But How Do I Get Started in Surface Design?
The idea of making a living from your art sounds awesome, but you have no clue where to start OR if you’re cut out to be a self-employed artist.
Well, do you love making art on the regular? Yes? Great!
Then the first thing you need to know is that building your own business is not a fast journey – you have to be willing to put in a minimum of 3 years (or longer) before you’ll start to see a substantial income. I say that not to be pessimistic, but because there are a lot of courses and experts out there who make grand promises that you can just develop your career just by making are you love… but that’s not true!
There’s a LOT more that goes into being a surface designer than just developing a beautiful portfolio.
Now don’t get me wrong, creating art is a huge part of being a successful artist and it is the first step in becoming a working artist (developing your style takes time after all). But there’s one other VERY important part of the equation that often gets glossed over: marketing your art and contacting new companies regularly.
If you don’t consistently send your work out, you’ll never make any money at this. But you need a lot less to get started than you think. All you need is:
a desire to make a living from your art
a portfolio of at least 10 quality designs
a website that showcases your work (keep it simple, even IG will do)
If you have those 3 things, you are ready to send your work out to art directors. Yes, really!
But I know many artists feel really uncomfortable about promoting their own work and just wish someone would do it for them (this is why agents exist). However, my philosophy has always been…
No one is a better advocate for your art that you are.
Still, reaching out to art directors is intimidating. You’re concerned they won’t like your work or you’ll say the wrong thing. But I’m here to tell you that sending a less-than-perfect email is far better for you than not sending one at all.
