editor's note: this article was originally published in Natasha's blog

There are some I noticed about my art education in secondary school and college that seemed to be missing from the curriculum. Of course, perhaps in the masters/ graduate studies you begin to learn these aspects of the art career that aren’t even mentioned in the primary teachings. But, from my experience, this is what I’ve found.

1. Gallery work isn’t the only way to go. You have other avenues of the art career to ponder on: illustration, industrial design, animation, commercial home decor market, gallery/fine art scene. I could go on and on. But what I notice amongst the students in art, is that they either have little knowledge of all the different careers attainable in their field, but what the possibilities are. They may only believe you can do the fine art scene. Study your field. Look up alternative careers in art.

2. You don’t have to have a degree to be a working artist, or a successful working artist. You can start your career at any time. It’s about self-motivation, practice, and word of mouth. You can start showing your work, offering it to the market you wish to approach, build your portfolio. Most artists either work on their degree at the same time as doing their work, or they end up having to drop out of college because their work is so successful. Do what you know will help you move forward and be successful.

3. You can work on your business portfolio separately. Your student portfolio is a body of work from your studies. They don’t necessarily reflect your personal style of work. Don’t worry about that. Build your personal portfolio in your own time. The benefits of being an art student at the same time is that you get a separate time to build your talents, your skills, and your unique perspective aside from your personal work.

4. You don’t have to draw or paint as an artist. There are all kinds of media to work with, and that is why they have you take all the classes necessary. It is so you can train yourself in each media, and find out which one is most comfortable for you, or reflects the work you want to create. Art isn’t always drawings and paintings. There is sculpture, digital art, mixed media, demonstration art, installation art, etc and so forth.

5. Your creations aren’t supposed to be perfect. There is more to art than realism. Time and again I have seen someone get upset because they can’t draw a human or other object in perfect composition or commercial quality. Art isn’t always realistic, and it isn’t always perfect. In fact, the most beautiful art is the kind that is imperfect. You can see their personal expression in the piece, and their personal style shows. You should try to become better at your skills, but we don’t want to look at medical book illustrations.

6. Not everyone is an artist. We can all create things. Sometimes someone can be a phenominal drawer or sculptor. But even if they are, that doesn’t mean they should run to the nearest art supply store and start working on a career in art. Even myself, I don’t expect this to be the only thing I do in life. Maybe art won’t be a career at all for me in the future. The point is, you can be good at something, but that doesn’t mean you should feel pressured to do it. America today is especially fascinated with celebrity and fortune, and the unfortunate thing is that most people want to do something that gives them that kind of attention. That is unfortunate. Don’t determine your career based on your skills, but on your needs and goals in life.

7. An art career is HARD! One of the biggest mistakes you could make as an artist is to believe that EVERYONE will be able to have a career in art because they want to. You may be the most amazing artist in the world, have the motivation, or even the money, but not everyone is going to be welcomed and wanted by the world. It will take you years to become successful, and even if you do, that does NOT equal money. I can guarrantee you that. Fame does not equal money. Owning your own business is one of the most stressful and overrated jobs in the world, and to have an ART business even MORE so. Good luck!

8. You need to know business and marketing to be an artist. What they don’t advise is taking a minor in marketing or business as far as I’ve ever learned. And the unfortunate thing is many artists leave it up to fate or galleries, or people. It is a hard business, but noone can sell your art better than you. If you educate yourself in marketing as well as learning all the opportunities and costs of getting your art out there, the better you are off in the world.

9. If you’re going to be an art teacher, be prepared. Art teachers are one of the most underrated of the teaching professions. You may find problems within the staff, the politics, and the students. You will fight to have the funds for art supplies, and you will have problems gaining the respect of the staff. I’ve heard countless stories of art teachers today who are struggling with making the ends meet in their classroom because school funds for art supplies and education are dwindling. May not be the case in some places. Sure, you will find schools who respect and honor art teachers and schools who fund the art program heartily, but be prepared. It’s an honorable job and someone has to fight for it. Being an art teacher isn’t all fun and games.

10. Art is utilized for more than commercial and decorative needs. Many artists use their work to promote a cause, a concept, or message to the world. They don’t expect to make a living, but use it as a “ministry” or cultural mission. They are adding to the world around us, inspiring us, moving us, challenging us. Art is a powerful tool. We can create amazing stories with this. It’s not all about putting a cartoon in the funnie pages.

About the writer:

I'm an artist living and working in Michigan. In between family and business I indulge in one of modern days' luxuries, blogging.
email: art@natashawescoat.com

EBSQ is pleased to welcome Natasha, a long time member, as one of our official bloggers at EBSQ: Art Meets Blog