Hi Everyone!
I've officially left my job in IT to pursue painting! Once upon a time in the late 90's I spent 3 years working towards a BFA before dropping out and getting a job in communications and marketing. A few years and a few mild-adventures later I ended up with a BS in BioPsychology. There weren't any jobs in Bio Psych when I graduated, so through a series of misadventures I ended up working in IT project/program management... but I'd really rather just paint.
Now I'm working part time for a tech start-up (tomnod.com) and painting everyday. I understand it will probably take a few years to really support myself by painting, and I'm willing to be bold and experiment while I find a way to be profitable. Art fairs seem like a great place to start!
I currently live in Maryland, halfway between DC and Baltimore, but it's looking like I'll be moving to San Diego around May. I'm torn between applying to early spring fairs (and possibly the much less expensive farmers market type events) on the east coast, or just working to build up a body of work and applying for the west coast events in the summer/fall.
It's great to have found a community of more experienced artists who are so engaged! I greatly appreciate any guidance or feedback anyone may have. While I can't really offer advice yet on how to be successful as an artist, I'm happy to help with website/geekstuff issues in the meantime!
Kate Ricklin
Replies
Good for you, Kate, following your dreams. I abandoned an art degree myself and went to Sociology instead because "everyone know that artists can't support themselves." Some years later I married an artist and have now spent over 30 years working in the art field. Many people here have similar stories to yours.
Not sure if you should do East coast events or wait for the move, but I know there are a lot of under the radar events near San Diego -- there are so many ways and price points. My best advice is to visit as many art shows, craft shows, farmers markets, gallery shops as possible and see if you can find the best place for your work. Best wishes and welcome to AFI.
Hi Kate and welcome to AFI :)
Hello Kate. Glad to have you here with us. Sounds like you have taken a bold step. How come you will be moving so far away? Take a look at www.Callsforartists.com. It is also one of our websites and you will find many shows looking for artists.
I think you will be better off applying to art shows instead of farmer's markets. People shopping at Farmer's markets aren't looking for art and probably wouldn't spend much when they are looking for tomatoes and green peppers. There are all levels of art shows out there. I am sure you will find plenty to apply to.
Make yourself at home here and visit our forums. Our members are very helpful, too.
Jacki B