Expert: DJ Murphy - 3/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I want to become an artist as a part time job when I get older.
Since I was really little, I have always LOVED drawing.
If you look at anyone who knew me in elementary/junior high, they always commented that I had a marker or a pencil or etc in hand.
However, I don't know if I could make that dream a reality.
I went to Highland elementary, school of the arts.
Then in junior high, I took
7th: Intro to art
8th: Drawing and Painting
9th: Advanced art
Now, my plan was to take Beginning D and P: sophomore year, Intermediate: junior year and Advanced: senior year.
Yet I only got to take one of those 3, because my teacher was fired (they had cutbacks, but she was a REALLY good teacher).
Now I am stuck with no more classes till college.
(Oh, and I would go to a different HS, but I am in sports, and I need that on my diploma that  did it for 4 years, and I wouldn't be able to them senior year, and I love sports 6.5/10ths as much as I love drawing)
I  am trying to get into BYU-Provo, then ASU, then BYU-Idaho. (Because those are the only schools my parents will pay if I get only A's and B's)
I plan on majoring on fine arts and such when I go there, but my question is: can I make a career out of it, or a part-time career?
I also may want to be an engineer (because I am good at math) part-time.
I also may get married.
Do you know if this is a reasonable career goal?
(I am pretty good at drawing, in 9th grade I got the artist of the year award, and I get so into it, and just love drawing. Oh, and my favorite types of drawings are in graphite or charcoals, and I like still-lifes)
Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Aspiring Artist,

See if there is an Arts Council in your area.....perhaps they offer art classes, if you can't take them in your HS.

Being a full time artist and supporting yourself is a BIG challenge.  Some do it, but many have "day jobs".  I would say do what your heart directs.....if art is your aim, continue working at it.  Perhaps majoring in Engineering [good jobs await] and minor in art?

Best of luck,

dj murphy
www.carpediemartgallery.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: An "Arts Council"?
I know there is the Mesa Arts Center, and they offer classes, but it is 20-30 min. away from our house (in a car), and I am not allowed to drive, not allowed to ride a bus, not allowed to ride a bike. Also, they cost 200 dollars each, and I offered to pay it, but my mom will still not budge on it.
How is "being a full time artist and supporting yourself... a BIG challenge", like what challenges are there?
Also (sorry that I am asking so many questions), but what types of jobs could I get as an artist who likes drawing?
Thanks.

Answer
Final question:

You might check on line courses on Art....maybe U of Phoenix offers one.

The challenge facing anyone who wants to do full time art....is making money to live.....the
prospects are slim.  If you want to be associated with the arts....and create on the side, you could major in fine
arts in college....and take the museum mgt. track....concentration.....but to just create art and attempt
to live on your sales....isn't in the cards for a majority of artists.

Study hard......broaden your horizons.....listen to your mother.

dj murphy
p.s.  See if you can go to the Scottsdale Art Fair.....and speak to artists there as to how they got into what they are doing and any advice for you.