Is it too risky to consider a career as an artist? Should I have a backup in case I don't make it?
143396
It's always a good idea to not put your eggs in one basket, but don't ever put your passions on the back burner.
814539
hey, i wanted to do exactly the same thing, so i wen to my careers advisor, she saw the designs id draw from little up to gcse (km at uni now) and she said id do very well, if i was picked. she told me that to work in the fashion industry is extremely competitive and i must be able to push my way past thers and walk all over them... which i didnt like. she also said that it takes alot of money to go forward into a career like that as you have to provide your own labour, your own material and your own machines to work on. that was were i stopped as i couldnt afford all the material or machinery at the time. however if you are extremely determined about the place you want to be and you let noone stand in your way then you will do brilliantly and get where you want to be, as long as you have that determinati it shouldnt matter what people think.\n\nif you get that job then the rewards will be limitless, but youve got to work your way up there first which will be hard\n\nim doing psychology with criminology at uni a the moment and im regretting not taking fashion, so if your seriously thinking about it go for it, you may, like me, regret not doing it in the future\n\ngood luck with what ever you choose.\n\nx
476210
Go for it. Life is all about chances. If you don't get the job, you still have lots of experience, so you'll have no trouble getting a job in your previous Field again.
775766
Even if you don't have a degree and a job you want to apply for requires one, you can still get the job. I know someone who applied for the job of an accountant position for a business even though the individual did not have a degree in anything. He got the position because he answered a math question correctly during the interview. The math question...9x9=?   Also, you could start your own business. You can make things to sell, or even sell items for companies for commission. If you want to create your own business, focus on your exact talents. If you are artistic, create murals for money, or if you are good at interior design, market your ideas to new home owners and businesses. If you know that you want to manage a business, look into companies that will train you. For example, Lowes and Home depot train assistant managers. And you could even go to college. You can get enough in student loans to live on while you are in school. The key to success is persuverance and hard work. I know what I'm talking about. I began flipping houses 6 years ago, at the age of 22. I started small, getting a loan on a house for 13,000 and then living in it while I fixed it up. After I sold it, I used the money to buy the next house and so on. The house I'm working on now should net me a return of about 100,000. I do all the work myself. It's great to look back and see what you achieve with hard work. You can do that, too. Set a goal and a deadline in which to achieve it. Follow your goals and make sure that whatever you do you will be happy in that line of work. Remember, it's always better to be poor and happy than to be rich and miserable. I wish you the best of luck. You can contact me if you need any other info on the things I listed.
66665
You're thinking the right way.  Someday you might be in a position in a job where your appearance is critical.  A tattoo in an area that isn't concealable might be a hindrance.  You can't tell what people might think of it. I've had a tattoo for almost 20 years, and only the people I want to see it have seen it.  It's normally covered and not an issue.  As a matter of fact, I am considering a rather large tattoo (at least 8") right now and have to decide if I want it to be openly seen, partially, or not at all. I'm well established in my career, and a tattoo will not influence my job.  I still think about what others might think of it, though
861317
Absolutely! Its really easy to catch on and do quite well at...even if you change your mind and dont like it its not like you lost anything but if you never try youll never know what you could be missing out on...good luck kiddo!^_^
112810
Music is a dangerous business because you have to be popular to get your music played on the radio. New bands have a hard time making it and become one hit wonders. but, that's not the answer to your question. You need to submit a demo CD (or tape) of you or your band singing to record companies. Then there's a long waiting period. So it would be good to get some gigs at local joints while you wait. If you get a call back, they might ask you to preform for them (record companies). If they like you, you better start writing songs, get a damn good manager, and be careful when you sign something, because theres people out there that'll steal your music. Good Luck
356677
Yes, I did once.\n\nIts all down to the risk factor. Do you have the confidence and knowledge to run your own business? Are you prepared to forfeit a regular and safe income for the dangers of not having that safety net? \n\nBeing out on your own can be a pretty lonely place. I failed miserably. It wasn't for me and I finished up with a breakdown, however, it did give me a chance to re-evaluate my career and change direction. I've gone from working in a commercial environment to working with vulnerble and excluded youth in a charity. Less money but so much more job satisfaction! \n\nI wouldn't rule out going into business, but check out all other options before you make up your mind. If are really finding the situation you are in too stressful, it would be a good idea to consider change. \n\nGood luck\nMartin (42) and finally found my vocation!!
46690
Absolutely, if you have the talent, creativity, are well spoken, the ability to sell yourself, and an AWSOME portfolio you should have no worries.  Remember to include at least 9 - 10 professional pieces (may not actually be published/printed but have a problem/solution worked out for all), a design book (which includes everything from doodles, ideas, conceptual designs and layouts), and a few personal/fun/hobby materials such as scratchboard art, paintings, websites etc. that you do for personal enjoyment to show an employer that you are completely well rounded.
34730
I would definitely do it.  It is never too late to start a new carrer and it might prove to be even more interesting than you thought.  Good Luck.
1112971
i think that too many people hesitate when it comes to doing what they really want to. they fear failure. but i think you should take the chance.if you dont,your just prolonging the agony and will question your decision not too for the rest of your life. do it.
621196
No. The first thing they make you learn when you go to an art/design school is how to draw. Good news is, ANYBODY can learn how to draw well. It's simply a mechanical thing. You don't need a "talent" for it. So if ad. design is where your heart is. Go for it!
171509
I guess I have done that.  I have always liked to talk...I have always liked to make people laugh... I turned that into a pretty nice little career in radio.  True, I do have a B.A. Degree in Communication Studies/Radio, TV, And Film, but there are a number of people in broadcasting that have never set foot into a university classroom.  There are a lot of places that say they "prefer" applicants to at least have some college. On the other hand, some places will accept "Real World" experience in that particular field as enough to qualify you for employment.  Just remember, Very few people working today can actually say they love the job they currently have, or even expected to be working in the industry that they currently are.  Sometimes it comes down to what you need to do to survive.  But if you have a dream to do something, with your life, you have to at least give it a shot.  If you make it.... fantastic!  But if you dont make it, at least you tried, and will not have to live with "What if I tried" looming over you for the rest of your life.
755352
The truth is you have a really good start on that career if you should try to enter the field.  If you like what you have seen so far and enjoy working with people and pleasing them, then maybe it is a good choice for you.
595199
I am a Graphic Designer.  I could not possibly think of a cooler job for me.  I had to work very hard to convince my parents to allow me to major in Art, they thought I would be selling paintings on the sidewalk, I guess.  But I worked very, very hard and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art and now I get paid to draw pictures everyday!  I love it!
14896
Success can be measured many ways, happiness, money, etc.  Obviously if you've got a career you want to be happy with it, basicly go after whatever makes you happy.  Is college necessary? No, but it doesn't hurt, and sometimes people don't get jobs even if they do have college.  Basicly, the more knowledge you've got the better off you are, same goes for all the deplomas that say you've got that knowledge.  My advice, find out what your dream job might be and then go after it.
163995
Very competitive, especially in the Bay Area. Do you want your own studio, or just full-time work? Either get a few big, steady clients, or hustle for smaller ones for steady work. Do some self-promotion pieces. (Make sure your website and promo pieces are FANTASTIC!) Give your potential clients a reason to pick you, instead of someone else. Also, specializing is a good idea, depending on the field. (Medical, education, entertainment, publishing, etc.) Good luck, and have fun!