Connie writes:
I’m 29 and I have finally realized my ideal profession is to be an artist. However, in addition to the late start, I’ve had no formal training (only inherited talent) and becoming a painter seems to be a bad financial move. From my research a MFA is necessary to be considered a professional artist. Do I really want to spend $40,000 for a degree that doesn’t guarantee any return? But I just want to paint and I’m so tired of working in offices… How can I have a struggling career when I can’t afford the training?
The Career Doctor responds:
I think having a career as an artist is a career made by following your passion, and you may only be happy with a career somehow involved in the arts. Take the time to investigate now or you could be miserable for the rest of your life.
My advice would be to start by having your talent evaluated by some professionals. Consider seeking out the opinion of one or more art professors from a nearby college and/or the curator of a local art museum. Yes, everyone has different tastes and opinions about art, but I think these folks can recognize talent — or potential talent.
And you certainly do not need a MFA to be an artist. You don’t even need a college degree! However, if you plan to supplement your art career by also teaching or curating, then you will most certainly need the advanced degree.
For example, at my former university is a great artist who is also passionate about mentoring younger artists, and thus he balances both careers — as an artist and as a professor of art.
Thus, your next step should be a few informational interviews with these same folks who critiqued your artwork. Ask them about careers in the arts. Your quest should be to look for creative solutions to transitioning to a career in the arts.
And if you do find that the MFA is necessary to pursue your dreams, you should be able to find a program that offers financial assistance in your quest.
