As I mentally prepare for a new semester at New York University where I work, I can’t help but to think of the new art students beginning their journey to become the future artists. What do I honestly tell them when they ask me questions like, why do I have a full-time job? How do I balance my time between my job, art, and life? How do artists get exhibitions, grants, gallery representation? I can only speak from my own experience and in my case, the answer is simple: hard work.
A profession in the arts is a hard one but, nonetheless, extremely fulfilling. Each artist makes it work their own way – there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. This makes the profession confusing because there is no formula to follow.
Education is key. I came to New York to continue my education. Although I am still paying my student loans, which is why I have a full-time job, it was the best decision I made. My family couldn’t afford to pay for my education, but there is something they gave me I wouldn’t change for anything in the world: love, support (even though they don’t understand what I do), and encouragement to follow my dreams. Make the best out of your school years. It is great to know how to draw, sculpt, and paint, but an artist needs information to be inspired. Be curious! Be active!
Having a community is extremely important. It is how the world works. People that know you and value your work will recommend you for exhibitions, grants, and galleries. Start a community with your classmates. They will be your colleagues in the art world in a couple of years. Share information and support your friends and they will support you. I am still in touch with my friends from school. We support and help each other. Enjoy what you have and be happy for what they have. Make time to socialize, it is part of the profession, but build genuine connections.
Some artists get recognition right before finishing school and that is great. How awesome! But the reality is the majority of us have to build a career with patience and persistence. Being an artist is a life commitment. Love and enjoy every bit of it…make it last forever!
Photo from my rooftop of last night’s beautiful moon.
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