Career Change: How I Became a Professional Artist
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Time to read 6 min
At the ripe age of (cough) 34, I packed myself a lunch, bought some new supplies, and took a train into the city for my first day of design school. After an undergraduate degree and two masters degrees, I honestly never imagined that I'd be going back to school again. Attending design school was the first step in my career change; it was terrifying to leave the professional world I knew and move into foreign waters. I felt like a huge fraud.
I powered through and launched myself head first into a brand new career. There's been a lot of pivoting and adjusting and experimenting. It definitely wasn't easy.
So, why did I do it? And how? Here's what my thought process looked liked, and the factors that went into my decision. There are so many courses out there that promise you can become an artist and earn passive income (and I have a major chip on my shoulder about those predatory courses ...), and they make it seem so easy and entirely feasible. I wanted to share some thoughts about what my career change was like, in case you're considering one yourself.
I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
What is Your Dream Career?
I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. I did all the arts and crafts, and I took lessons for many years. I'd always tell people that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but my mom told me that you can’t make a living as an artist unless you become an architect. I took a teen intro to architecture class and immediately hated it. SO much math and precision! And I'm the kind of artist who always gets messy. It seemed like the wrong fit.
I felt adrift and tried a lot of different things, and ultimately chose a career in nonprofit management. It seemed meaningful and respectable, and I was genuinely interested in the work. It wasn't my childhood dream, but that seemed so unrealistic. So I put that dream aside and spent 10 years working for different organizations.
Until one day, I had an epiphany. I realized that I had another 30 years left to work (or more?). And I knew that I would regret not doing the thing I really loved. I felt like I owed it to myself to at least try.
And maybe you've had that kind of realization, too?
The Difference Between Running Towards and Running Away
So, here's the real question: if you're considering switching careers, is it because you hate your current job and would do anything to leave it, or because there's a dream in your heart that you desperately want to chase?
This may seem trivial, but running away from something will bring you to a different place than running towards a specific goal. If you're running away and just trying to escape, you could pretty much pick any alternate career or job. If you're running towards a dream, well, your motivation comes from a deep, inner drive.
When I made the decision to switch careers, I actually really loved my job. I had an amazing and supportive boss, I did interesting work, and I met a lot of cool people. But in my heart, I knew I needed to try a creative career. Creating art was a secret dream that I never quite let go of.
Switching to a different career is hard. If you're considering a switch because you're desperate for something else, just know that you will face a lot of challenges. Somehow, knowing that I was chasing my dream made the decision and the process a little easier.
A Note on the Commercialization of Hobbies
Social media and hustle culture has us thinking that we can and should monetize our hobbies. Professionalizing something you do for fun (or relaxation or whatever reason) will ultimately change your relationship to that hobby.
One thing that I wish we could make clear to everybody is that not selling your work doesn't make you any less of an artist. Your value and skill is not reflected in how much money you make.
Sometimes, work is work. It's what you need to do to pay the bills. Not everyone is able to find a job they are passionate about, it's just not always feasible. But if you think through some of the considerations below, maybe you'll find that a career change is in the picture for you.
Important Considerations Before Making a Career Change
I'm not going to blindly encourage you to take a giant leap without thinking through some very important factors first. I will be your biggest cheerleader (rah rah!), but it's so important to be realistic and prepared.
1. Finances
It's all well and good to have a goal. How are you going to support yourself while you're mid career change? Do you have a partner who can support you? Do you have savings? Is there a way you can work to earn extra income as you transition? A career change can take time; it's not always as easy as finding a full-time position in another field and applying.
2. Training
Do you have the expertise you need to make this career change stick? Or will you require certification or additional education to find your way? Do you have an accurate sense of what skills you truly need to be successful once you do change careers?
3. Day to Day
Do you know anyone who works in the field? Do you know what goes into their day to day work? Do you have an accurate picture of what the work is actually like? When we dream, we idealize. It's a good idea to go in with an understanding of what you're actually getting yourself into.
4. Transferable Skills
This might seem counter-intuitive, but what skills have you built in your current job that could help you in a career change? Maybe you're a people person, maybe you really understand systems, maybe you're a great writer. Think about the things you know how to do well, and how they might serve you in a different field.
5. Imposter Syndrome
Do you have a mentor, or someone who can offer you encouragement? If you're coming into a new career later in your life, it's likely that at some point or another, you'll feel like a bit of an imposter. The truth is, everyone feels that way sometimes, even the people who really seem like they have their act together. Having a network of supportive and understanding friends is essential for remaining grounded and getting regular reality checks.
Special Considerations for Becoming an Artist
I am so grateful that I found a career I love. It is personally fulfilling and exciting. AND there are a few things I'd recommend thinking about before making a career change to work as an artist.
1. Business
There are a lot of graphic design jobs, but there aren't very many in-house jobs for illustrators or other types of artists. Don't get me wrong, there are some. But not many, and the competition is fierce. So, if you decide to work as an artist, you'll likely need to spend time doing business stuff. Not all of your time will be spent on the fun art making. I spend a lot of my time networking, marketing, figuring out business systems, packing orders, etc. There is still art making in my day to day, but it's not like I get to draw all day every day.
2. Working Solo
Do you need to be around other people all the time? Are you able to work from home and be productive? Being around other people is something I definitely miss about other jobs! I spend a lot of time by myself.
3. Rejection
Rejection is part of the game, baby. Especially if you're working for yourself; you can expect to get negative (or no) replies to your outreach and marketing efforts. Just remember that it's not a reflection of you or your skill. I'm still trying to learn that point, myself!
We Can Do Hard Things
If a career change is something you're dreaming about, roll up your sleeves and go in with a clear understanding of what you're getting yourself into. Don't fall into the trap of "I'll just make a lot of art and then I'll have passive income up to my eyeballs!" the way a lot of internet grifters preach.
Think critically about what you need to do to make it happen, and make sure you understand what it is that you are really hoping to achieve.
That being said, you can make the switch! If you've done the prep work and you're ready to take the plunge, I believe in you!
