“Is there any hope to make 50k and over in the arts?”?
I am an older woman, yet not old. I am thinking of returning to a associate program for graphic design and/or video game design. I am more interested to be honest with you all, in fine arts, but am not sure if you can be hired in cartooning or illustration. I thought.. with graphic design, I can possibly get in with a company to design book or magazine covers. I want to work in a company, and also do side art and or.. cartoons. I dont think at 43, I want to invest in a four year degree that would take double part time to take. I think… I can get everything I need from the county college here. I also.. am going to take creative writing and mabe later try to write a book and perhaps self publish and create my own book cover. Anyone have any ideas about any of this> or.. cartooning?
The problem with NOT obtaining, at least, a bachelor’s degree in art, is that you would be competing for a VERY limited number of actual paid jobs with, what may be HUNDREDS of young graduates in your area. Whether for game graphics or commercial art, it is one of the most competitive environments imaginable. It is NOT like some training, such as in the trades, where there is a constant demand for talent. A mechanical technician can shop around for a job at hundreds of potential employers in a geographical area. But, how many design or game developement companies are in your location?
If you choose NOT to go for a degree, but, rather, take a few courses to polish up some skills and learn the newer technology, the more likely path to succes would be as a freelance designer. While this does free you up to seek assignments from all over the country, it WILL require a lot of hard work in marketing yourself. A freelance artist is, essentially, a SALESPERSON, first, and an artist second. (what’s the point in producing art if there is no buyer?)
Do some research on potential markets for your style of artwork and, for later, your writing. Find out what kind of art is being purchases and by whom. Once you’ve done THAT homework, you will find you waste a LOT less time and effort on unfruitful paths.
Look for a book titled “Artist Market,” or “Artists and Writers Market,” or something like that. This will give you a GREAT start on your research.
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