Very few artists live solely from the financial proceeds of the work that they manage to sell; many graduates go on to utilise their creative skills in associated industries such as design, photography and advertising. Fine Art graduates have many career choices, with teaching, animation, photography, graphic design, textiles and fashion among the more popular options.

It is important to begin an artistic career with an understanding of the pros and cons involved. The pay won’t always be good, and you may have to produce work that is financially profitable rather than aesthetically satisfying on a personal level, but it is likely that you will still have a job that you enjoy, and the benefits of studying art should never be viewed in monetary or career terms alone. It is also a magnificent opportunity for self-expression and exploration. 

Education

Art is a popular choice for students after their Leaving Cert, and there are lots of course options to consider. These include honours degrees in Fine Art and Visual Arts Practice, higher certificate programmes in Art and Art & Design, and further education Art & Design courses. While CAO points are important for gaining entry on to these courses, most also require you to submit a portfolio. You should read the college prospectus or web site carefully as each college will have its own portfolio and admission rules.

There is more to a higher-level art course than simply drawing and painting. As well as the basics, other subjects include Design, Printmaking, Photography and 3D studies. Subjects such as IT, Business and History of Art also feature on most courses. On some courses, you cover core art subjects in your first year and then have the opportunity to specialise in following years. Specialisations can include Ceramics, Embroidery, Fashion, Glass, Metals & Jewellery, Video, Digital Media, Multimedia, Painting, Textiles, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Visual Communication disciplines, depending on which course and college you choose.

Students with an interest in art and design can also study a variety of other courses, including those in graphic design, art history, multimedia and media arts.

Options After Qualification

Some artists are self-employed and have their own studio or studio space, while others work for companies or organisations on a project-by-project basis. It can be difficult to become established as a successful professional artist, and many people work part-time in other jobs while breaking into the art world.

Many art graduates move into related career areas such as design, curating and events/cultural management. Which direction you take depends on your career aims, personal interests and the subjects you have studied.

The Work

Professional artists produce all kinds of different art in a huge variety of mediums. Artists can choose one specific area (portraits, museum installations, public sculptures, illustration), or they might work with a combination of subjects and techniques.

An important part of most professional artists’ jobs is to deal with customers – individuals, galleries, agents and dealers – and sell work to earn a living. A select few receive commissions from an individual or an organisation to produce specific pieces of work.

Artists can take on residencies or receive bursaries or grants that link them with an institution such as a university, hospital, business or government organisation. They might teach classes, produce work to adorn the institution, organise events or exhibitions, or be involved in promoting the organisation.

Many artists combine their main creative work with another job in a related area such as art education, community arts, gallery management, art administration or critical writing.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

Most successful artists have large quantities of creative talent and inner belief, and aren’t afraid to work hard and cope with criticism. They need to be able to deal with the pressure of creating work that is judged to have succeeded or failed according to its popularity with the public and in many cases, of having to work to a tight deadline.

It also helps to be a good communicator in order to deal with customers, agents, and also in the case of large art projects where close teamwork with fellow artists is required.

Artists work in many different environments, depending on the type of work they produce, their personal circumstances and what suits them best. Some people work from a room in their house and some rent space in a communal studio, while others need access to specialist facilities and materials.

The Money

Not many people choose a career as an artist to become rich. Obviously, some individuals do become wealthy and famous, but the rewards that most people receive from an artistic career are personal and creative.

The Jargon

Performance Art: Art that does not involve a physical object such as a painting or sculpture, but on a public performance given by the artist

Abstract: A nonrepresentational style that focuses on lines, colours and shapes

Expressionism: Art that distorts reality in order to generate an emotional effect, a famous example being The Scream by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch

Job Titles

Artist
Sculptor
Illustrator

Further Resources

Irish Museum of Modern Art
Royal Hospital
Military Road
Kilmainham
Dublin 8
Phone: 01 612 9900
Email: info@imma.ie 
Web: www.imma.ie
 
Irish Craft Association
Web: www.irishcraftassociation.com

National Gallery of Ireland
Merrion Square West
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 661 5133
Email: info@ngi.ie 
Web: www.nationalgallery.ie

Waldock Art Gallery
Blackrock Shopping Centre
Co Dublin
Phone: 01 278 1861
Web: www.irishpaintings.com
Email: sales@irishpaintings.com 

Irish-Art.com
Web: www.irish-art.com
Email: info@irish-art.com 

Art 4 Ireland
Shanbally
Craughwell
Co. Galway
Phone: 091 846 471
Web: www.art4ireland.com
Email: art4ireland@eircom.net