How do I land opportunities as an artist?

For artists, especially self-taught ones, it could be really tricky to decide what art opportunities they are looking for and how to land them. So in this article, I am going to share with you an inclusive guide with everything you need to know about how to land opportunities as an artist, and which ones to look for. I am also going to share with you the top websites with opportunities for artists.

What to look for in this article:

• What are the different existing opportunities you can land as an artist (self-taught artist-friendly)?
• How do I land opportunities as an artist?
• Where to find opportunities?
• What do you need to have to land opportunities as an artist?

If you would appreciate a little context, my name is Khaoula. I am a self-taught artist and the following tips and insights are from my own personal experience. Keep in mind that I live in Morocco, where opportunities in the cultural and creative industries are very rare compared to other countries (i.e. US and EU). So, if you live in a different country, make sure to make the most out of your territorial privilege.

What opportunities can you land as an artist (self-taught artist-friendly)?

Depending on your art style, interests, and other personal factors, there are tons of art opportunities out there suitable for almost everyone. Of these, the most common are:

Commissioned work

It goes without saying that having clients request commissioned works of art is one of the easiest ways for an artist to grow. You get to experiment with different projects while getting paid for the work you do. And It offers you enough exposure as an active artist if that’s what you’re looking for (I personally stopped receiving commissions because I want to create art that I genuinely love and enjoy for me to really get to know myself on a deeper level).

Art residencies

It could mean something different depending on the institution organizing it. But often, art residencies encompass artistic programs which involve collaborations between artists and hosting organizations or communities. They are programs that provide artists with space and resources to support their artistic practice. Some art residencies work within the means of a specific theme, topic, or even an art medium.

Workshops (for you to learn further, and for you to share your knowledge with others)

For beginners and amateurs (especially self-taught), art workshops could be great opportunities to learn and get in touch with a mentor figure who can look at your art, give you constructive critique and share with you real-life tips to improve or experiment further.

If in your case, a good opportunity for you is to be the one tutoring a group and sharing your insights for a flat fee, you can also find institutions and organizations looking for instructors to help guide kids, students, or even adults to create art.

Cultural incubations

Creative and cultural incubators operate as reference points for creatives to explore and expand on the dimensions of art, culture, and entrepreneurship. The purpose of these incubators is to stimulate their members by offering them opportunities to learn, create, and grow. However, such initiatives are not limited to just these three dimensions. Incubators can sustainably grow various artistic, economic, and social aspects.

Exhibitions (solo and collective)

Exhibitions are milestones in the career of any artist as they serve to showcase their art to a wide range of the perfect audience they may be looking for. Protagonists, gallery owners, collectors, admirers, art enthusiasts, and students.

Besides the cultural and promotional significance, an art exhibition also holds great value as a precious sales opportunity. It provides valuable feedback on the effort put into creating and enhancing the artwork, as well as the preparation involved.

Art exhibitions can take various forms, all with the common objective of presenting a cohesive and compelling narrative of artistic exploration, a particular theme, or as a testament to a public or private art collection carefully curated with selected works to be showcased.

Exhibitions can take different forms, and if you are interested in learning more, you can do your research about each type individually.

• Collective exhibitions
• Solo exhibitions
• Temporary exhibitions
• Itinerant exhibitions
• Online exhibitions
• Anthological exhibitions
• Retroperspectiove exhibitions

An art job or internship

Art jobs and internships will often require an art degree or diploma. However, I have been able to land jobs and internships in the art scene previously thanks to my online presence and to my blog posts. The different positions you can look for will be the following:

Graphic Designer:

Creating visual content for various media, such as advertisements, websites, and publications.

Illustrator:

Creating artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and other forms of media.

Fine Artist:

Producing original artwork for galleries, exhibitions, and private collections.

Art Teacher:

Educating and mentoring students in various art forms and techniques.

Art Director:

Overseeing the visual style and artistic direction of projects in fields like advertising, film, or gaming.

Museum Curator:

Managing and organizing art collections for museums and galleries.

Art Conservationist/Restorer:

Preserve and restore art pieces to maintain their integrity and longevity.

Art Therapist:

Using art as a form of therapy to help individuals express and cope with emotions.

Art Gallery Assistant:

Assisting with gallery operations, sales, and customer interactions. (You can start here as a self-taught artist)

Art Auction House Specialist:

Evaluating and appraising artworks for auction houses.

Exhibition Designer:

Designing the layout and presentation of art exhibitions and installations.

Art Appraiser:

Assessing the value of art pieces for insurance, sales, or donation purposes.

Art Journalist/Writer:

Reporting on art events, trends, and artists for various publications.

Art Event Coordinator:

Planning and organizing art-related events, such as art fairs and exhibitions.

Art Researcher:

Conduct research on artists, art movements, and historical context for publications or exhibitions.

Art Studio Assistant:

Assisting artists in their studios with various tasks and projects.

Art Social Media Manager:

Managing social media accounts and online presence for artists or art organizations. (You can do this one as a self-taught artist)

Art Licensing Specialist:

Handling licensing agreements for artists’ work to be used on various products and merchandise.

Art Production Assistant:

Assisting with the production process for art prints, sculptures, or other art pieces.

Art Outreach Coordinator:

Organizing and coordinating art programs and workshops for community engagement.

As for internships, many of the above positions may offer internships for students or entry-level individuals looking to gain practical experience in the art industry. It’s essential to check with specific art organizations, museums, galleries, and companies to explore internship opportunities tailored to your interests and skill set.

Art competitions

Art competitions are events or contests where artists submit their artwork for evaluation by a panel of judges or a public vote. These competitions can cover various art forms, such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, and more. Art competitions are organized by art institutions, galleries, non-profit organizations, companies, and government agencies.

Participating in art competitions can bring advantages for artists. Here are a few;

Exposure;

Art competitions attract an audience, including art enthusiasts, collectors, gallery owners, and art critics. Winning or even being a finalist can expose an artist’s work to an audience.

Recognition;

Achieving success or receiving recognition in an art competition can enhance an artist’s reputation and credibility, within the art community.

Networking Opportunities;

Art competitions serve as platforms to connect with artists, industry professionals, and potential buyers.

Prizes and Awards;

Many art competitions offer enticing prizes such as cash awards, art supplies, exhibition opportunities, artist residencies, or even representation by galleries.

Motivation and Growth;

Participating in a competition challenges artists to push their boundaries experiment with techniques and further develop their skills.

Portfolio Enhancement;

Winning or placing in art competitions adds value to an artist’s portfolio. This is particularly beneficial when applying for grants, residencies, or seeking gallery representation.

Building Confidence;

The recognition and support received from participating in a competition can significantly boost an artist’s confidence, in their endeavors.

However, it’s crucial for artists to be discerning and thoughtful when selecting the art competitions they wish to enter. It’s important for artists to thoroughly investigate any competitions they consider entering to make sure they are reputable and align, with their objectives and principles. It’s also worth noting that not winning a competition doesn’t diminish the value of an artist’s work. Art is subjective. The results of competitions can differ greatly based on the judges and criteria involved.

Funds for cultural and artistic projects

Funds for cultural and artistic projects refer to financial resources provided by various organizations, institutions, governments, foundations, and private donors to support initiatives related to arts, culture, and creativity. These funds are designed to encourage and promote the development, preservation, and dissemination of cultural and artistic endeavors.

These funding opportunities can take different forms:

Grants:

Grants are financial awards given to individuals, organizations, or projects to support artistic and cultural initiatives. They may be provided by government agencies, arts councils, foundations, or corporations.

Fellowships and Residencies:

These are opportunities for artists to receive financial support, usually in combination with access to studio space and resources, to work on their projects or research for a specific period.

Sponsorships:

Companies or private entities may provide sponsorship to cultural or artistic projects, exhibitions, or events in exchange for recognition and visibility.

Crowdfunding:

Artists and cultural projects can raise funds directly from the public through online crowdfunding platforms, where individuals contribute small amounts to support the project.

Endowments:

Some cultural institutions and foundations maintain endowments that generate income used to fund ongoing cultural and artistic projects.

Public Funding:

Government agencies and arts councils often allocate public funds to support cultural and artistic activities, which may include performances, festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Prize Awards:

Certain competitions and festivals offer cash prizes to winners, which can be used to fund future artistic projects.

Funds for cultural and artistic projects play a vital role in nurturing creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering artistic expression. They provide financial stability and enable artists, cultural organizations, and initiatives to bring their ideas to life, contribute to the community, and make meaningful contributions to the arts and culture landscape.

However, securing funding can be competitive and requires careful planning, proposal writing, and demonstrating the potential impact and value of the proposed project. It’s essential for artists and cultural organizations to research available funding opportunities, adhere to application guidelines, and maintain transparency and accountability in managing the funds they receive.

I’m pretty sure there are other different forms of opportunities that you can land as an artist when you keep an open spirit and have the will to pursue different adventures and journeys.

How do I land opportunities as an artist?

I am always on the lookout for opportunities and I do not say no to the opportunities that lay in front of me.

Of course, as I have an office job, I realistically can’t do everything the way I was in the past. However, if I can do it, I certainly will. I am not lazy to travel to a different country or city to take part in an art event. I won’t hesitate even if the offer is unpaid or if the organizing team is a handful of teenagers trying to pursue a dream that seems impossible. Whatever it is, I am present and supportive. While keeping my standards up and defined when needed of course.

As an artist or a cultural acteur of any sort, all events and opportunities are a great chance to connect and expand your network. However, always be aware of how these opportunities may or may not serve your purpose. As a fine artist and a cultural entrepreneur, I would not participate in something that is made essentially for graphic designers (even if that’s art too). I am focused on opportunities that are more catered towards the things I personally deeply care about or feel passion for (Creative and cultural industries discussions, fine artist’s legal and economic situations in the current world, fine art exhibitions, cultural incubations, art residencies for fine art, creative economies, etc.).

Do I apply for these opportunities?

I used to. When I was younger, and my network was pretty limited, I would say I applied more to opportunities than I do now. Because nowadays, I often get requests and people reaching out to me through my email or social media channels. The difference is that when I apply, I have more control to choose what is best for me. But when people contact me, I just need to check my schedule and if the opportunity aligns with my goals and current situation.

I have these articles that I highly recommend you read for further insights on how to secure exposure and opportunities further.

Why do you need a portfolio as an artist?

Artist statement: What is it and how to write your own?

Personal Branding for Artists: Create your own personal brand

How to sell your art through social media marketing

Where to find opportunities?

You can find them everywhere and if you commit yourself to your endeavor, opportunities will begin to find you. Generally, online is the best place to start. Social media platforms will help you showcase your work to the world and attract interesting opportunities. I use Instagram, Pinterest, and Linkedin.

Read this: Why do you need Pinterest as an artist?

There are also art-specific websites such as Artconnect, DeviantArt, Behance, Dribble, ArtStation, etc. And online marketplaces like Etsy and Saatchi Art will allow you to sell your artwork directly to buyers.

Other places to find opportunities are the opportunities you find in the first place if that makes sense. Your local galleries, museums, the incubations you previously took part in, competitions you participated in, other artists and colleagues, and any event you went to can be your chance to secure further and future opportunities for your creative career.

What do you need to have to land opportunities as an artist?

Here’s a little list of what you need to have to land good opportunities as an artist:

• Develop Your Skills: Nobody will want to host, collaborate with or work with an artist who sucks. Just like any other job in the world, you need to be good for you to reach your aims. Continuously work on improving your skills and techniques. Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, sculptor, photographer, or any other type of artist, honing your craft is essential.
• Build a Strong Portfolio: I said it before and I will say it again. Create a well-curated and diverse portfolio showcasing your best work. Your portfolio is your visual resume, so make sure it highlights your range, creativity, and artistic voice.
• Find Your Niche or Style: Not all styles are suitable for all jobs. Develop a unique artistic style or niche that sets you apart from others. Having a recognizable and distinct style can help attract more opportunities and make you stand out in the art world.
• Stay Consistent: Nothing happens overnight. Regularly produce new art and update your portfolio with fresh content. Consistency in creating and sharing your work demonstrates dedication and commitment to your craft.
• Networking and Collaboration: Engage with other artists, art communities, and industry professionals. Networking can lead to collaborative projects, exhibitions, and mutual support.
• Promote Yourself Online: You will find it all in this article. Personal Branding for Artists: Create your own personal brand.
• Professional Presentation: Present yourself professionally in all aspects of your artistic career, including emails, websites, business cards, and social media profiles.
• Artist Statement: Develop a clear and concise artist statement that explains your artistic vision and the themes behind your work. This statement can be helpful when applying for exhibitions and grants.

Conclusion

Remember that building a successful career as an artist involves persistence and a proactive approach. Stay consistent in promoting your work, keep networking, and explore various avenues to find the opportunities that best suit your artistic goals. And the most important part, enjoy creating <3