FINDING WORK AS AN ARTIST          

The process of finding work after your college degree is obtained can be difficult in many fields, and a fine art graduate is certainly no exception. Making a living doing your art alone is extremely difficult and most artists cannot support themselves exclusively in this manner. According to Julie Harris, a professor at Sinclair Community College, part time teaching is the most widely available job for the fine art grad.

Harris says that part time teaching is fairly accessible and is almost always required before acquiring full time status. At least three to five years of post-graduate experience is necessary before obtaining a full time job and even then the market is very competitive, with sometimes 300 applicants for a single college professorship. The most attractive applicants are those most diverse. Most schools don't want just a painter; someone who could also teach ceramics or sculpture would have a definite advantage. Also knowledge of specialties such as bookmaking is very helpful -- schools are looking for a teacher who can propose new classes and inject new life and enthusiasm into their programs. Lately, knowledge of new technologies such as Adobe Photo Shop is a requirement as well.

A good resume is the first essential step before applying for a job. Harris feels the most important aspect of a good resume is clarity; the ability to be read and understood clearly. Looking at the resumes of many of your contemporaries is helpful in deciding what works and what does not. One specific that she suggests is to list the shows where your work has been exhibited as one continuous column categorized only by year rather than several subdivisions of solo, regional, and juried exhibitions. Mark Echtner (Assistant Professor at Sinclair) has two resumes which he uses separately, one for job applications and one as a working artist.

Knowing how to interview for a job is also critical. At the College Art Association convention held recently, a workshop was available from a professional group to advise those preparing to be interviewed. A more conservative approach is necessary now, according to Harris -- "What went ten years ago doesn't go now", she says. Realize that this is a professional job and you will be interviewing with the dean and provost who do not care if you are in the art department. Present yourself with respect in all aspects of appearance, dress, and speech. Wear a suit whether male or female, and only one earring per ear for females only. In the classroom itself, there is a movement toward more formal dress. "Studio clothes" are frowned upon now and many schools are requiring a suit or dress even for studio classes.

Harris says that most of her information she learned by experience; there are no books available on the subject and no one will tell you because it is competitive knowledge. They would be assisting the very people they might be competing with for an upcoming job.

Harris feels teaching is the ideal situation because you must also be a working artist. Schools encourage you to do research and improve on your professional skills. Grants are often available to help further your education.

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