|
Artists
express how they feel or think through their creativity. So
if you like drawing, painting, writing, photography/videography,
computers graphics, or crafts, a job in this field just might be
for you.
Artists
can be many things such as:
Sculptor/Crafter—These artists create cool products—from candles to quilts—made
of clay wax, glass wire, beads, and/or fabric. Some even use
plaster, wood, and stone in their work. Then they sell their
stuff at bazaars and crafts sales—or even put it on display
in museums.
Cartoonist—Maybe
you've always dreamed of drawing or writing captions for the
funnies section of your local paper? But no need to limit yourself
to that work alone. Cartoonists' sketches also appear in the political sections of newspapers, as well as in advertising and commercials.
Illustrators—Maybe
you're more of a computer whiz and have a knack for drawing
objects, people, and animals. You could become an illustrator
and create awesome artwork for picture books, magazines, and
even websites.
I nterview
with an Artist: Tamara Marble
Tamara
Marble has been doing arts and crafts as long as she can remember.
She began sketching at 12, sewing her own clothes at 13, making
her own jewelry by 20, and met her match with clay at the
age of 30 .
"I
really loved creating and designing new and different things
and selling them at fairs."
She was
basically a self-taught artist. And as a young woman she turned
her kitchen table into a workplace. Rising before daylight
she'd roll and shape the clay into little animals, houses,
and holiday figures. And within just a few years after discovering
polymer clay, she uncovered her calling.
"As
I was searching the Internet I found ancient caning (the
art of making patterned clay pieces) techniques. I wanted
to try them, but by shaping something unique of my own, like
Teddy Bears. Then I realized people could buy my patterns,
and simply slice little pieces as they needed them."
Ta da!
That's the day she created a brand new product that no one
had ever seen—designer "canes". Now people from all over
the world buy her beautiful designs. Check out Tamara's work at www.designcanes.com.
What
You Can Do to Get Ready:
As in Tamara's
case, you may not have to take any special classes to become
a great artist, but art lessons would be a smart (and fun!) start. Today
many colleges offer degrees in various art programs as well.
What
it Pays:
Payment for this type of work can range widely . When she began sculpting, Tamara made around minimum
wage. Today she gets top dollar for her work. However, since
artists can make anywhere from $14,740 all the way up to $123,000,
you may have to have a second job to support your art for
awhile.
Other
Resources:
Artists
Helping Children: A one-stop-shop for drawing lessons.
Sketch everything from a pizza slice to Scooby Doo.
Art
Kids Rule: A hands-on place to learn, create, and play
online.
|
