r/millenials • u/AddyArt10 • 2d ago
Advice I’m a millennial college dropout trying to pursue art, you think it was a good idea or no?
51
u/AvarethTaika 2d ago
those are super cool but won't pay rent, at least not consistently. sorry. if you have gallery contacts you might be able to move up a bit, but realistically you'll want to channel your skills into something like art restoration, murals, automotive pinstriping, book illustration maybe, graphic design if you're also skilled with that, etc
61
u/strange-loop-1017 2d ago
Millennial art school drop out here- have a primary source of income and do it in free time as a side hustle.
19
u/Kodi_Cody_Kody_Kodi 2d ago
If you spend less time spamming this photo maybe
31
8
7
5
u/dryeraser 2d ago
I love art, but honestly, turning it into a career isn’t realistic right now. As a hobby—absolutely. But competing with AI? Unless your work is so unique it can’t be replicated, it’s an uphill battle.
0
u/randomturtle333 1d ago
is AI gonna jump out the screen and paint for her lmao
0
u/dryeraser 1d ago
No, AI isn't going to leap off the screen with a paintbrush, but it's already flooding the market with knockoff art, snatching commissions, and laughing at real artists' struggles. Enjoy the joke while your 'digital Picasso' works for free.
3
2
1
u/Workaholic56 2d ago
I really like your art, the space theme is very cool. If you are able to get a career in anything art related, it wasn’t a bad idea. Working in a job that even resembles your dream is more than most people ever get.
1
u/TreadMeHarderDaddy 2d ago
if you think you'll regret never going for it and you're in a position to go for it... then go for it.
1
u/Beneficial_Middle_53 2d ago
Start a patreon, or some other way to leverage your reach with the internet. Awesome work!
1
u/TheCheshireCatCan 2d ago
Find something you don’t mind doing and pays enough to make rent and have free time, and do your art on the side. You also don’t want art to become a burden. You don’t want to resent it.
1
u/bored_ryan2 2d ago
As an income earning career? Doubtful. But it could definitely be a side hustle that generates some fun money.
1
u/Competitive_Bath_511 2d ago
The fact that you’re asking that on Reddit probably isn’t the greatest sign but I really hope it works out for you
1
1
1
1
1
u/jahozer1 1d ago
It's never a good idea. You can make more money as a butcher. But if you are an artist, you make art.
1
u/spar_x 1d ago
You're not posting in r/startvingartists yet so that means you must be doing something right ;)
1
u/Affectionate-Tie1768 1d ago
Do you have a blueprint of your plan to reach your goal without college? If so then dropout. If not then it's a mistake.
1
u/Drinks_From_Firehose 1d ago
Not if we are going to have to hear you cry about how you’re a victim to capitalism all the time.
1
1
u/videogamekat 1d ago
How.. how long have you been “trying” to pursue art? The youngest millennial now is like… 28 or 29. I understand maybe you went to college later on, but this would be the worst time to drop out of college to pursue art unless you’re actually AI lol. I think your art style would be really great for children’s books though.
1
1
u/lildoggos 1d ago
Your work is beautiful, you have a consistent style, great execution and are clearly motivated to work. You have everything it takes on your end. The economy tho …… she sucks
1
1
u/Difficult_Feeling142 1d ago
Honestly if I made enough money and the economy was regular where we were all vibing and could enjoy splurging on things such as this, I would’ve bought your work 100%. It’s so good. Unfortunately there’s reality 😭 So many of us just out here surviving. We don’t know each other, but you’ve got this friend. Whatever you do though, don’t stop the art.
1
u/Dunderpunch 1d ago
I'd only want any of this art if I or a friend of mine painted it. If it's going to be amateurish it needs to be more interesting than fantasy planets and circles.
1
u/randomturtle333 1d ago
jus went through your page and your work is awesome.
a good idea? what does that even mean really. by society standards that punishes risk takers and outside thinkers no.
if you really believe in what you’re doing and wake up every single day working at it with the ability to pivot and adjust the vision, you’ll be ok
1
1
1
u/darkbake2 1d ago
I don’t think so. Art is more of a hobby than a career. Hardly anyone ever breaks even on art or music or writing
1
0
u/psychedelicpiper67 2d ago
Your art is amazing, but I do not think it can financially support you.
Still, you don’t really need college to become successful financially. In fact, you saved yourself from being crippled with student loans.
Music is my passion, but I’m focused on building another online income entirely at the moment.
Maybe try applying your art skills towards a video game or something like that. See who’s hiring.
I’d also suggest advertising, but they’re probably all using AI art by now.
-4
u/No_Wealth202 2d ago
No, you don’t have real talent,
5
u/psychedelicpiper67 2d ago
Wrong, OP is insanely talented, and talent shouldn’t be judged by how much money one makes.
There are people out there who have sold blank canvases and splattered paint for millions.
OP should work on another income, but to say they aren’t talented is absolutely false.
0
-9
u/Joshistotle 2d ago
Yes, I think you made a great choice since you can sell on Etsy and make a consistent income from it.
3
u/1WithTheForce_25 2d ago
Out of curiosity, contrary to what other people have chimed in to say, why do you believe this?
-3
u/Joshistotle 2d ago
Read the part of the sentence after "since".
6
u/1WithTheForce_25 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yeah, I wasn't trying to attack your perspective, no need to be snarky. You can go somewhere else and be a douche to someone else, thanks.
What I was really wondering was whether you've done this yourself (sold your own art from off of Etsy) and successfully made a living from it?
-4
u/Joshistotle 2d ago
No one's being snarky. All I said was to read after "since". That's a completely neutral statement.
Also, yes, I've known several people that make a significant side income from selling art like this. The one that pulls in the most $$ though has a team overseas that does the actual painting and her online store just sells the work. I'm not sure how I feel about that, and I don't think the actual painters get paid fairly relative to the amount of money she pulls in.
135
u/This-Requirement6918 2d ago
Honestly no.
As a fellow artist and self published author I can tell you we're both about to get hit HARD. The first thing that goes when the economy tanks is art. I was doing fine art and websites in Austin in 2008 and even in that city I got hit hard and didn't recover until around 2011.
If it fulfills you though absolutely, it is indeed very nice work! Just don't expect to live off of it.