HERE ARE JUST THREE MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER IN STARTING A CAREER IN ART:

4. Creating a Portfolio

I am still in the process of putting together a handheld portfolio. However, one thing Margaret Peot points out in her book is that my websites can be my portfolio. I think the most complete one I have is here on WordPress. But now I also have the Facebook page and the Etsy Shop. I do have a handheld portfolio book, but I just haven’t filled it with my best work yet. And as you have probably guessed already, I’m my own worst critic!

5. Art Jobs to Consider

Margaret has listed a ton of possibilities to brainstorm in the area of using artistic talent such as: teaching, writing, illustrating, photography, animation, and graphic design just to highlight some. She breaks things down in areas of interest such as working big or meticulously, functionality, technology, etc. She lists so many possibilities that I had never even thought of! (She’s amazing!) She even lists general job descriptions to many professions such as art teachers, designers, art therapists, calligraphers, botanical illustrators (something that interests me greatly), and animators, but there are many more!

6. Getting Down to Work

This includes setting up my workplace, making time to make my art, and a few fun ways to stay connected to my creative side. One of the things she mentions here is setting time limits. I have done this, but it is difficult for me. Sometimes once I am knee-deep into a project, I have a hard time stopping in the middle of what I’m doing, especially if I have my colors mixed just right for the painting I’m working on. Drawing is much easier to walk away from. All I have to do is get up and wash my hands! I don’t have paint brushes, etc. to clean up which takes a little longer.

I have been trying not to rush things either. I try to decide ahead of time how much time I have to spend on a project that day and only do that much work. I even use a timer some days.

But the thing I have not done yet is try to set in stone working hours for myself. I want to try and work the same days and the same hours every week. However, part of me has resisted doing this, because I feel like I might put too much expectation on myself to be productive while I have the chance. So far I have really enjoyed the last few years of time that I have invested in learning how to draw and paint. I don’t want to lose my spirit of curiosity or adventure. It has never really felt like “work.” That is to say it has not ever felt like the 9-5 job I used to have that I had to be at every day no matter what. THIS career I’m trying to start at the age of 53 is what I was looking for back then but didn’t know it! THIS is what I love about being able to work at home. THIS IS MY DREAM JOB!! So why would I want to mess it up?

Lastly, another great feature in Margaret’s book is the worksheet sections and personal interviews she conducted with other artists.
Her worksheet sections cover such areas as: discovering and deciding who I am, asking myself what I want to do with my art, how to build my dream life, creating my dream studio, and writing a business plan. There are more, but I’m hoping you’ll purchase this book for yourself and see just how great it is!!

There is so much meat in this book to chew and so much to think about. I have read through everything, but now I get to do the work. I chose to read the book without completing the worksheet sections at the same time. Now I am excited about doing it and plan to begin soon. I have so many books I’m reading, ideas for paintings in my head, and writing I want to do, that I also need to keep concentrating on those things as well. In fact I began my Hawksbill sea turtle painting yesterday.

In conclusion, I want to say,

I GUARANTEE YOU WILL FEEL CHALLENGED AND ENCOURAGED!

Here is a link to another of her websites:
http://www.margaretpeot.com
She has written several other books as well that I plan to get in the future. Happy reading, writing, and whatever else you love to do!

Have a great day, and give someone you love a big hug! 🙂