Become an Artist >> Browse Articles >> Starting your Visual Art Career

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Nine Steps to Becoming an Artist

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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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  • Airforce_academy_trail_007_max50

    NErtanBrenn

    about 15 hours ago

    51 comments

    Yes, good advise, but still :::) I've done all this!!!LOL! just sometimes we have to be way too much involve and search but I have no time!! I need to work in order to make it for a living as well!! I WISH WE NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ECONOMIC ISSUES! Than I would have paint nonstop!! CREATIVITY TAKES OVER THE LIFE PROBABLY! in my case. Of course YOU'LL NEVER GIVE UP!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!:)
  • Flower_max50

    pragya

    7 days ago

    8 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.??
  • C_max50

    moe

    19 days ago

    1 comment

    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
  • M_0b10d4fc013772080774130f35c73f51_max50

    dmweiman

    about 1 month ago

    96 comments

    I agree with trr623, if I knew then what I know now, which still have so far to go. Much to absorb.
  • Picture_4_max50

    trr623

    about 1 month ago

    6 comments

    I wish I had read this 20 years ago. I like the step by step process. You have defined a clear route.
  • Pictures_of_me_001_max50

    fashexecutive

    about 1 month ago

    2 comments

    It's a great article I just came across. Just glad I've done all steps already! :)
  • Picture_004_max50

    Chaddy

    about 1 month ago

    42 comments

    Excellent article - I noticed that it was written in August, 2007, but the guidelines are timeless - great job!
  • L_8b7e8d7220f5d8c2bc2cd33aa261b6e6_max50

    demonuncle

    2 months ago

    14 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.
  • Picture_004_max50

    Chaddy

    2 months ago

    42 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!
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    meme

    2 months ago

    5 comments

    Thanks!!!
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    phroggrl

    4 months ago

    63 comments

    can we skip step five? I wish i'd had this infor 15 years ago.
  • Prego_1_max50

    brushmechanic

    4 months ago

    81 comments

    So far, so good! I'm already to step Six and I didn't know it. :) --B
  • Photo_user_blank_big

    CandiceinArt

    5 months ago

    2 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.

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