There Are Many Ways to Pursue a Career in the Arts

Recently, I spent the day listening to and speaking with parents of teens (and the teens themselves) who were planning on a career in music. These teens were passionate, driven, and sure of one thing: they wanted to make a career out of the art they loved. The parents valued their teens artistic goals and were there to support them. Yet they were all feeling the reality that there are many ways to pursue a career in the arts

They’d come to this workshop on developing a career in music for some desperately desired guidance.

Unlike more traditional professions with well-defined pathways, creative careers can be challenging to navigate. Both parents and teens may feel a mix of both excitement and anxiety when it comes to making decisions about post-high school options. This can make it unclear what steps teens should be taking as first steps. 

Why Parents and Teens Struggle With Decisions About A Career in the Arts

For parents, we are often coming from a place of just wanting our kids to become happy, productive adults who are able to support themselves. The idea of an arts career can be scary as we worry that even though they love their art, they may regret not pursuing a “proven” career with stable and predictable income. Even for those of us who are able to embrace this choice, it can be confusing as to how to best direct and support our teens on this journey. There are many reasons this may feel so ambivalent and confusing for teens and parents alike.

Lack of Clear Roadmaps

In many conventional careers, there are well-defined steps to success. For example, if your freshman teen says, “I think I may want to go to medical school,” most teens and parents have a general idea of what steps to take towards that goal. If they are unclear, their high-school career counselor is likely to have clear information and a list of classes to take to increase the likelihood of matriculation into a college in a major that can lead to acceptance into medical school.

Certainly not an easy-peasy path, but there are only a few typically pursued routes to the end goal, and planning for that feels manageable.

In contrast, creative careers rarely have such straightforward roadmaps. The journey to success can—and typically does—vary widely from one artist to another.

Subjectivity of Art

Art is subjective. What one person finds inspiring, another may not. This subjectivity makes it difficult to measure success or predict an artist’s trajectory. There’s no universal formula for creating art that resonates with a broad audience, which can be frustrating for parents seeking certainty for their teens’ futures. They may love the art their teen is producing, but they are worried about their teens finding a monetizable avenue for that art.

For teens, this subjectivity is both part of the joy and anxiety of creating art. There is no objective measure of “great” art to be attained. Belief in what they bring to their art, and true love for the product is required. Many artists find it can take time to find and nurture fans of their art.

Rapidly Evolving Industries

Creative industries are in a constant state of evolution. From social media, marketing, technological advances, artificial intelligence, and changing cultural trends – being in the business of the arts means staying on top of ever-changing skill sets. This dynamism can make it challenging to anticipate which foundational skills should be mastered immediately, and which skills require a more fluid approach.

Options to Consider for Establishing A Career in the Arts

In spite of this, the ambiguity of creative careers doesn’t mean they’re unattainable or impractical. On the contrary, they offer unique opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. Helping your teen explore a creative career means embracing the various potential pathways and taking a look at multiple post-graduation options. Among these may include:

Higher Education

Traditional college and university programs in fine arts, music, writing, and design provide structured education in creative fields. However, it’s crucial to research institutions and programs to ensure they align with your teen’s interests and long-term career goals. Encourage your teenager to explore different majors and institutions and to study the class offerings—not just the title of the major.

For teens who may not yet have clarity on what program might be the best fit (or what major), a community college may be a great option. Community college can afford more flexibility in scheduling, which can allow for more time for your teen to create art. It may allow them to complete general education classes that may not be of much interest to them and matriculate into a four-year program just in time to be taking the majority of their upper-level creative career classes in a program they have deemed a good fit.

Specialized Training

For other teens, specialized training programs may make more sense for their immediate and long-term goals than a traditional degree. These programs often focus intensely on practical skills and real-world experiences. If your teen is leaning toward a specific creative discipline, be open to exploring options such as acting conservatories, design workshops, music academies, and other institutes focused on shorter, intensive, targeted training.

Self-Teaching and Online Courses

The internet has revolutionized the ability to access education and training. It’s easier than ever for your teen to access learning resources that will help them achieve their goals. Encourage your teen to explore online courses, tutorials, and other platforms that provide remote access to skill-building resources.

Apprenticeships and Internships

Real-world experience can be invaluable in the creative arts. Although they may not be openly promoted, encourage your teen or young adult to inquire about internships or apprenticeships with established artists, studios, or creative companies. If there are no established opportunities available, encourage them to look for how they may be of value and create their own job description. Offering free help in exchange for the opportunity to observe, learn, and network with people in the professional creative world can be a win-win situation for all involved.

Freelancing and Self-Employment

Many successful creative professionals started as freelancers or self-employed artists. Encourage your teen to explore freelancing opportunities or consider launching their creative business. This path offers autonomy and the chance to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and hone these skills. Remind your teen that while they are starting out, they may not be paid well. But with experience, they can ask for—and expect to receive—better compensation.

Conclusion

Speaking to these parents and teens, I was reminded once again that a career in the arts can feel like a bit of a gray area. Supporting your teen’s creative aspirations may feel like a confusing tightrope walk between allowing for their autonomy and your desire to ensure they are on a path to financial security. The more information you and your teen are able to gather prior to making decisions, the better. When you are both educated and have a sense of all of the potential options, you can help your teen launch on a fulfilling journey towards a successful creative career.