Becoming a painting artist, artistic illustrator, sculptor, or practicing any similar art is a dream cherished by many young artists. However, it seems so unachievable. If you are someone who is persistent, hardworking, and talented (which is very subjective, I agree), your chances of success are far from negligible. Well, it is not certain that you will become a millionaire because of it, but it is quite possible that you can live off your art. This article will give you all the paths and precious advice to help you achieve the success that most artists so dearly hope for.
- Here's the program
- Why Become a Painting Artist?
- What Are the Steps to Become a Painting Artist?
- How to Set the Right Price for Your Works?
- How to Sell Your Works?
- How to Live from Your Art?
- Finding clients and taking commissions
- Tips and tricks
- Conclusion
- EcoTips
- Pros and Cons
- Information recap
Why Become a Painting Artist?
Becoming an artist, especially one who makes a living from their art, is not easy. It requires sincere passion, strong motivation, and tenacious perseverance. There are many obstacles, like developing your own style, making a place for yourself in an often crowded market, and finding ways to monetize your art. Despite all this, the journey is incredibly enriching and rewarding.
That is why it is essential to reflect on your motivations before you start. Why do you want to become a painting artist? Is it to express your emotions, for the pleasure of creating something beautiful and unique, or to share your vision of the world with others? You need to ask yourself these questions as they will help you define your goals and stay focused on what truly matters to you.
In this article, we’ll explore the different steps to becoming a painting artist and I’ll give you practical advice to succeed. You will discover how to develop your talent, create an impressive portfolio, get known, and sell your works. My objective here is to provide you with the tools and strategies necessary to turn your passion into a fulfilling career.
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
– Edgar DegasWhat Are the Steps to Become a Painting Artist?
Each painting artist follows a unique learning path, but there are essential steps that can guide you. Whether you are at the beginning of your artistic journey or wish to improve your skills, following these steps will help you progress quickly and achieve your creative goals.
1Develop Your Artistic Talent
Finding your artistic style is often one of the first challenges for an aspiring artist. It won’t be simple, a bit like choosing a new haircut: you will probably go through a few disasters before finding what really suits you.
You should start by exposing yourself to different styles and techniques, experimenting, and getting inspired by the works of other artists without copying them. Take the time to explore what truly attracts you, whether it is realism, abstraction, surrealism, or something else. This exploration will allow you to discover what resonates most with your artistic sensibility.
The essential tools to start are relatively simple: brushes, quality canvases or papers, an easel for painters and illustrators, a variety of paints or pencils, and sculpting tools for sculptors. It is important not to get overwhelmed by too many options at the beginning. Focus on the basics and learn to master these tools before exploring others. The quality of your tools can greatly influence the finesse of your work and your comfort in creating.
To improve, nothing beats regular practice. Exercises like daily sketching, studying proportions and perspective, and reproducing live models are excellent ways to strengthen your skills. Participating in workshops, taking online courses, and receiving constructive criticism from mentors or other artists are also enriching practices for your artistic development.
Your beginnings will probably not be very glorious, and you might end up producing quite mediocre or even clumsy works. But creating a true work of art is like juggling with cats: it’s complicated and requires a lot of practice, but when it works, it’s spectacular. So be persistent and give it your all.
Will AI Replace Artists?
In the age of AI-generated images, it is reasonable to wonder if artists still have their place in this hyper-digitalized society. The answer is yes, absolutely. Perhaps even more than ever! AI tools can produce impressive works, it’s true, but they do not replace human creativity and the unique emotion that each artist infuses into their creations.
Artists bring a personal perspective, an emotional touch, and a depth that algorithms cannot reproduce. AI can be a powerful tool for artists, but it will never replace the human soul and the passion, the wounds, and all this sometimes violent palette of emotions that lie behind each brushstroke.

2Follow an Artistic Training
Embarking on a career as a painting artist often raises the question of training. Is it absolutely necessary to go through an art school to succeed? The answer depends on your goals and your learning style.
Art schools offer several undeniable advantages: they provide a structured framework to learn artistic techniques, connect you with experienced teachers, and offer networking opportunities with other artists. In addition to academic discipline, these institutions often allow access to material resources and exhibitions that can propel your career.
Despite their advantages, art schools can be expensive and sometimes restrictive in terms of artistic freedom. They also require a considerable time commitment, which may not suit everyone.
Can You Become a Self-Taught Painting Artist?
Yes, it is entirely possible to become a self-taught painting artist. Many famous artists (Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Jean-Michel Basquiat…) learned on their own by experimenting and developing their personal style outside academic structures. As a self-taught artist, you have the advantage of total freedom to explore and create at your own pace.
On the other hand, it requires great personal discipline and the ability to actively seek out critiques and advice to progress. Self-training can also be enriched by observing and studying the works of other artists, continuous experimentation, and participating in occasional workshops.
Moreover, there are many accessible online resources to help you train. They offer a flexible and often more affordable alternative to traditional art schools. You can learn the basics, deepen specific styles, and even receive feedback from online artistic communities.
Here are some online resources to help you get started:
- YouTube: Thousands of free tutorials covering all aspects of painting.
- Skillshare, Udemy, or Coursera: Training platforms offering paid courses sold by module, often affordable, and taught by recognized teachers in the artistic field.
- Facebook groups and forums: Il y a là des communautés où vous pouvez partager votre travail et obtenir des conseils.
- Books and eBooks: Practical guides written by artists to learn at your own pace.
The best solution may be to combine these resources, allowing you to build your own learning program and progress effectively in your artistic career.

3Create Your Artistic Portfolio
Like most artistic professions, a portfolio is essential to present your work in an organized and attractive way. It should include a selection of your best works that show the diversity of your talent and style. It is important to integrate recent and varied pieces: paintings, sketches, illustrations, photos and other.
Furthermore, think about adding short descriptions for each work, explaining the concept and context, the techniques used, and your artistic intentions. A brief biography and an artist statement can also enrich your portfolio by providing an overview of your background and creative philosophy.
How to Present Your Work Professionally?
Use a clean and coherent layout with high-quality images of your works. Digital formats like PDFs or online platforms such as Behance, DeviantArt and ArtStation are excellent for showcasing your work in an accessible and elegant way.
If you decide to create your own website to showcase your work, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate with clear sections and a logical structure. Keep it clean and free of visual distractions and unnecessary elements that might take attention away from your works. You should also include your contact details and links to your social media profiles or personal website. Solutions for creating your own website/portfolio include Canva Portfolio, Adobe Portfolio, fabrik.io or Portfoliobox.
Mistakes to Avoid in a Portfolio
Avoid overloading your portfolio with too many works; it is better to show fewer but high-quality pieces. Consistency is also crucial: do not mix very different styles or levels of finish. Each work should be well presented: blurry or poorly lit photos can give a bad impression of your work.
Additionally, do not forget to check for spelling and grammar mistakes in your descriptions and biography. Finally, adapt your portfolio to the audience it is intended for, whether it is a gallery, a potential client, or an art school, to maximize its impact and relevance.
The object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.
– Alberto Giacometti4Getting Known as an Artist
Getting known as an artist requires a well-thought-out and diversified strategy. Creating beautiful works isn’t enough; you also need to know how to showcase them and reach the right audience. Here are some proven methods to increase your visibility and attract attention to your work.
Participating in Exhibitions
Participating in exhibitions is an excellent way to get known as a painting artist. Exhibitions provide a platform to show your work to a broader audience, including art critics, collectors, and other artists. They can be held in galleries, community spaces, cafes, or even outdoors.
Each exhibition is an opportunity to receive constructive feedback, network with art professionals, and maybe even sell some of your work. However, it is crucial to choose exhibitions that match your style and level of development to maximize the impact of your participation.
For example, if you are an emerging artist, participating in local or community exhibitions can be more beneficial than aiming for renowned galleries right away. Similarly, ensure that the theme and audience of the exhibition are relevant to your work to maximize your visibility and chances of success.
Using Social Media to Promote Your Art
Social media has become indispensable tools for artists seeking to promote their work. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are particularly effective for sharing your creations and attracting a global audience. It is important to regularly publish high-quality images of your works, use relevant hashtags, and interact with your audience through comments and direct messages.
Stories, live streams, and short videos can also “humanize” your work and offer an insight into your creative process. Remember to establish a consistent and authentic presence and link your social media profiles to your website or online portfolio.
Other Ways to Get Known
Several other means can help you get known as an artist. Working with other artists or participating in community projects can boost your visibility and expand your network. Art galleries, although competitive, are still prestigious places to showcase your works and reach a targeted audience. Participating in art contests or artist residencies can also offer recognition and professional development opportunities.
Moreover, contacting specialized press, dedicated art websites, and influencers in the artistic field can significantly boost your visibility. These contacts can promote your works to a broader audience and add extra credibility to your work.
Finally, creating a blog to express your artistic thoughts or a professional website dedicated to your art, to announce events and sell your works directly, is a powerful way to build a solid and professional online presence.

How to Set the Right Price for Your Works?
At first glance, setting the price for your works may seem like a real headache. It involves finding a balance between the value of your work and market competitiveness. Take into consideration the cost of materials used and the time spent on each work when determining a fair price. A common method is to calculate an hourly rate and add it to the cost of materials. This helps cover your expenses while remunerating your time and talent.
Comparing your prices to those of artists with similar style and experience is also an important step. This helps position your works competitively and avoid undervaluing your work. Be open with your clients about the value of your work and be ready to justify your prices by explaining the creation process and techniques used. Keep in mind that it is essential to avoid undervaluing your works as this can diminish the perception of their value and your talent.
How to Sell Your Works?
Selling your works of art requires a diversified strategy to reach a wide audience and maximize your chances of success. Here are some proven methods to sell your works effectively:
- Art Galleries: Exhibiting in galleries offers visibility to collectors and art critics. It is a traditional, not necessarily easy, but prestigious way to sell your works.
- Art Fairs and Markets: Participating in fairs and markets allows you to meet potential buyers directly and receive instant feedback.
- Sales from the Studio: Organizing “open studio” events creates a personal connection with your clients and can increase your sales.
- Online Platforms: Using sites like Etsy, Saatchi Art, Artfinder and Redbubble offers an international showcase for your creations. Each platform has its specifics in terms of commission, sales management, and promotion.
- Personal Website: Creating your own e-commerce site allows you to fully control the presentation of your work and manage sales directly. Ensure your site is well-referenced and easy to navigate.
- Social Media: Using social media to share your work, interact with your audience, and promote your works. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are particularly effective for reaching a global audience.
By combining these different methods, you can broaden your reach, increase your sales, and establish a solid presence in the art market.
If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.
– Edward HopperHow to Live from Your Art?
Living from your art is the Holy Grail, the ultimate quest for many artists, but it is also the most difficult and sometimes the longest phase. An artist’s income can be irregular and unpredictable, making it complicated to manage personal finances. Expenses for materials, exhibitions, and promotion can add up fast, while sales of works can vary from one period to another.
This is why it is important to establish a realistic budget and plan expenses carefully to manage these fluctuations. Finding a balance between artistic creation and the commercial aspects of the career is essential to ensure financial stability.
On the other hand, diversifying your sources of income is a key strategy for an artist wishing to live from their art. In addition to selling original works, consider offering high-quality reproductions, limited editions, and derivative products such as cards or decorative objects.
Giving courses or workshops can also be a regular and enriching source of income. Collaborating with other artists or participating in sponsored artistic projects can provide additional financial opportunities. Using crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, Buy Me A Coffee or Kickstarter allows receiving direct support from your fans and financing specific projects.
Once again, by diversifying your sources of income, you can better withstand the ups and downs of the art market and build a sustainable career.
Finding clients and taking commissions
As I mentioned, the beginning of your artistic career is likely to be difficult in several ways, particularly in terms of income, which may be irregular or even nonexistent. So, unless you have savings, wealthy parents supporting you, or find a buried treasure in your garden, it can be interesting to seek clients and take commissions to generate stable income.
The idea is to offer your services for specific projects commissioned by individuals or businesses. This can include personalized portraits, paintings or sculptures for special events, or works intended to decorate professional spaces.
To find clients, start with your personal and professional network. Inform your friends, family, and colleagues about your artistic services. Also, offer your services on social media, including LinkedIn in addition to the others already mentioned in the article. Participating in craft markets and local fairs can also be an excellent opportunity to meet potential clients and directly discuss their needs.
Consider joining freelancing platforms that have a category for visual arts (UpWork, Fiverr, ComeUp…), where clients actively seek artists for specific projects. By combining these strategies, you can gradually build a solid client base and work to expand your reputation in the art world.

Tips and tricks
Alright, let’s finalize this article with a series of tips that should help you in your journey to becoming a professional artist. These should not only help you improve your art but also optimize your chances of success in the competitive world of art.
- Create a Work Routine: Establishing regular working hours helps you stay productive and develop the discipline needed to progress in your artistic projects. Devote daily time to creation, even if it’s just for a short period.
- Participate in Art Critiques: Seek opportunities to participate in art critique sessions, whether in art schools, local groups, or online. Constructive feedback can greatly improve your technique and artistic understanding.
- Document Your Creative Process: Sharing photos or videos of your creation process on social media or your blog can attract more attention and engage your audience. People love to see behind the scenes of creating a work.
- Keep an Artistic Journal: Use a notebook to jot down your ideas, sketches, and reflections on your work. This can serve as a source of inspiration and help you track your artistic evolution over time.
- Exchange with Other Artists: Joining artist communities, whether locally or online, allows sharing experiences, advice, and opportunities. Collaborations and exchanges can also open unexpected doors.
- Experiment with Different Materials and Techniques: Do not limit yourself to a single medium. Try new techniques and materials to broaden your skills and discover new ways to express yourself.
- Organize Private Exhibitions: If you have an adequate space, invite friends, colleagues, and art enthusiasts to private exhibitions. This can be an excellent way to sell works and create a buzz around your work.
- Exhibit in Public Places: Presenting your works in local restaurants, hotels, or cafes increases your visibility and attracts a different clientele, often composed of people who do not usually visit art galleries. This also creates opportunities for direct sales and networking with local business owners and their clients.
- Write a Newsletter: Creating a regular newsletter for your fans and potential clients can maintain their interest in your work, announce new works or events, and strengthen your relationship with your audience.
- Take Care of Yourself: Art is often a solitary and demanding activity. It is crucial to take care of your mental and physical health. Take regular breaks, practice relaxing activities, and ensure you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life.
- Learn Basic Marketing: Understanding basic marketing principles will help you better promote your art. I am aware that, as an artist, the word “marketing” excites you as much as the idea of spending a day at the dentist, but understanding how to communicate well can really boost your career.
Conclusion
That’s all I have to say on this subject for now. In this article, we have explored the essential steps to becoming a painting artist, illustrator, sculptor, etc., from discovering your artistic style and creating a portfolio to promoting your work and selling your creations. We have also discussed financial challenges and ways to diversify your income sources.
To succeed as an artist, it is crucial to stay passionate, persistent, and strategic. The keys to success include constant practice, seeking constructive criticism, and diversifying sales channels. By applying these strategies, you can transform your artistic passion into a fulfilling and sustainable career. Remember that discipline and adaptation are your best allies in this journey.
Despite technological advances, especially those made in AI-generated images, the future of visual artists remains very optimistic. Human creativity and personal expression will continue to play a predominant role in the art world. By adapting to new trends and using modern tools to your advantage, you can thrive in an ever-evolving market.
What do you think of this idea? What motivates or holds you back from starting your artist activity? Do you have any experiences or advice to share? Leave your comments below.
EcoTips
Environmental and climate change issues are more than ever at the heart of the concerns of this 21st century, which is why I am proposing a few ideas that will enable you to limit the negative impact that the implementation of this idea could have.
These solutions that I suggest are sometimes largely insufficient to compensate for these negative impacts, such as carbon offsetting. Unfortunately, there is not always an ideal and 100% efficient solution, far from it. And if you have others, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.
The practice of art, particularly painting, can have certain environmental impacts. The use of paints, solvents, and other artistic materials can contribute to chemical pollution and the production of toxic waste. The pigments and chemicals present in oil paints, for example, can be harmful if not disposed of properly, contaminating water and soil. Moreover, the production and transportation of canvases, papers, and other artistic supports entail a consumption of natural resources and CO2 emissions.
To limit these impacts, you can adopt several eco-friendly strategies. Choosing environmentally friendly art materials is a positive first step. Opt for water-based paints, which are less toxic than oil paints, and look for brands that use natural pigments and non-polluting products. Additionally, prefer brushes, canvases, and papers made from recycled or sustainable materials. There are also eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents, such as using natural oils to clean brushes.
Recycling and waste reduction are also essential. You can reuse canvases and frames or recycle paper and cardboard scraps. Hazardous waste management must be done according to local regulations to avoid contamination. By informing yourself about appropriate recycling methods and using recycling stations for chemicals and hard-to-dispose-of materials, you will help reduce the environmental impact of your artistic practice.
Moreover, consider the carbon footprint associated with your activity. Buying local materials reduces emissions related to transportation and supports local producers. You can also consider reducing your energy consumption by using natural lighting sources and adopting more sustainable practices in your studio.
As an artist, you can use your work to highlight environmental issues. By integrating ecological themes into your works and sharing your eco-friendly practices, you can inspire other artists and art lovers to embrace more sustainable habits.
Pros
- Working from home in a comfortable environment.
- Flexible working hours.
- Potential for varied and multiple income sources.
- Satisfaction of creating unique works.
- Opportunities to exhibit in galleries and events.
- Autonomy and professional independence.
Cons
- Often irregular and unpredictable income.
- Solitude due to the artist’s work.
- Constant pressure to be creative and productive.
- High competition in the art market.
- Dependence on art market trends.
Info
- Location: At home or anywhere else.
- Investment: It can be significant, encompassing the purchase of quality materials, specific equipment, and sometimes renting an adequate workspace.
- Earnings perspective: Variable, ranging from modest income from occasional sales to substantial income for those who manage to make a name for themselves and sell their works regularly.
- Required: Creativity, perseverance, discipline, technical skills, and marketing and financial management abilities.
- Risk level: Rather high due to uncertain income, strong competition, and dependence on market trends.
- Implementation time: It can vary from several months to several years, depending on the development of artistic skills and the building of a network and reputation.
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