Obtaining the know how of turning creativity into cash
It used to be that an artist learnt as an apprentice to his trade. The tradesman passed on his creativity, knowledge and expertise and the apprentice could absorb this knowledge and grow from it and in turn branch out on his own one day.
It’s now becoming the way to learn again; as many art companies from design agencies to roller banners and marketing companies, take on internships to learn their trade. This is probably one of the better ways to learn ones craft. The most important thing about apprenticeships, as well as on the job training, is probably the contacts it gives you. No matter how good your art school is, or the visiting lecturers from famous artists, it’s still not as good as learning beside a working artist day in and day out and perfecting ones skills.
At the end of the day if one wants to survive in the art world it has to be about the bottom line. Which is for the artsy idealistic types that need it spelled out, is good old fashioned money, currency, dollars, pounds and pence.
What’s one of the best ways to learn how to turn your creative skills into cash so you can earn a living at it? Find a WORKING artist and shadow him. Find out how he does it. Who are his contacts? How does he sell? How does he find his buyers? How does he get his work exhibited? Who are the important people to get to know?
Seeing as most artists and people won’t appreciate anyone shadowing them as that might be called “stalking"or “snooping”, best way is probably to get their permission first and even work for them for free. The knowledge, contact and skills that can be obtained are worth it. A good way to do this is through an apprenticeship or internship.
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