Is art your life? If you're constantly drawing, painting & creating eye-popping images then being a professional artist may be the job in your future. But, what's it like to make a living making art? Kidzworld had a chat with Chris Woods, the creator of the CD cover for the Barenaked Ladies Everything to Everyone CD, about what he does and how he got into it.
What Does it Take to Become a Professional Artist?
The trick to being a professional artist is to love creating art. If you're drawing all day long rather than goofing off, then you're on your way. The best thing to do is practice and make sure you're drawing what you love. It takes a few years in a good art program to really master your skills - then you can try to join a studio like the Diane Farris gallery.What Makes Being a Professional Artist Da Bomb?
Being able to create art all day is awesome enough if that's what you love. Plus, you might get to work with some of your fave artists - Chris Woods got to work with the Barenaked Ladies on creating the cover for their Everything to Everyone CD and he says that, "Everybody in the band was very nice, they had great ideas and were very generous to work with. It felt like a real collaboration, not just being told what to paint."
Chris has also done some paintings of McDonald's, Krispy Kreme and even a piece that featured Subway, that was bought by the president of Subway BC! Chris says, "You can do anything to get your name noticed, but you have to have the skills, the dedication and the time. Also, most importantly, work with themes you enjoy. If you like painting model trains and people, then do that. If you're having fun, it's contagious."
What's the Rough News About Being a Professional Artist?
It can be hard to get started as a professional artist. You'll spend lots of time drawing, sketching, painting and working on your art when you could be out hangin' with your friends. Once you're trying to make money, you have to really work to get your art noticed at galleries and shows where people will buy it.
How Much Money Does a Professional Artist Make?
Chris Woods is a successful artist and he averages about $2,000 CAN per month. Gallery shows are where an artist will make most of his money, then the cash has to last until the next show. The trick to making big bucks is to get really good at promoting your artwork to all the galleries. Send them all packages and eventually one or two will say "C'mon down."
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