Expert: DJ Murphy - 10/9/2006

Question
My story is a bit long, please bear with me.

I grew up drawing and never questioned that I'd be an artist until college. I went to business school but found myself neglecting the biz stuff to go to art class. I transfered to RISD and got a fine arts degree.  

I found this degree to be worthless in the job market, and ended up in various non-art positions. Looking to start a real career, I took the LSAT. I got into a very good Law school but hated being there. I dropped out and started job-hunting again.

After many unemployed months of hunting for a real salary, I admiitted to myself that drawing is the only tangible, qualified skill I have to sell. I lucked out, and despite having no portfolio, I found work within two days of looking in the art sector.

I took this as a sign that art was indeed my "calling" and that I should have stuck with it from the start. I had become an Illustrator/Concept Artist in the entertainment industry and was excited to finally "know what I should be doing with myself".

But the realities of this business soon set in: it is a low-paying, unstable, and ultimately crappy career path.
(i.e. a highly educated/experienced draftsman who practices 10 hours a day can end up being paid less than any unskilled worker loading crates onto the back of a truck.)


I've been educating myself about personal finance, investing, and business. I'm willing to work long hard hours and live well below my means in order to achieve wealth and financial independence. But I need a real income to do it. Is there any art related work that can provide a respectable paycheck?  will I have to make art a nighttime, freelance gig and just get a day job?

And if that's the case, how can I compete for well-paying jobs when my work history is not only spotty but currently reads: "self employed - freelance illustator"?

I'm 27: not old, but not getting any younger. The last 5 years have been utterly wasted and I need to make up the lost ground.  Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

-G

Answer
Hello G,

First take another look at the five years you indicated were "wasted"......I would guess that you had many experiences that helped you shape the rest of your life.  Perhaps wasted in not creating wealth for your self...but money isn't everything.  There is an old adage that says "if you aren't happy in your job, it is a long time between paychecks".

There are very few well paying jobs in the art world.  However those at the top of their game do very well [Museum curators, administrators, etc.].

If you have a business degree you might seek out museums which could open doors to the administrative side of the business.  

Sticking with your creative side as an avocation versus a vocation should work....and perhaps at somepoint you might find success at your real love.

There obviously aren't any easy answers to your situation.....but 27 is a great age to begin anew.

Best wishes,
dj murphy