5 Advices from Keldamuzik if You’re a New Artist
As a new artist, there are so many different directions you can take to start building your career. With all the options available, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start.
I am Keldamuzik aka Diva and have been in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I can certainly say I’ve grown a lot from where I started – I created music, traveled around the world, progressed as an aspiring actress and launched my own business – but there’s always more space for progress, no matter how far you make it.
Here, I’ve compiled 5 pieces of advice that can help you set yourself up for success in the entertainment industry:
1. Build Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is a collection of your best work, and it’s the first thing potential clients or collaborators will look at when considering working with you. Make sure that your portfolio is both visually compelling and diverse enough to showcase your range as an artist.
As you’re starting out, you might not have a lot of completed projects to include, so don’t be afraid to create mockups or personal projects to fill out your portfolio. This will help you show off your skills and aesthetic even if you don’t have a lot of professional work under your belt.
2. Set Goals
Setting goals for yourself is a great way to stay motivated and focused as you start your career as an artist. Start by setting both long-term and short-term goals that align with your overall vision for your career. For example, a short-term goal could be to complete a certain number of illustrations in a week, while a long-term goal might be to launch your own online store selling prints and merchandise.
Make sure your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) so that you can track your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
3. Network and keep likeminded people around you
Networking is a critical aspect of building any career, but particularly important for artists who often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals. Attend art events, join online communities, and reach out to other artists and potential clients to connect and build relationships.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and promote your work online through social media or your own website. Having a strong online presence can help you gain visibility and attract new clients.
4. Seek feedback from your mentors
Getting feedback from others bigger than you is an important step in improving your craft and growing as an artist. Seek out critiques from fellow artists, mentors, or even clients to get insights into different perspectives and areas for growth.
When receiving feedback, be open-minded and take constructive criticism as a learning opportunity. Use the feedback to refine your skills and bring your work to the next level.
5. Stay Inspired
Artists need to stay inspired to continue creating their best work. Seek out inspiration from different sources, such as museums, galleries, books, films, or even nature. Experimenting with new techniques can also help you stay energized and engaged with your work.
It’s also important to take care of yourself and avoid burnout. Take breaks when you need them, and make time for hobbies or activities outside of art to keep yourself balanced.
As an independent artist and business woman I strongly feel like you should always listen to your gut or intuition. It’s always right!