How did you become interested in this field?

I have also loved animals and art. As a child I was always doodling and scribbling or playing with guinea pigs and rabbits. As I’ve grown older the two things have become intertwined to become a part time business which will hopefully grow to a full time business, resulting in a career I truly love.

What is your educational background?

I have very limited formal education in the way of art. I have qualifications in art, design and technology but I have found real life has been my biggest educator. My love of animals has made me realize that their personalities shine through in a pet portrait and I endeavor to capture this in every painting. I think anyone and everyone can become an artist regardless of qualifications, it’s the effort and skill you put into your art that counts.

What is an average day at work like for you?

I work full time as a civil servant and spend my evenings and weekends working on my website and art. I do receive more pet portraits than wildlife art commissions, and Christmas is exceptionally busy.

What do you like most about your job?

The best part of being a pet portrait artist is being able to produce a lifelong reminder of a beloved animal or to bring back memories of happy times when the client gazes at one of my paintings

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Don’t give up. I am far from where I would like to be but I am not giving up.

Get started by earning an Art Degree.

Brian Lisowski is currently working as a web designer at an internet marketing company in Boston. He has a strong background in graphic design.

How did you become interested in web design?

I suppose I’ve always had a fascination with design, weather it was an ad in a magazine or the graphics on the bottom of a skateboard. It wasn’t until high school that I realized that people actually made careers from designing.

What type of training best prepared you for your work as a web designer?

I had a great graphic design program in high school; I was given the opportunity to take classes in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator as well as the fundamentals of design. Currently I am studying web design at Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging and Arts to further my web development skills.

What is an average day at work like for you?

I would say there is never an average day; I could be working on an apparel design one day and coding a new web page the next.

What types of projects are you currently working on?

I recently just finished designing web page mock ups for Big Bad INC. and creating a new website for Lucent Productions.

What do you like most about your job?

Everyday provides me with a new challenge; the design is never finished and there is always some way to make something just a little better.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. Learn as much as you can from others in the field and figure out how to gather inspiration from the world around you.

Albert Barcilon is a retired professor who is currently spending his time painting and teaching private art lessons and workshops. He has studios in both Florida and Colorado. His work can be viewed on his website. www.albertbarcilon.com

How did you become interested in art and painting?

My father was an architect. He taught me many things about art, but most of all the importance of an honest critique.

What is your educational background?

I have a PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard, and I earned my post Doc from MIT. I taught for 37 years at Florida State University (FSU) in Meteorology. Whenever it was possible, I took workshops given by American artists and art classes at FSU.

What is an average day at work like for you?

I take every opportunity to learn about painting. I am proficient in water-media, oils, abstracts, landscape, color and composition.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy the opportunity to transfer my knowhow to the next generation by teaching, and the opportunity to learn and experiment with art.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

You need to learn to paint/draw with your brain, not with your hands.

You Were Born To Create

We are born as creative, daring creatures. All of us. We possess all the natural gifts that we tend to assume are the province of only a talented few.

This can be easily seen when we are young. For example, as a kid did you ever prance around the house with a broomstick pretending it was a horse, or did you ever invent little characters, soldiers, dolls, puppets? Now, these things that you created – did you speak to them and did they respond?

Have we not all gotten a kick out of placing a buttercup flower under someone’s chin and seeing the yellow glow that it creates? Have we not all marveled at the sound of the ocean in a shell placed against our ears or taken delight in touching the coldness of a dog’s nose? Is this not common – perhaps universal – to celebrate the pleasures of sight and sound and touch? And in so doing, do we not celebrate our ability to perceive the world along with the perceptions themselves?

When we finger-painted as kids, did we care if it was correct or good or finished? Did we not run around with abandon at times in our “dress-up” clothes, playing tag or climbing a tree, while our mothers chased not far behind, feverishly trying to round us up, tuck our clothes back in and drag us back to the special family dinner that had begun twenty minutes earlier? Was there not a time, for all of us, when we easily relinquish to the process of exploration, wonder, and sensuality? We did so fully and completely, so often and regularly that it seemed absolutely ordinary.

Did we not risk jeopardizing our little sources of praise the day we played hooky or ignored the school bell or swam over our heads in the pond? When we were growing, were there not countless times when we chose to risk being identified as “bad” because the desire to know the part of ourselves that could not find expression was overwhelming? Were we not dedicating ourselves to that self within that had to be?

Were not all those chance encounters with friends, the afternoons after school, the Saturday mornings when we just ran out of the house, dashing out into the snow storm, carving a pumpkin or bar of soap – the endless random events ñ were they not all just a series of prompts, starting points, places of departure from which we grew? Or when we drew faces in the street with chalk or drew red lines around the house, what were we thinking? That we had as much a right to transform and beautify reality as anyone else?

All these thoughts and actions were quite real, were they not? They very much marked who we were. They also happen to be the singular hallmarks of a creative spirit. They describe the unfettered artist that we all began as. These traits seem so unremarkable because they were and are so natural. So why or how do we get away from the gift we all have, the ability to create who we are through expression?

Let me suggest an answer. We fail to imagine the world in terms other than those handed to us. We begin as innocent and by the 3rd grade when we competed for the gold stars we became performers and have not stopped hoop jumping since. We bought into the bell-shaped curve and the notion that making art is about some rare set of skills that only a few possess; and so we go through life obsessed with getting ahead, measuring up, proving that we are capable. Let it go. Stop performing. Go back to innocence. Find yourself. Do what gives you pleasure and let the paintings happen along the way.

William Kocher is a Landscape Painter. William’s father was also an artist and inspired William to follow in his footsteps by pursuing a career in art. Pieces from his portfolio can be seen at: www.williamkocher.com

What is your educational background?

My father studied art at the Maryland Institute College of Art in the early 1950’s. His studio was at home and I grew up watching him work there. I have a Master’s degree in Psychology and only began painting following grad school. I studied with a few painters that were / are teaching and painting work that interested me.

What is an average day at work like for you and what types of projects are you currently working on?

I am in the studio early in the morning until late in the evening. I paint in the outdoors (plein air) usually before or after being at the studio. I am currently gathering a body of work of an idea I am exploring.

What do you like most about your job?

Autonomy. Working daily on something I care about a great deal.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Go to school and /or get the training you need to pursue the work that you love doing.

Mike Donovan has been taking pictures for about 35 years. He started with a black and white photography class in college, which led him to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Photography from the Harrisburg Community College. He sells prints and note cards of his work, and also has published two books for children and a book of photographs taken in Europe. His work can be viewed at his website, www.mikedonovanphotography.com.

How did you first become interested in photography?

I took a black and white photography class as one of my art classes in college. I really liked the immediacy of photography. I also liked that once it was time to print, there was also a hands-on side to it. I liked the fact that it had both sides of the coin.

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education and spent 33 years teaching third and fourth grade. I have a Master’s Degree in what was then called Instructional Communications. I learned to do slide-tape presentations, take photographs, make short films, run a TV studio, and create audio-visual aids for the classroom. Now, most of the machines that we used are found in antique shops. After I started teaching, I began to take photography classes at our local community college (Harrisburg Area Community College). I finally earned my Associate’s Degree in Visual Arts-Photography. That program opened my eyes to all that is encompassed in photography. I studied studio, history, materials and processes, color photography, black and white photography, and also had to take regular art classes. It was the best thing I could have done to help my photography.

What is an average day at work like for you and what types of projects are you currently working on?

When I am not photographing, I find myself spending quite a bit of time at the computer. I print most of my own work so that takes quite a while. I also print note cards and have two bird books for children available on Blurb. I also have a book of photographs from Europe available. I am also scanning my old slides into digital form. That is a major project. I also do some local arts and crafts shows so I need to produce new things from year to year. I am also doing a few programs for our library so I am busy with PowerPoint.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the fact that when I return from a trip or a day of photography with a memory card full of images, I have moments in my hand. It still amazes me that I am able to bring actual moments of time home with me in my camera. I love that I am able to share those moments with others.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Take classes or workshops. It is important to know the craft of photography. That is what allows you to delve into the art. Then you can put your eye to work. I actually read the manual that comes with my camera. The camera is the way that you capture the moments. It is important to know how to use it. Then your eye can guide you. I might also suggest that you make some donations of your work to local fundraisers to help get your name and work out there. Good Luck.

Kimberly Palmeter is a Design and Merchandising Manager.  She is currently working for a garment manufacturer that focuses on designing, producing, merchandising and selling men’s dress shirts and tailored clothing.

Tell us about the company that you work for?

I work for a garment manufacturer. We focus on Men’s dress shirts and tailored clothing. We do a small business in women’s wovens as well. We have the dress shirt and tailored clothing licenses for the two brands which we design, merchandise, produce and sell. We are a vertical manufacturer meaning that we own all of our own mills and factories.

How did you become interested in this field?

I’ve always been interested in fashion and apparel.

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Marist College, and I am I certified color specialist. I think hands on employment experience helped prepare me as well, such as working in retail establishments.

I am fortunate enough to work for a company that develops people they see potential in. I’ve had the opportunity to grow and learn on the job.

Would you say that your college degree program was beneficial to your career?

Yes, I’d say that my degree helped me by giving me a foundation to grow on. However, I think that hands on experience is equally beneficial.

Do you suggest internships? Did you participate in an internship program?

Yes, I totally suggest internships. In fact, I would recommend participating in an internship program as early on in your career as possible. I participated as an intern at French Connection in their merchandising department. I also volunteered at fashion week on a few different occasions.

What is an average day at work like for you and what types of projects are you currently working on?

As Design and Merchandising Manager I’m responsible for designing our branded dress shirt lines. I present my line to the licensor for their sign off and it goes into the development process. I’m responsible for everything in the design process from picking the color stories to the creation of a sample line for the sales team to use in our showroom. I manage our CAD team on pattern direction and layout for branded projects. I also work with the graphics department to make sure our trim packages are current and accurate depending on the garments specifications and fabrications.

I’m currently working on the Spring 2011 dress shirt lines for my brands.

What do you like most about your job?

I love that I get to be creative and work in a fast paced environment where the day flies by.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

I would recommend really researching the education program that you are looking to enroll in to make sure that they have what you are looking for in your education. Make sure to take any of the computer courses offered because they can totally give you an advantage. Also, to be open to jobs other than exactly what you were looking for. I worked in production before my current job and it really gave me a better idea of the industry as a whole. Every experience is a learning opportunity.

Finally, don’t expect it to be what you see on TV, the industry can be glamorous but for the most part it is not!

Robert Bedoar is the founder and owner of B2BFINEART.COM which is an online fine art gallery and distribution source of original pen and ink serigraphs. Robert has been in the fine/ graphic art business for over 30 years.

How did you become interested in this field?

My Grandmother was an exquisite painter and though her guidance I began at age 12 to begin drawing and painting, which convinced me that art was the path that I wanted to take in my life. I haven’t looked back.

What type of training or education best prepared you for your work in this field?

I have a Masters of Fine and Applied Arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in Graphic Design, Printmaking and Advertising.

What are you currently working on?

Most of my time is spent with fine art colleagues discussing techniques, shows, and promotional methods to share our talents to the world.

What do you like most about your job?

The ability to test my creative limits and to help other creative people make the next BIG step in utilizing their right brain.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Pay attention to your inner desires. Don’t let people try to dissuade you from moving down the creative path. If you do, you’ll always regret it!

Henry Sandbank has a lifetime of experience in photography and film. Henry’s work is recognized for its strong graphic approach and clarity of concept. His bold, minimalist and sometimes subversive work appealed to those leading advertising’s creative revolution in the 1960s. In New York, Henry collaborated with Madison Avenue’s luminaries to create many of the ads that represent the essence of this creative revolution.

Henry later transitioned to directing television commercials. The print medium was succumbing to television and more and more of his clients urged him to take up the film camera. His commitment to clear, simple statements remained intact, even as the projects he was offered became increasingly complex. He quickly developed a reputation as a problem-solver and much of his best-known work is visually, beautifully simple, and yet technically, extraordinarily complex.

Henry produced over 1700 commercials, for companies such as IBM, Xerox, AT&T, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Honda, Mercedes, Sony, Kodak, Nestle, Chanel, General Motors, and many other big name brands.

Today, Henry has returned to the more introspective art of still life photography. To view his portfolio and read his biography, be sure to visit HenrySandbank.com.

How did you become interested in art and photography?

At 13 years old, I knew I didn’t like formal schooling. I wanted to express myself creatively and did not have the opportunity to do so in a formal school setting. Bronx School of Industrial Arts is a high school that focused in on gifted kids who wanted to do something different. I was interested in photography and knew that they offered it. School taught me about the organizational aspect of photography, as well as helped me to develop my creative talents.

What type of training best prepared you for your career as a photographer?

The art school that I attended surrounded me with creative thinking. It was the perfect environment for a curious student like me to grow in. Art school also provided me with mentors which are crucial to any artist’s creative development. Mentors offer encouragement and support. If you can find a school that will provide you with an education in art and design as well as give you a liberal arts education, you will benefit tremendously.

What was an average day at work like for you?

There is no average day at work. It’s a daily challenge. Each day brought new problems to be solved and solutions to find. Because of this, I grew as a photographer both creatively and intellectually every day. Without challenges, you will never grow.

What did you like most about your job?

I never considered my work a job. I considered it an opportunity to get involved within my mind and my creative energy.

Were you were inspired by any other photographers?

I tried to be different then other photographers. I would be respectful of other’s work but I wanted my work to be less influenced by style, and express my own feelings. It may have been a naive way to work but it enabled me to progress and develop my own individuality.

Are there any photographers that you know who have been inspired by you?

Many photographers have told me that I was a great influence on them. I had many assistants throughout the years that keep in touch and have told me how much that they appreciated all that they learned while working with me. But I always wanted them to develop their own style and not be influenced by my vision.

How do you feel about the technological advancements that have been made in photography? Has the shift to digital photography influenced your work in anyway?

It doesn’t really affect originality or creativity. Digital photography is just another way to get your message across.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

Be focused. Have long term plans. Take your ego out of the equation. Find a mentor and don’t be afraid to go inside your own mind and grow each day creatively.

Struggle always creates and exposes solutions to problems. It also allows you to build confidence in yourself.

Jeff Comeau is the Art Director and Principle of IntuitDesign. He feels that he was “born to do art” and has since gained 22 years of experience in the field of graphic design.

Jeff attended the Portland School of Art in Portland, Maine. It was here that he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design. He also attended the Evelyn Walberg Painting Studio where he studied oil painting.

What type of training best prepared you for your work as a Graphic Designer?

My college education, the seminars and conferences I attend, and the real world experience I get on a day to day basis.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to be creative and learn new things every day.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in this profession?

If you want to be a designer, I would suggest enrolling in an art school and obtaining an art degree. I would also suggest learning about web design aesthetics. It is very important to know about aesthetics before you jump right into programming.

See Also:

• How to Become a Graphic Designer
• How to Become an Art Director