How can I transform my favorite hobby, art, into my dream job (without credentia

Question:Since I was a child, Ive been exceptionally talented at using pencils to create a realistic rendering of still lives and photos. I guess I always just looked at it like a hobby, and really never thought of the possibilities that it could also produce income.

Im really good, but the stuff takes alot of time and patience, which doesnt necessarily equate to many results. In other words, I feel more comfortable producing smaller pieces that are very detailed...and I like to take my time--casually I guess.

I know this may seem like Im killing you with details, but Im hoping someone with some knowledge on the money-side of art can give me an idea on what I should do -- like how much it costs to make prints, how many prints I should make, and how it affects price. Also, Id really appreciate other imput and ideas... like what you would be willing to pay for art online; if you have ever looked for it, or even care! haha...I guess Im looking for an idea of what I'd get myself into.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Since I was a child, Ive been exceptionally talented at using pencils to create a realistic rendering of still lives and photos. I guess I always just looked at it like a hobby, and really never thought of the possibilities that it could also produce income.

Im really good, but the stuff takes alot of time and patience, which doesnt necessarily equate to many results. In other words, I feel more comfortable producing smaller pieces that are very detailed...and I like to take my time--casually I guess.

I know this may seem like Im killing you with details, but Im hoping someone with some knowledge on the money-side of art can give me an idea on what I should do -- like how much it costs to make prints, how many prints I should make, and how it affects price. Also, Id really appreciate other imput and ideas... like what you would be willing to pay for art online; if you have ever looked for it, or even care! haha...I guess Im looking for an idea of what I'd get myself into.

My way of looking at it is this... What path do you want to take? Fine art or commercial art. Sure, you can do both, but I have always found the greater success comes from focus. The fine art path will probably be more fulfilling (total creative freedom), though you may have less financial rewards because you have to find an audience. Commercial art is where you will be doing the drawings for someone, using your style, but not your subject matter. The financial rewards can be pretty good for a talented, busy and in demand artist. I come from an advertising background and have been hiring illustrators for years. You could draw stills for story boards or custom illustrations for print materials. I was paying $75 a frame for storyboards (12 frames per board, up to 10 boards... it ads up). But, a commercial artist works their tail off under tight deadlines. And you can go a while between gigs. Conversely, my sister was a FANTASTIC fine artist who created amazing works, that sold only occasionally. She couldn't pay the rent. Not that you wouldn't be different, you just need to be prepared for the lean times with either situation.

My advice is to get your best works on to a web site. Your own preferably. Or you could use like http://www.coroflot.com/ which is a portfolio site (there are many others). Your prospective clients need to see your work. Personally, I wouldn't worry so much about having a ton of stuff in print right now. A prospect will understand that you are just starting out and your web samples will speak volumes to your abilities. Get a good solid business card, maybe with one of your illustrations on it vistaprint.com is a good cheap place to start (don't do the free cards....). Make sure the card has your name, phone, email address and the address where your work can be found CLEARLY displayed. I once met an artist whose card was so cluttered with their design that I couldn't make out his contact info.

The path you choose should dictate your marketing technique. See if you can get a related blog to do a profile on you. Post on http://www.deviantart.com. Get a following. If you want to do work for ad agencies, start calling and emailing them. Contact the creative director or one of the art directors and see if they can use your services. Don't price yourself too cheaply, but be reasonable considering your early inexperience. Maybe find some magazines that you would like to draw for. Or a local university that published their own newsletters, they use a ton of illustrative works. Pick up the phone and call... Maybe get a profile on LinkedIn and/or Facebook (no pix of partying, keep it business only). Network, network, network!

If you want a career in art, you have to spend the time selling it. It is the very lucky few that have business come to them. It happens, but it is rare. GOOD LUCK!

Oh man, I've been wondering that myself for a while now. I'm an illustration major and let me tell you with all the focus on computer arts it is definitely taking away from the old-fashioned hands-on kind you and I seem to love. But it can still be done. I'm currently working as an intern for a graphic designer and have learned so much about the business (as well as adobe illustrator and photoshop) these are good things to know when looking for a job.
But to simply put things you have to put yourself out there, and be pushy. Sometimes you just get lucky and school is great and all but honestly with art you can get hired without a "degree" although its best you graduate high school..
You need to enter your stuff in shows, maybe create a website, hound some local magazine and newspapers and you will gain recognition. You also need to keep hoping and trying, the worst thing you can do is give up and decide to try for a career with "easier income" if art is what you love then definitely go for it, i know that's what I'm doing. Hope this helps a little, and best of luck to you!

Do the paperwork side of it first. Think of a name for your business, register it with the IRS under your SSN, and file the paperwork with the city/town you live in. Start with a PO Box address until you can affford a studio. Last, either make your own or have someone make business cards for you.

Advertise on Craig's list, etc. You can always sign up with Yessy.com if you have a bank account, and register with PayPal.

Just keep working on your artwork daily. You are the one who will determing how much you make at it.

I agree with the other responses before me, but like I told someone else it is also a good idea to look towards getting into management at other companies. Do some research on positions like Creative/Art Directors which is what I'm aiming for myself. The biggest thing you need for a job like that isn't something you depend on school to give you because it's leadership experience and abilities, tolerance and wisdom and a very keen eye for the arts. Most importantly is just plain experience. Build up a portfolio, find some internships or other opportunities like that and milk em until you think you're ready and give it a shot. That's the best advice I can think of right now, but hope it helps~