Although the stereotype of a "starving artist" still persists, there are actually many careers available in fine art, graphic arts, and art education fields that pay very well. What I find so interesting about the art field is that so many people come to establish an art career as a sideline to their "real job" and end up pursuing the career in arts full-time.

Due to the hands-on nature of art, many artists bypass the formal art school education, and apprentice with an experienced artist to learn their field. Being an artist of any type is highly competitive, and does not pay a high salary from the beginning. If you want to pursue a career in the arts, expect to work very hard, and pay your dues.

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For anyone who is interested in a career in the arts, going to art school is a way to legitimize yourself, and get training from established artists in many different art fields. It is especially helpful if you are not sure which type of art most interests you. There are many wonderful art schools in the United States, and one of the best is the Cleveland Institute of Art here in Cleveland where I live. CIA trains hundreds of artists each year to give them a solid basis in art.

If you are going to pursue a career in fine arts, graphic arts, commercial arts, or art education, you will get the broad based art education you need in college. For some art careers, a college degree is required. However, if you can't attend college, some art careers still can be had without a college degree.

Many artists, whether or not they attend art school, also spend several years in apprenticeships, learning from more experienced artists in their chosen art field. This is something that an aspiring artist can do even while still in high school or part-time while working another job.

An apprenticeship can teach you the things that you do not learn in school, including how to help customers decide on commissioned works, best practices, easier and more efficient ways to get work done, and practical business practices.

Real world issues still crop up when dealing with customers. Being any type of artist is also being a business owner unless you are working for a large company or organization.

If you are an artist that sells your work either on your own, or as a contractor to companies and individuals, you are also an entrepreneur. What they don't teach you in art school is how to run a business.

I highly recommend that all artists take basic business courses aimed at entrepreneurs or retailers before, during, or after art school. Business classes will teach you how to market, promote, and sell your work, as well as how to get the proper licenses, and do the paperwork necessary to run your small business.

There iare a lot of accounting issues, and taxes to deal with when you work for yourself, and most artists do not understand what is necessary.

Even in the art world, technology has influence, and machines have taken over many jobs that people used to do. Graphic arts is one field that has been hit hard because of the digital art functions of computers. Photography can be taken with digital cameras and published on home computers, and people can get online degrees in art education.

Artists need to keep up with the times, because no job is forever, and unless there is no one else that can do what they do, they can be replaced by a cheaper, more cost effective machine or process.

Continue to find new ways to produce and sell your artwork, or your art background to keep yourself relevent in our fast changing world. Look for classes, and workshops in your field that will help you keep updated on changes.

Being a fine artist is very rewarding, but it takes time to establish yourself.  Most fine artists find a niche in the business world to create commissioned works.  This means that you have to be willing to create work that meets the criteria of the customer you are working for.

The most difficult part of being a fine artist is to get noticed at the beginning.  Fine artists make their living based on a percentage of their sales.  Part of their fee pays for supplies, and the rest is for their labor and design abilities.  Until you have an established reputation, you may have to squeak by from month to month, and support yourself doing odd jobs.

But if your work is good, and you are persistant in marketing yourself, you will eventually gain a reputation, and commissions.  This process has not changed much over the years.  Just like Michaelangelo had patrons that paid for his work, you must find customers that can afford and appreciate the work that you do.

Although in tough times, art education is often cut back in schools, most educators and government officials recognize that art education builds critical skills that help students in business careers later in life.

What that means is that there are still many jobs for art educators, both in public schools, and private settings. Depending on the setting, you may or may not need a teaching certificate to teach art.  Many schools also have visiting consultant type positions available for short term contracts.

Art workshops and classes are also taught at camps and community centers.  Many artists teach part-time to supplement their income, and make a good income from teaching alone.

If you want to become an artist or pursue a career in the arts, plan to work hard.  Art is a career that encompasses all of your emotions, energy, and thoughts.  But art careers are very fulfilling and full of interesting moments.

If you have any questions, feel free to add them to the comment section below, and I will do my best to answer them.