Life After Art School: What Comes Next?

• Posted on 10 April 2025
• By Jennifer Boe and Cory Imig
• Posted in commencement, graduation
• 0

Graduating from art school is a huge achievement, marking the start of an exciting—though sometimes intimidating—new chapter. The shift from being a student to becoming a professional artist can feel significant. As a student, you’re guided by the curriculum, instructors, and the support of your peers, but in the "real world," you’ll need to rely on your own drive to keep moving forward. It can feel a bit like stepping off a moving walkway at the airport when you're not paying attention—it’s jarring. So, what happens after you leave the studio classrooms behind? Here’s a guide to life after art school and some tips to help you navigate this new phase.

1. Embrace the Uncertainty

First things first: it’s okay not to have everything figured out right after graduation. Many art school graduates don’t follow a traditional career path, and that’s part of what makes life as an artist so unique. You might feel pressure to immediately establish yourself in the art world, but give yourself time to explore, experiment, and adjust to life beyond school.

The uncertainty of post-grad life can be a powerful motivator. Use this time to embrace your creativity without the restrictions of assignments or grades. Work on personal projects, try different styles and let your instincts guide your artistic journey.

2. Create a Routine

While life at KCAI comes with a built-in structure—classes, critiques, deadlines—life after school doesn’t. One of the most challenging parts of transitioning to life as a working artist is creating your own schedule. Without the framework of school, it’s easy to lose focus or feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities.

Set up a daily or weekly routine that allows time for creating, researching, networking, and resting. You don’t need to create a strict 9-to-5 schedule, but having a framework can help you stay motivated and productive. Whether you set specific hours to work on art or dedicate time each day to exploring new creative outlets, consistency is key.

3. Build Your Professional Network

Networking is a major part of any career, but for artists, it can be the difference between thriving and struggling. The art world is built on relationships—whether with fellow artists, gallery owners, collectors, or curators—so start building and maintaining those connections early on.

Take advantage of opportunities to connect with other artists and art professionals. Attend gallery openings, art fairs, or workshops in your community. Maintain connections with your art school peers, as they can become valuable collaborators or resources down the road. Social media is another powerful tool to connect with the broader art community, so don’t be afraid to share your work and engage with others online.

4. Diversify Your Income Streams

Life as an artist can be unpredictable, and relying on just one income source can make things even more difficult. Many artists find financial stability by diversifying their income streams. Here are a few options:

Freelance Work: Whether it’s graphic design, illustration, or photography, freelance gigs can help pay the bills while you work on your personal projects.

Teaching: Consider teaching art workshops, online classes, or working as an adjunct instructor at local learning institutions or community centers.

Commissions: Offer commissioned pieces to clients. Custom artwork can be a steady source of income and often leads to more opportunities.

Selling Your Art: Selling your work through galleries, online platforms like Etsy, or your own website is a common way for artists to earn money. Additionally, consider exhibiting your work in local coffee shops or businesses.

By diversifying your income, you create financial security while continuing to pursue your passion for art.

5. Continue Learning

Just because art school is over doesn’t mean your learning has to stop. In fact, many artists find that the period after school is when they grow the most. Whether you take workshops, attend artist residencies, or simply follow your own path of self-study, continuing your education will help you hone your craft and expand your artistic horizons.

Stay curious and open to new techniques, ideas, and media. Exploring different perspectives and developing new skills can add depth to your practice and open up fresh opportunities.

6. Stay Connected to the Art Community

After graduation, it’s important to remain involved in the art community. One of the best ways to do this is by attending exhibitions, gallery openings, and artist talks. Engaging with the art world keeps you inspired and informed about trends and movements in contemporary art.

Consider joining local art collectives or groups that provide a sense of community. Collaboration with other artists can lead to new ideas, joint projects, and even shared studio spaces. Plus, staying connected to the community helps keep you motivated, especially during periods of creative block.

7. Don’t Be Afraid of “Day Jobs”

Many artists balance their creative work with a “day job,” especially in the early stages of their careers. This is a normal part of the artistic journey and can provide financial stability as you continue to build your practice. Working a part-time job doesn’t mean you’re less of an artist—it can give you the freedom to take risks in your art without worrying about financial pressure.

Whether you work in a related field like design or something completely different, having a day job can also offer new perspectives and inspiration for your creative projects.

8. Practice Patience

Success in the art world rarely happens overnight. It’s important to remain patient, persistent, and committed to your craft. There will be setbacks, rejections, and challenges along the way, but remember that every artist’s journey is unique.

The most important thing is to keep creating. Your artistic career is a marathon, not a sprint, and perseverance will eventually pay off.

Conclusion

Life after art school can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting time full of opportunity. Whether you’re just starting as a professional artist or figuring out the next steps, remember that the path ahead is yours to create. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, continue making art! Your journey has only just begun.

As an alum of KCAI, you still have access to the Professional Practice Center for career support through one-on-one meetings, career fairs, workshops, lectures, and the Professional Practice Portal for job opportunities. We recommend scheduling a meeting with the Professional Practice Center if you need support or resources during this transition. Stay connected, keep pushing your boundaries, and trust that your creative path will unfold in its own time.