Photo by Rachel Lynette French on Unsplash.
‘To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.’ – Author, lecturer, and playwright Marilyn vos Savant
Launching into a career in the arts can be exciting and terrifying in equal measure. Whether you’re about to begin tertiary education as a stepping stone to an arts career, or currently on a break before starting work in the sector, here are 10 of our most popular articles to inspire you as your studies and career progress.
1. ‘I want to study art’: how I broke it to my parents
ArtsHub asked creatives how they broke their career choice to loved ones. A myriad of reactions ensued.
Social myths and misconceptions surrounding creative careers have plagued artists and arts workers since the first day they took up quill or paintbrush. Often this begins with the moment you break the news of your career choice to the important people in your life.
Read: ‘I want to study art’: how I broke it to my parents
2. 30 things I learnt working in a gallery
Having worked in a regional gallery, a commercial gallery, for a biennale and an ARI, these are the lessons – and the secrets – I can share.
‘I had another life before becoming an arts journalist. That is not unusual. Most people who work in the arts can say the same, having moonlighted in other professions, hopscotched across the sector, and moved between the minors to the majors.’
Read: 30 things I learnt working in a gallery
3. 50 ways to land a job in the arts
Leading arts professionals share ideas on how to break into the industry that don’t include working for free.
With no set career trajectories, an oversupply of great candidates for limited positions, and working endlessly for free ‘for the experience’ before you finally land a job that pays – breaking into the arts can feel challenging and terrifying. If you’re a graduate, job hunter, looking for a career change or the next challenge in your arts career, motivation can dwindle after receiving yet another rejection.
Read: 50 ways to land a job in the arts
4. How artists really make money
The ways artists really support their creative practices is often hidden. We ask emerging and established artists to get candid.
As artists, writers, arts workers and creatives, it can feel like we are on a pendulum swing between feeling dismal about making a living, and being struck by dazzling glimmers of hope about our artistic careers.
Read: How artists really make money
5. Top ten myths about creativity
Solitary geniuses and mad creatives make good fiction but research shows the truth about creativity is more prosaic.
Some people wrap their identity in an idea that creativity justifies (or demands) their excesses. Others write creativity off as a gift they have never and could never own. But new insights from a growing body of research into creativity shows much of the language of inspiration, altered states and in-born talents is not borne out in the reality of the successful working artist.
Read: Top ten myths about creativity
6. Want success? Then give up these 20 things
Rather than skilling up, we suggest toning down for success.
Conventional thought is that in order to successfully promote your career you need to boost your education, your skills and your network. ‘Take it on and you will conquer,’ is the mantra. But it might be the opposite that puts you on a more rewarding path. Contemporary thinking has pitched the idea that if we give up certain things, it leaves greater space to grow and de-clutter our ambitions.
Let up on yourself a little and you just might shine.
Read: Want success? then give up these 20 things
7. How to navigate life after graduation
You need all the advice you can get to make the transition from student life to a flourishing career in the arts. Here are 22 things you should be doing from people who know.
You have handed in your final assignment, shut the doors behind you from the last examination and let out a deep sigh of relief. You are calm and simultaneously excited. The summer stretches out in front of you and a new year, a new you, and a new career in the arts awaits.
Read: How to navigate life after graduation
8. 50 ways to get money for art
The more income streams you have, the more opportunities you have to make art. The most successful artists can check many, if not all, all of these funding sources.
Despite two years of cuts and the controversial movement of funds to the Ministry via Catalyst, the Australia Council still distributes about 90% of the Federal Government’s art grants. Only about a quarter of applicants receive funding in any given round but Australia Council frequently stresses ‘unfunded excellence’, which means applicants who don’t receive funding are often considered good enough: there just isn’t enough funding to go around. The best chance for Australia Council funding – apart from a good application, of course – is to keep trying.
Read: 50 ways to get money for art
9. How editing skills can help restructure your career
No matter what stage you’re at career-wise, editing skills can be a valuable addition to those hoping to expand their current skillset.
An increasing number of professionals are returning to postgraduate study to hone their editing skills, branching out into careers that span print publishing, online media and technical writing.
Read: How editing skills can help restructure your career
10. How to transition from study to a career
The time between finishing your studies and securing that dream job can feel like an aeon. Try these strategies to ensure a smooth progression into the workforce.
If you have recently graduated or are planning on graduating in the near future, you are more than likely thinking about transitioning into your dream career. However, according to recent research commissioned by Apprenticeship Support Australia, what was once an exciting time for graduates has become stressful and overwhelming.
