Best Ways to Find an Art Gig Post Graduation

Posted by Art Junkie

March 24, 2008

As well as artistic talent, getting the perfect art gig requires the ability to promote your work. Following simple tips like building a portfolio or joining a professional organization can help you land the perfect job.

Simple Steps to Scoring a Great Art Gig
You know you have talent, so why does it seem like potential employers are oblivious to your skills? In addition to creativity, uniqueness, and artistic ability, making it as a successful artist requires marketing skills and the ability to persuade others that your work is the bomb. Even if you didn’t get the salesperson gene, by promoting your work and making contacts, you can score the perfect art gig. Here are a few suggestions to help you land a great job:

• Create a portfolio. A portfolio that demonstrates creativity, versatility, and competency for the type of jobs you want is a must. If you are applying for a specific job, you can customize your portfolio by adding pieces that are similar to the work the gig requires.

• Use the Web. Lots of artists have been “found” through their impressive Web sites. Creating an awesome Web site is especially important for graphic and Web designers. And don’t neglect the many sites that post available art jobs online.

• Use contacts from previous projects and professional organizations. You don’t usually find artists in polo shirts and popped collars networking at traditional mixer-type functions. Networking probably seems pretty repulsive to most artists. But the truth is that many good jobs are found through personal connections. So stay in touch with people you’ve worked with and think about joining a professional organization or social network. It probably won’t be that bad.

Another option is getting a degree or professional certification. Art school will help build your portfolio and will introduce you to other artists and teachers with professional connections. Plus the degree will add another attraction to your resume.

Source:
Artist Resource

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