In art school, you learn about the history of art, how to write artist statements, take pictures of your artwork and how to enhance your skills, and the names of various galleries and museums. It’s important, but once you step into the real art world, things change. You quickly find out that being an artist isn’t just about what you learned in class. The truth is, art school is only a starting point.
When you really get out there, you discover new opportunities and paths you didn’t know existed. From showing your creativity through murals, illustrations, graphic design, or even professional chalk art. The art world is huge, and there are so many ways to show your creative spark. You may have thought that you were going to be an art professor, but instead you found your pathway into creating children's books or making giant bronze sculptures!
One of the biggest surprises is learning about the business side of art. It can be a bit of a shock. There are contracts to understand, inventory to make, projects to manage, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your art to fit what others want, but it’s all part of growing as an artist. You learn what works for you and what doesn’t. You figure out your true creative voice.
Putting yourself out there is about taking risks, learning from mistakes, and finding out who you are as an artist. School gives you a base, but the real lessons happen once you start exploring. The world will teach you things you could never learn in a classroom.
Various Venues
There are many fun places where you can show off your art! You can start with art galleries, but don’t stop there. Art fairs and festivals are great for meeting people and sharing your work. You can also create big murals in public places or set up a booth at a pop-up market. Coffee shops and restaurants sometimes display local art, and you can sell your art online through platforms and websites like Etsy, Wix, Goimagine, or Shopify. Art competitions and residencies can give you special chances to show your art and get feedback. Corporate offices and schools might also want to display your work. Plus, street art, chalk art, and social media are exciting ways to share your art with lots of people. Each of these places gives you a chance to show your creativity and connect with new audiences.
My favorite ways to share my artwork is fairs, festivals, a gallery, farmers markets, believe it or not a toy show and on occasion, I enjoy doing professional chalk art.
Every artist's journey is unique and personal. Whether you choose to work for a company creating designs or express your art through street murals, your creative output holds significance. While formal education can provide a foundation, it is your creativity and passion that will ultimately guide you along your artistic path.
Hope you have a creative day! Jennifer
Books to Explore:
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield A great read about overcoming the struggles of being a creative and pushing yourself forward.
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon This book encourages artists to find inspiration and make their own mark.
Other Resources
Art Content and Exhibitions:
artstation.com A platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with other creatives.
saatchiart.com An online gallery where artists can sell their art and get exposure.
artnet.com Features art news, auction results, and exhibitions from around the world.
Art Fairs and Festivals:
Local Arts Councils or Alliances - Many regions have their own arts councils that organize local art fairs and festivals. Check your local council’s website for events.
Art Residencies:
Check out the earlier Art Blog all on this topic.
Mural Grants and Opportunities:
The National Endowment for the Arts - arts.gov Offers various grants and funding opportunities for public art projects, including murals.
artplaceamerica.org Provides grants for creative placemaking projects, including murals.
awesomefoundation.org Offers small grants to support creative projects, including public art and murals.
These resources should help you find information and opportunities for showcasing your art, participating in fairs and festivals, applying for residencies, and seeking grants for mural projects.
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