How to become a commercial artist

Is becoming a commercial artist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do commercial artists do?
Career Satisfaction
Are commercial artists happy with their careers?
Personality
What are commercial artists like?

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How to become a Commercial Artist

To become a commercial artist, you can follow these general steps:

  • Gain artistic skills: Start by developing your artistic abilities through practice and education. Take art classes in high school or enroll in a formal art program at a college or university. Focus on building a strong foundation in drawing, painting, design principles, and digital art techniques.
  • Obtain a degree: While not always mandatory, a degree in a relevant field can provide you with a solid educational background and increase your chances of finding employment. Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a focus on graphic design, illustration, or a related discipline.
  • Build a portfolio: As a commercial artist, your portfolio is crucial. Develop a diverse and high-quality collection of your best artwork and design projects. Include a range of styles and mediums that showcase your skills and versatility. Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to create visual content that meets the needs of clients or commercial projects.
  • Gain practical experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or freelance opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. This could involve working with design agencies, advertising firms, marketing departments, or other creative organizations. Practical experience will help you understand the demands of the industry and develop a professional network.
  • Develop technical skills: Stay up to date with industry-standard software and tools used in commercial art, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or other relevant software depending on your area of specialization. Familiarize yourself with digital art techniques, web design principles, and multimedia production processes.
  • Network and market yourself: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage with other artists and professionals in the field. Networking can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Additionally, create an online presence by showcasing your work on a website or portfolio platform and promoting yourself through social media channels.
  • Seek employment or freelance opportunities: Start applying for commercial art positions or freelance gigs. Look for job openings in advertising agencies, design studios, publishing companies, marketing departments, or other industries that require visual communication. Consider working as a freelancer to gain experience and build a client base.
  • Continuously improve and adapt: The field of commercial art is constantly evolving. Stay updated on industry trends, new techniques, and emerging technologies. Seek professional development opportunities, attend workshops, and expand your skill set to remain competitive and versatile in the industry.

Helpful Resources
Here are some helpful resources for commercial artists:

  • American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA): A professional organization for graphic designers that offers resources, events, and networking opportunities.
  • Society of Illustrators: A nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the art of illustration, providing resources, exhibitions, and educational programs.
  • Animation Guild: A labor union representing animation artists in the entertainment industry, offering resources, job listings, and advocacy.
  • American Advertising Federation (AAF): A professional organization for the advertising industry that provides resources, awards programs, and networking opportunities.
  • Behance: A platform where artists can showcase their work, discover inspiration, and connect with other creatives.
  • Dribbble: An online community for designers to share their work, get feedback, and find job opportunities.
  • CreativeLive: Offers online courses and workshops taught by industry professionals in various creative disciplines, including design, photography, and animation.
  • Communication Arts: A magazine that features outstanding design, illustration, and advertising work, providing insights into industry trends and creative inspiration.
  • Print Magazine: Covers graphic design, visual culture, and creative processes, offering articles, interviews, and design showcases.
  • Educational Institutions and Programs: Institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), School of Visual Arts (SVA), California College of the Arts (CCA), and Pratt Institute offer specialized programs in various art and design disciplines.
  • Industry conferences and workshops: Attending events like Adobe MAX, AIGA Design Conference, or SIGGRAPH can provide valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and industry insights.