Q&A for How to Become a Professional Artist

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I get my art noticed?
    Natasha Dikareva, MFA
    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
    Natasha Dikareva is a San Francisco, California based sculptor, and installation artist. With over 25 years of ceramics, sculpting, and installation experience, Natasha also teaches a ceramic sculpture workshop titled "Adventures in Clay" covering concept development, hand-building techniques, texture, and glazing techniques. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Maria Kravetz Gallery, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art. She has taught at the University of Minnesota and the American Indian OIC School. She has been awarded the Excellence Award at the 1st World Teapot Competition, Best in Show at the 4th Clay & Glass Biennial Competition, and a Grand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Natasha holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and a BFA from Kiev Fine Arts College.
    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Create a Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account to share your art. You can also join professional artist organizations to get exposure.
  • Question
    What should I do if I practice without looking at the picture, but I can't get it perfect?
    Community Answer
    Remember that art doesn't have to be perfect so don't stress out. Practice looking at the photo, drawing it a few times, and put your own spin on it.
  • Question
    What can I do if I don't have money?
    Community Answer
    You can always draw, make things out of ordinary objects you find lying around, or create digital art on the computer. If you'd like to make some money to buy art supplies, you can get a job (if you're old enough) or do some gigs (babysitting, lawn mowing, cleaning, etc.) for your family or people you know for money.
  • Question
    Can I give lessons?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. You can also start clubs or classes to teach people art.
  • Question
    How can I make money from my digital and traditional drawings?
    Community Answer
    You could try selling your art. Wikihow's article on Sell Original Artwork for Profit is a great resource.
  • Question
    How do I lighten my work?
    Community Answer
    If you are asking how to lighten your paints, you add different amounts of white paint in. These are called tints and shades.
  • Question
    What can I draw if I don't have any ideas?
    Community Answer
  • Question
    Can I become a millionaire by selling my art?
    Community Answer
    It's not completely impossible, but you'd have to be a huge star to pull in that kind of money. Most of the paintings that sell for millions of dollars are by artists that are long dead.
  • Question
    How do I become a professional artist after high school?
    Community Answer
    Assuming that you're already a great artist, consider for a moment if you already have the basic skills covered (line, color, perspective, etc.). If not, get a book, or go to class and familiarize yourself with it, that would help you tremendously. After that, the specifics really depend on your individual circumstance. I recommend going to college/university to study art.
  • Question
    How do I sell my art to other people if the people around me are uninterested?
    Community Answer
    Try selling your art online on Etsy, eBay or other platforms.
  • Question
    How do I draw when I'm distracted and do not know what to draw?
    Community Answer
    Go somewhere with no distractions or put in earbuds and listen to calming music, and just let your mind drift. Think about what/who you love or hate. If you can't think of anything, draw what you see around you.
  • Question
    How can I manage my art projects so that I finish everything that needs to be done?
    Juliet Gasmi
    Community Answer
    Set times to spend on everything you need to do. And whilst an artist often doesn't know when to stop, if you set a specific time scale for everything you need to and also your painting, you won't go on into the night.
  • Question
    How to find out how much our drawings cost?
    Sunny suzuki
    Community Answer
    Well my suggestion is ask a price from a "customer" and if you like the price and it's reasonable sell it!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article