internet changed the way artists connect with clients and

other artists through websites and social media. Artists and dealers use the internet to run

websites, called online galleries, that allow buyers to view and purchase artwork (Quesenberry).

Online galleries allow artists to promote their works, gain a following, and sell their artwork

internationally. Many artists create personal websites or collaborate with a gallerys page to

advertise their portfolio. The internet benefits buyers through a low-pressure shopping
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experience and the ability to compare prices of other artworks online (Quesenberry). Shopping

for art in-person can differ from shopping online due to gallery setting and location, while online

shopping allows buyers to focus primarily on the artwork. Modern artists also use social media

as a platform to share their artwork and gain a following from all over the world. Using social

media, such as Instagram and Pinterest, increases an artists chance of selling a piece due to

heightened exposure to people around the globe (Mullin). Social media also allows followers to

provide feedback through comments, hashtags, and likes, causing them to feel more connected to

the artists. These platforms, along with websites and online galleries, advance the way artists

market and advertise their work.

Many different career options exist within the field of art, ranging from independently

employed artists, to those who incorporate art into other jobs. Independent artists make money

by creating and selling their artwork from a gallery, studio, website, or anywhere else they

prefer. The various types of self-employed artist include painters, sculptors, printmakers,

photographers, illustrators, and many more (Careers). These artists create works that represent

their style and appeal to art buyers. Independent artists may also choose to create commissions,

or personalized pieces, that clients request. When artists agree to create commissioned pieces,

they can accept a limited number per month with set deadlines, allowing them to stay on

schedule, while still concentrating on their original projects (Mullin). Differing from the

uncertainty of selling personal artworks, commissions provide a payment guarantee for the hired

artist. Creating these works as their own bosses, independent artists possess more freedom in

day-to-day operations than employees who work under a manager or supervisor. Self

employment provides flexible hours, regulations, and workspace, allowing some artists to create
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from home while others work outside or in a studio. As an independent artist, Kate Mullins

average work day consists of half business and half artwork, with daily tasks such as

communicating with clients, editing her website, and painting (Mullin). Working independently

allows for flexibility, but also requires strong self-management skills to maintain productivity

and continue earning money as an artist.

Due to the risky market for self employment, many artistic people choose to find a steady

career in which they can still utilize their creative abilities. Graphic designers continue to prove

themselves as an essential part of the increasingly computerized world pertaining to marketing,

illustration, and other medias. Many companies hire these tech-savvy artists to handle visionary

tasks, ranging from website creation to product advertising (Careers). Acquiring a job from a

business or publisher allows graphic designers to receive a more consistent income compared to

independent artists. Other careers that incorporate art include positions such as teaching art,

museum curating, art appraising, and working in a gallery (Careers). These careers provide

artists with a reliable job and salary, while still including an artistic element. The people who

hold these jobs often work under a boss in a professional setting, such as a school, university,

museum, gallery, or office (Careers). These workplaces differ from self-employment because

they often require specific hours and strict company regulations that employees must follow and

daily tasks vary, depending on the job. For example, an art gallery director must manage,

operate, and finance a gallery, while art educators teach classes to creative students of different

ages (Careers). Maintaining professional careers demands commitment, responsibility, and a

strong work ethic.

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Average income differs between artists, especially those who sell their art independently,

due to the competitiveness and unpredictability of the arts market. In the cutthroat art economy,

the majority of artists find it difficult to make ends meet, while only a small percentage achieve

wealth and fame (Bauer). The artists who receive celebrity status tend to monopolize the market

with their pricey works and strong reputations, leaving the lesser-known artists to fend for

themselves. Varying greatly, the average annual income for fine artists can range from less than

$20,000 to more than $75,000 (Careers). This large fluctuation of revenue between different

artists illustrates the competitiveness within the field and confirms that the starving artist

reality exists for some individuals. Self-employed artists typically struggle to make enough

money to support themselves, forcing many to pursue art on the side of another career (Bauer).

These artists fail to earn a steady income exclusively on art because they rely solely on the sales

of their work to provide for themselves. Artists who sustain other careers, such as graphic design

or gallery directing, receive different income than independent artists, depending on the job

(Careers). Professional careers differ from fine art because they provide a regular salary instead

of dependence on art sales.

Artists use their works to express themselves and appeal to an audience by applying their

art education, skill, and creative abilities. Modern artists learn from and expand upon the many

styles, uses, and meanings of art from different eras and societies of history. Through medias

such as painting, sculpting, or graphic design, artwork provides humanity with a source of

decoration and beauty for everyone to enjoy. The artists who create these aesthetically pleasing

works dedicate their time and energy to the world of art with the hope of inspiring others. An
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artists job requires innovative thinking, an entrepreneurial attitude, and self-management skills

to ensure success artistically and economically. Though the competitive and unpredictable

market creates a challenge to become rich and famous as a fine artist, many achieve success

through hard work, passion, and an unconditional love for their career.
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