To be an artist you need creativity, uniqueness, and artistic ability. To earn a living as an artist you need marketing and business skills to promote yourself and sell your work. Here are a few tips for finding a job as an artist.

Create a Strong Artistic Portfolio. A well thought out portfolio will demonstrate your creativity, versatility, and competency for the type of jobs you are looking for. By customizing your portfolio for each job you apply for, you can increase your chances of finding work.

Use the Internet. Promote your artistic talent online by creating a website or online portfolio. The more you get your name and you work out there, the more opportunities you will see. The Internet can also be a great source for finding job openings and calls to artists.

Make Connections. Use your contacts from previous projects and professional organizations. Many good jobs are found through personal connections. Stay in touch with the people you’ve worked with in the past. Art school can also be a great way to network with fellow artists.

Build Your Resume. Stay up to date on all of the latest industry trends by participating in continuing education and art certification programs. Art degrees look great on resumes and can qualify you for better paying positions.

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• Popular Career Paths of Art School Grads
• Showcase Your Artwork in a Digital Portfolio

Art competitions and contests are a great way to get people to recognize your hard work and artistic abilities. What’s even more exciting is that most contests offer cash prizes or scholarship money. Some contests can even offer winners a free ticket to college.

There are many different types of art contests. To find competitions between artists similar to yourself, you can check these popular “Call for Artist” posting sites.

• The Artlist.com is an online resource for artists and photographers looking for income and exhibition opportunities to enter. Check out their featured art content and opportunity listings to find competitions worldwide.
• Artshow.com has a list of artists’ opportunities, which includes entry information for art shows, contests and competitions. This site also provides a list of art organizations which often host similar events.
• The Art Deadline List announces art contests and competitions, art jobs and internships, art scholarships and grants and fellowships, art festivals, call for entries/proposals/projects, and other opportunities, in all disciplines, for art students, art teachers, and artists of all ages. By signing up for their free subscription you can stay up to date on all new opportunities.
• The Art Teacher Tool box hosts a list of contests that you may wish to participate in. Contests are organized by age group so you can easily find contests that you are eligible to enter.
• KaraArt.com also hosts a list of art contests and calls for entries. A search function allows you to find contests that best suit your abilities and expertise.

See Also: Art School Scholarships

Scholarships can help you pay for your art school education. A scholarship is essentially a gift of free money awarded to you in recognition of an ability, talent, or quality that the scholarship sponsor deemed worthy of reward. Scholarships are awarded by various schools, national organizations, private organizations, alumni and other sponsors.

Art scholarships are often awarded by schools to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, such as a high GPA, and artistic talent in a particular medium or type of art. Scholarships can also be won through art competitions. Applications for scholarships will vary, and may require anything from a compelling essay to an art or film portfolio. You should spend some time researching scholarships and apply for every one for which you qualify.

Scholarships to Consider

StraightForward Media — Offers four $500 scholarships a year to art students. Visit their website for scholarship applications and deadlines.

Scholastic — Offers various scholarship awards for high school students who demonstrate outstanding skills in art and writing.

The International Furnishings and Design Association Education Foundation — Offers student scholarships for advancement in fields relating to the interior furnishings industry.

Academy of Motion Pictures Student Academy Awards — $2000 to $5000 awarded each year to 3-12 undergraduate or graduate students majoring in filmmaking/video.

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences College Television Awards — $500 to $2000 awarded each year to 25 undergraduate or graduate students majoring in Arts, Performing Arts and other areas.

Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation — $1000 to $5000 awarded each year to up to 6 undergraduate and graduate students majoring in arts or music.

Beinecke Scholarship for Graduate Study — $2000 to $30000 awarded to 18-22 undergraduate and graduate students through nomination only and majoring in arts and other areas.

Donna Reed Performing Arts Scholarship — $200 to $1000 awarded each year to up to 6 undergraduate students majoring in performing arts.

John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship — $1000 to $4000 awarded each year to 3-5 undergraduate and graduate students majoring in arts.

General Scholarships for Higher Education

Fastweb.com — The most comprehensive Web site for local, national and college-specific scholarships. Get a personalized list of scholarships you’re qualified for from their database of 1.3 million awards. Use this excellent resource to get free money for your education.

$cholarship $cams — Sound advice from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid being cheated while trying to fund your education

Education Grant — Brings you the latest financial aid news and resources, including the information and deadlines for federal and state education grants, scholarships, and student loans.