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Are you a student at the University of fine art? Or an artist trying to get jobs to pay off rent?
Freelancing is not for everybody, and finding a steady flow of job opportunities is certainly not easy. Artists are increasingly turning to advertising and product development for a steady income. However, finding jobs in these fields is becoming more difficult, even at large companies.
It's been commonly argued that trying to get a job in the arts in today's corporate world is 40% skill and 60% branding, and this fact continues to loom truly as we begin to see more and more companies outsource their design work to professionals in other countries to exploit the lower costs.
With website design and development work costing as low as £250 when outsourced abroad, local artists are finding that it's becoming more and more challenging to stand out against the competition, especially when you're just starting.
How to build a brand online
Brands aren't just for products and corporations; it's for artists too. In the arts industry, getting hired is not just about having the right skills and experience. Promoting yourself and your work is important.
Your brand can help a company reach its goals. Developing a strong personal brand is beneficial for both you and the company. Be clear about what you want to do and what you can do, and stick to it. Ensure your CV and online portfolio reflect how you want to market yourself.
Are you an organized worker? Then your CV and portfolio better highlight that. Are you a font artist? Then showcase that you have a flair with fonts on your website.
Be selective about the information you include or exclude; whatever you present should be relevant and reflect your brand. Your CV and portfolio are key ways of proving to potential employers that you can do the work you claim.
Amidst these realities, the significance of personal branding cannot be overstated. Traditionally associated with products and corporations, branding has become critical to an artist's success. The hiring process in the arts industry has evolved beyond solely considering one's skill set and experience; it now places great emphasis on how artists market themselves and their work.
Artists must understand how their brand can align with and support a company's business objectives. This necessitates a clear understanding of one's artistic goals and capabilities and the ability to communicate these aspects through various channels effectively.
Ensuring that your CV and online portfolio accurately reflect how you want to present yourself to potential employers is crucial when crafting your brand. For example, if you pride yourself on being an organized worker, it is essential to highlight this characteristic in your CV and portfolio.
Alternatively, if you possess a font design talent, your website should showcase your expertise and creativity with fonts. Selectivity is key when curating the information you include or exclude from your professional materials. Each element should be relevant and contribute to the overall image and narrative you want to convey.
Your CV and portfolio show employers that you can do the work you say you can.
Be specific about what you do.
Are you into minimalist work? Do you specialize in illustrations? Versatility and the ability to create a range of employment may give you an edge over others if you work with more than one client. Still, most companies seek a specific style and "energy" to match their business strategies. When applying to a company, consider whether your branding suits the company.
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Another vital aspect of developing your brand is being specific about your artistic niche and style. While versatility and the ability to produce a wide range of creative works can be advantageous when working with multiple clients, most companies seek a distinct style and "energy" that aligns with their business strategies.
When applying to a company, it is crucial to carefully consider whether your personal brand and artistic style are compatible with their vision and target audience. For instance, an artist specializing in monotone-coloured work may not be ideal for a company that creates vibrant, colourful products for children.
Conversely, a company primarily focused on in-store experiences may not require the services of a web design artist. Thorough research about the company and your artistic identity is essential to ensure a fruitful match between your brand and the company's needs.
Do your research- not just on the company, but on yourself and your work.
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Advertise yourself
Ironically, it would help if you advertised yourself for that advertising job you've been eyeing. Still, it is a surefire way of establishing your networks and creating an effective online presence within the industry.
Connections are everything. Set up an Instagram account or a blog showcasing pieces of your work and work towards growing a loyal following of artists that engage in similar positions. Put your branding to good use and leverage any opportunity to collaborate with others and attract attention to your work.
In today's rapidly evolving and competitive job market, aspiring artists face numerous challenges and complexities when establishing a successful career in the arts. Whether you are a passionate student of fine art, driven by creativity and self-expression, or an artist navigating the industry to pay off rent and make ends meet, finding consistent job opportunities can often be an uphill battle.
As the demand for artistic services grows, the field of art is becoming increasingly competitive, even within larger corporations. Many artists encounter fierce competition as they seek advertising or product development opportunities. These roles offer the allure of financial stability, but the growing number of artists pursuing these avenues has made the job market even more challenging.
In today's corporate world, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness often take precedence, it is disheartening to witness companies outsourcing their design work to professionals in other countries. The primary motivation behind this shift is the lower costs associated with hiring overseas talent.
Local artists face tough competition from overseas website design and development outsourcing, which can cost as little as £250. It's hard for new artists to be noticed and stand out. This is because many artists are competing for attention.
In pursuing job opportunities, artists often need to promote and advertise themselves to secure an advertising job. Nevertheless, establishing an effective online presence and building networks within the industry are invaluable. In the ever-connected digital age, connections and visibility can make or break an artist's career.
Creating an Instagram account or a blog to showcase your artwork provides a platform to share your creative endeavours and engage with a community of like-minded artists. This enables you to cultivate a loyal following and gain exposure within your niche. Leveraging your branding, take advantage of every opportunity to collaborate with others and draw attention to your work.
Try SEO and other digital marketing methods to boost your online visibility and reach. Building a substantial and widespread following may take time, but with patience, persistence, and confidence in your work and personal brand, your reputation will grow, and potential employers may start seeking you out rather than the other way around.
In conclusion, navigating the job market as an artist can be complex and challenging. However, you can position yourself for success by understanding the significance of personal branding, being selective about your artistic niche, and actively promoting yourself and your work.
Although the competition may be fierce, embracing these strategies and continually refining your brand will allow you to stand out amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the arts industry.
With perseverance, dedication, and a loyal support base, your brand will gain recognition, and opportunities may present themselves organically, alleviating the constant worry of job hunting and providing a path to a fulfilling and prosperous artistic career.
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