When did you quit your day job?

Jeremiah White · 07-18-2005, 01:47 PM

Just starting out in the business, one has to wonder when is it time to quit your day job?

The question seems easy to answer by just saying when enough commissions or work comes in. The problem that I've found is that when you have a full time job, finding time to paint, market, and also do other things that life needs you to take care of can be really hard.

How did you guys do it? Did you step down gradually as in going from a full time to part time? Did you just quit cold turkey and go for it? Did you keep the full time work and just paint and market after you left your day job for the day until you had a good flow of people?

I would also welcome any other advice that any of you could give me that might not be in this section already. Sometimes it feels like trying to crawl out of a well.

Thanks.

Michele Rushworth · 07-18-2005, 06:24 PM

As you might suspect, there is no simple answer. It depends on factors like your income needs, your financial reserves, whether there is another family member who also brings in income, your tolerance for risk, your art sales track record, etc. Everyone has to make the decision for themselves as to when the time is right.

Henry Wienhold · 07-26-2005, 04:24 PM

Jeremiah, for me it was a very gradual process. My main occupation and source of income in the past was in the construction industry. I used to be a Cement Finisher in the states of Ohio and Connecticut. Construction is a seasonal occupation in the northern states. During winter time I would be layed off for several months, and at that time I took advantage of pursuing a career in art. I would do portraits in pencil and oil, enter local shows, receive commissions whenever I could. Eventually I broke away from construction with no regrets, my back isn't what it used to be, so in a way I was very fortunate to have a seasonal occupation.

The main thing is to not give up, an old saying comes to mind, "where there is a will there is a way. "

Claudemir Bonfim · 07-26-2005, 05:04 PM

I work from 1 pm to 10 pm directing an educational training center and I paint from 8 am to 11:30 am and after 10 pm when I'm not too tired

But I hope to paint full time soon. I'm gradually working on it.

Janet Kimantas · 07-27-2005, 07:08 PM

I am in the process of finding that right time myself. First I am creating enough content for a really good (I hope) website and brochure/flyer/direct mail thingy, and enough samples to display in whatever appropriate venues will have me. Also enough material to enter a good trade show - I'm thinking the Royal Winter Fair as I do a mean horse (and dog) portrait. Then I would ask for an unpaid leave of absence if I thought for one moment I would get it, although some companies will do that sort of thing. Failing that I will ask for part time work. Since my company does not like that either, I might consider getting an offer of good part time work elsewhere first, and then approaching my employer.

Having a skill that you can freelance out is nice, too. I've got graphic design and illustration. If I didn't, and I was a reasonably young man, I would be thinking landscaping or construction as per Henry. Up here it offers low to reasonable wages, insane hours in the summer and Unemployment Insurance in the winter.

I might also consider taking a pay cut and taking a more flexible job as a transitional stage.

I have thought this inside out and upside down. The final answer is most likely as Michele noted: Everyone has to make that decision for themselves. I think that for me it will get to the point where no other way of life is remotely acceptable, and then the decision makes itself.

Good luck!

Jeremiah White · 07-28-2005, 01:18 PM

I do agree that it's going to be different to really define any certain way. Different situations can make for a wide variety of choices.

I'm hoping that the ways that each individual was able to do it would help to encourage me and others in a similar situation.

One of the hardest parts about any transition in art is having confidence in your abilities and also in your work. Being critical of older work can work for growth but as far as confidence goes, that can be tough.

If only I didn't have to sleep, it would be much easier to get things done.

Patricia Joyce · 08-12-2007, 05:01 PM

Jeremiah,
I haven't been around the forum for quite a while, only checking in very occasionally and always hoping to find the time to come back. However when I saw your post I had to respond, because I am in the midst of my transition. If I would give you any advice it would be, "take courage" because you do need it. But the rewards are unbelievably gratifying.

Over a year ago I quit my job as an accountant and moved to Atlanta where I wanted to be in a large portrait and art community. No prospect for a job...I was fortunate enough to become employed as an Art Director for a learning center and the accountant too! By the end of the year I was working over 50 hours a week, too exhausted to draw or paint. In fourteen months I only completed four commissions and two paintings. But the year was a great introduction into the "art community". It helped me identify myself as an artist, through working with, meeting with, and making friends of other artists.

In June I moved back to Cleveland, my "assignment" in Atlanta spent. If an artist must learn to do one thing well, it is to spend time in contemplation (prayer, whatever your bent) seeking direction. For too many years my spirit was shrinking because I was not an artist, but someone who wanted to be an artist. The time came when I didn't care anymore about driving a nice car, having a house of my own, even being near my loved ones. I just HAD to step into the person I knew was inside - a portrait artist. We come to this individually, it is a very private precipe. Only you can jump the chasm! But, Jeremiah, YOU will know when that time comes because your soul will be crying to bring to fruition your true vocation.

Now I have been back in Cleveland for a few short weeks. And I am determined to stay out of corporate accounting and keep my own hours. So I am using my accounting skills to keep books for very small companies, I have applied to be a substitute teacher, I housesit (really great money!). You know the saying "if you build it they will come"? Well I am backed up by four commissions - for the first time in my career! And the drawing I have attached is going into a gallery in Darien Ct in September!! Everytime I send a sample portrait, someone sees it and buys it - awesome!! For now my drawings are very popular, with time my paintings will get there as well and with this schedule I can schedule one whole day for painting, which I have never been able to do.

You will find your way Jeremiah! I have always liked your drawings. Just keep putting forth the energy and desire to draw/paint and remain open and follow up on any tiny lead you may find.

We are all here for each other, you have my support and please let us know!!
Patty

Cindy Procious · 08-13-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patricia Joyce

Everytime I send a sample portrait, someone sees it and buys it - awesome!! For now my drawings are very popular,

I can see why, Patty. This drawing is so sensitive and beautifully drawn. It looks like it came right out of a "How to draw" book. Whatever you did in Atlanta has matured your ability - I'm so very pleased to see this sophisticated piece.

Congratulations on your success - and may your tax return always say "artist".