This letter writer is worried about their future since their only skill is drawing for comics.
Our elder has some ideas on how to pursue a career as a visual artist.
Dear EWC
Hello, I’m 27 years old and I’m anxious about my future, and I was wondering if I will ever get a job in order to sustain myself. For eight years I wasted my time at a college of visual arts without ever learning something useful and interesting and by the time I finished there I went to learn how to do comics. In the past I have made efforts to find a job, such as an accountant, cleaner, and many other positions without asking for many qualifications but a degree that I have finished high school without much success. I know it is difficult to be accepted if I don’t have any experience in my resume. My mother told me to learn computer skills because it is essential at this age. I don’t know what to do. My only hope is to be a penciler at comics since this is the only skill that I got. But I need practice in order for my drawings to be attractive to the editors. The only reason that I don’t have any confidence is because I haven’t finished anything but studies because I have difficulties with the rendering process. So, my future lies at risk and I can’t afford wasting time in practice. I need to do something
Elaine replies
I am glad you wrote to us. As I read your letter, I began to think about what avenues could be open to you as a new visual artist. You wrote that you attended college pursuing a degree in visual arts. Your college is still a great resource as you pursue your career in visual arts.
If you have prepared a resume, it would be a great idea to have a staff person in the career center of your college review it for you. They may be able to offer a few tips on how to amplify certain information in your resume and make it stand out from other applicants’ resumes. Additionally, a staff person in the career center of your college could help you to prepare regarding how to respond to interview questions and what questions you could ask prospective employers. Your college’s career center also might have a job board that you can regularly check for entry level positions or internships.
When you think about positions utilizing your visual art skills, it is important to be open to non-traditional visual art positions as a starting point. Consider the artistic skills that you possess and think about how you can potentially transfer them to another job for the short term. For example, would you consider working with children or adults as an art therapist?
A mentor can be very instrumental in the early stages of a career. Is there someone that is a visual artist that you can talk with and ask if they would consider being your mentor? It could be a former teacher, a local artist, perhaps even a graduate student at your college. Connections are very important when you are embarking on a new career. What is the local art scene like where you live? Perhaps attending a local artists’ show and networking with them, asking questions, and making connections can be beneficial for you.
Pele, the famous footballer once said: “Success is no accident, it is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” If you are passionate about a career as a visual artist, stand firm in your goal, seek, and consider all options, think outside of the box. The path to your goal will not be an easy one as you can already see. It will have many hills and valleys, even some roadblocks. How you navigate the obstacles along the way will only strengthen you and your resolve to be the artist you desire.
Article #: 480467
Category: Career