[cybertoker2001]

Ok, I've been painting and drawing all my life. I finally left my job last year as a chef to chase my dream of becoming a professional artist. (Thankfully my fiancee Amy has been paying the bills so I can even attempt this. )
I've been painting through traditional means most of my life. (I.E. Watercolor, acrylics, etc.) And roughly 9 months to a year ago I whent 100% digital with my work.(I.E. Photoshop/Wacom)
I've done what has been suggested to me in the past.
I have my own web site showcasing my art, I have my art in some web galleries (Digital art, Epilogue), I post my art on 8 forums....
Now what?
I'm not getting any substantial job offers, what should I do?

I have a fairly substantial portfolio of both digital and traditional mediums.

Does anyone have any advice?

How do I make my dream a reality?

Thanks in advance,
Malachi

[Svanur]

Have you tried to apply for a job? Sent some reels and pictures to prospective employers?

[Matt Elder]

I had a good look through your site and I must say there is some beautiful art there. My only comment is that if you get someone a little bit 'conservative', because of a number of images, that might really detract for your chances of work.

As for work in general, I don't know what the solution is. Obviously you have the talent but I would have to suggest applying for jobs. I'm sure it is the sort of thing that when an ad goes out, there are hundreds of responses so people might not go looking for people hiding in forums and the like (although I wish they would). I don't know where you are, but sometimes there are art agencies where you can do some freelance work (of course they will only be too happy to make a commission). But I get the feeling that alot of this type of work comes about through word of mouth so it might be a good way to get your foot in the door. Otherwise, hassle people, game magazines, advertising companies etc.

[frostfyre]

Nice work on the website- but the others said it best, you have to look for the work, it doesn't often come looking for you. Currently there are hundreds of new artists emerging on to various scenes every few months. BUT- being focussed and knowing what kind of work you want, and what the circumstances of your work should be done under, can greatly increase your chances for getting a good job.

Do you want to work in comics, games, film, advertising, television? Would you prefer working in print, or web design? Are you a lone wolf, or does team based collaboration work better for you? How many hours are you willing to work? Can you multi-task? Can you take direction? Who's your competition? Are you working at the same level they are?

Answering those questions for yourself will help you determine who to pitch to. Each industry has different conventions, and even sub-categories within the industry (in film, you could be doing story boards, design work, animation, vfx, matte paintings, etc). Learn what those conventions are, and make your pitch appropriately. There are all sorts of ways to drum up business/work, you just have to know what you want, and go for it! If you want to work at a large facility, with other artists, you may want to head to one of the coasts, art 'jobs' seem concentrated around New York and California. (I see you're in Arizona) If you're freelancing, it won't matter so much, as long as you can travel.

Good Luck, and I hope this helped.

[cybertoker2001]

Thank you for the comments guys.

I haven't sent anything to any companies yet, but that will be my next step.

As far as the subject matter of my galleries, it's not really ment to be conservative, but I see what you're getting at. I'll continue to do pin-ups and paintings of that nature. But I am going to start adding more of my own imagination to my pin-ups. More, sci-fi, fantisy, etc.
I was looking over my galleries and I think I'll probably pull one of the images..."All in a days work" doesn't seem appropriate for a gallery that will be showcasing my work for public viewing. =/

Anyway.......
Thanks again for the comments and advice.

CT2001

[Matt Elder]

The subject matter didn't bother me as I see it as 'art'. Others might not though and you don't want to be shotting yourself in the foot before you take the first step.

[cybertoker2001]

Wow!
You just basicly drilled it in FrostFyre.
I guess what I have to do is just get out there and start "pimping" my art.

I want to be a pin-up artist. Vargas, Elvgren, Olivia, Sorayama, those are the artists that inspire me.
Pin-up art is the art that inspires me.

Any suggestions on who I submit that type of art to?
Should I go to a company like Playboy or what?

I just need to get my "foot in the door" so to speak.

Anyway.....Thanks again for the comments.

CT2001

[cybertoker2001]

Thanks Matt, you've been a big help.

CT2001

[KiNgStiNg]

Hey man....dont think its impossible....I have always wanted to be a professional artist and I made it at age 17.
I have done work for record labels and musicians,but another thing....its not what you know it is who you know.Get to know people in the industry you are interested in.
Lift a few eyebrows and make a few jaws drop and those people will recommend you to anyody they know ...and the cycle continues.

[cybertoker2001]

I'm working on it.

Thanks for the advice, I can use all the advice I can get. =/

Take it easy,
CT2001

[frostfyre]

quote

Quote:

....its not what you know it is who you know.Get to know people in the industry you are interested in.

Sad but true. Though someone once told me that who you know is a function of how good you are. Anyways- if erotica is your bent, start hanging out where the erotic artists are. Hit the glamour cons. Do the glam photography workshops. You'll get good reference materials, and you'll make good contacts.

Humanoid publishing carries erotic artists, as does Heavy Metal magazine. Playboy has not only the magazine, but televison. There are also a lot of online, uh, "erotica" sites with whom you might be able to make a deal. (those places are still around, while "pets.com" went outta businees. Go Figure.) You may also check with book publishers. Get it in writing, retain as many of your rights as you can, and good luck!

[cybertoker2001]

Thanks FrostFyre. That's really helpful.

CT2001

[Ahcri]

I've worked in a sign shop for a short period of time, and they use Photoshop in a lot of their designs. Because it's hard to get commission for yourself, it might be a better idea to apply to a pretty well-known sign company. That way you can get your works known, and you might get more commission from the company.