Artist Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be an artist? In this Career Q&A video interview, Karen Singer talks about her career path, what she does on the job, and the keys to success in the field of art. She also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry's biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 12 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL124217

Copyright date: ©2017

Closed Captioned

Artists: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:35)
Business owner Karen Singer makes custom ceramic tile murals for non-profit organizations.

Artists: Career Beginnings (01:14)
Singer majored in fine art and earned an MFA in sculpture. She took time out between degrees to gain work experience.

Artists: Keys to Success (01:12)
An artist must have passion for their work and be persistent. Learn to deal with rejection to avoid becoming discouraged and frustrated.

Artists: Education and Certification Requirements (00:39)
Getting an education in art is helpful, but being an artist does not require any special certification.

Artists: Workplace Atmosphere (00:37)
Singer employs two people and prefers a low-key, relaxed atmosphere.

Artists: Advice for Aspiring Pros (01:06)
To make a living as an artist, find a way to marry your talent with what people want. Being able to listen well and articulate your plans to the client is crucial. Invest in good legal contracts.

Artists: A Day on the Job (01:46)
As the business owner, Singer brings in new clients and follows up with current clients. She is involved in the design process and supervises her employees through different stages of a project.

Artists: Industry Goals and Services (01:44)
Singer makes custom wall murals for non-profit organizations. Her challenge is to capture the spirit of the client's mission. The goal of most artists is to make a living doing what they love.

Artists: Industry Challenges (00:57)
Singer discusses the struggle of keeping a continuous stream of business coming in. It can be emotionally taxing.

Artists: Looking at the Future (01:19)
Singer believes the world is becoming more visual and as the people that manipulate visual information, the possibilities for artists are huge. She is hopeful artists will find more ways to make a living.