Training to Be an Artist

Just because you are a more creative than practical person doesn't mean you have to spend your life and career doing something that doesn't appeal to you. You can train your artistic talents in many different mediums and spend your life as an artist instead.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of artist you wish to be. There are traditional art methods that you can study, including drawing, painting and sculpting. If you are looking for a career in art and wish to chose something that has a better possibility of being a lucrative job, you can try studying to be a graphic artist, web designer, architect, sign painter or photographer. There is also animation, portrait painting and interior decorating that can be considered as artistic careers. List out the skills you already have and what you are interested in, then research each of these types of art and see what will suit you best.

2. Take some initial classes in your chosen artistic field. Many community colleges, art schools, vocational schools and art supply stores offer classes to people who aren’t normal students but would like to learn some new skills. Craft stores and community centers can also be a good place to check for art classes. Many times you can find seminars or lectures on photography, drawing, and painting. Adult learning centers often offer graphic arts and design courses, while community colleges may offer more advanced classes on sculpting and drawing. Contact the art supply stores, craft stores and community colleges in your area to see if they can send a listing of art classes they offer.

3. Look for an apprenticeship or internship with an experienced artist in your chosen field. An internship might be difficult unless you are enrolled in a regular college program, such as through an art school or community college. If you cannot intern at an art studio, gallery or design office, you should try contacting experienced artists directly to see if they take on apprentices. This is how many tattoo artists and piercing artists get their start. Even if you can’t get an apprenticeship with someone, talking to a person who has been in your chosen artistic field for a while might give you important information on what to study, how long to study it and how to get a job once you are finished.

4. Choose a school program that will further your art education. Most cities have art schools that teach painting, drawing, animating, designing, sculpting, drawing and graphic art. There are also distance-learning courses you can take in photography, web design and interior decorating. If neither of those options appeals to you, look at your local community college or university to see if they have art programs you might be more interested in. Though going to school may take several years to fully train you in the artistic medium of your choice, you must have the knowledge of methods, history and the job market that you will be taught.

5. Try teaching your type of art. One of the best ways to hone your skills and learn new artistic methods is to teach. You will be able to go over things you already know until they are truly ingrained in your brain and as you teach newer techniques to your students you will be learning them as well. You will probably be required to take classes every year or so to stay ahead of your students and this will also keep you up-to-date and on top of new technology, systems and opportunities.

Resources

• Information on learning to be an artist