Building a career in art takes time, practice, and a strong portfolio. Whether you’re a beginner or an emerging artist, choosing the right industry can help you gain experience, earn money, and expand your skills. In this article, we’ll explore the best industries in art to start in while building your portfolio. These fields offer opportunities for growth, flexibility, and income—perfect for new artists looking to make a mark.
What Are the Best Art Industries for Beginners?
If you’re just starting, it’s important to explore industries that allow you to grow while developing your skills. Some fields offer more creative freedom, while others provide steady income. The best industries for beginners in art include illustration, animation, graphic design, and digital art. These fields are in high demand and allow you to work independently or with clients. Whether you prefer creating traditional artwork or digital pieces, these industries provide an excellent starting point for your artistic journey.
Illustration – Bring Ideas to Life!
Illustration is one of the most versatile fields in art. It allows artists to create visuals for books, magazines, websites, advertisements, and more. Many beginner artists start with illustration because it offers endless opportunities to improve their skills and build a portfolio. You can experiment with different styles and techniques, work with clients, or sell your artwork online. Illustration is also a great industry for freelance artists who prefer to work on a variety of projects.
Freelance Illustration – Work on Your Own Terms
Freelance illustration is a great option for artists who want flexibility in their careers. As a freelancer, you can choose your projects, set your prices, and build your portfolio with a wide range of work. Many companies, brands, and individuals look for freelance illustrators to create unique and custom artwork. You can find work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance or reach out to potential clients directly.
Children’s Book Illustration – Fun and Creative
Children’s book illustration is a rewarding industry where artists create engaging visuals for kids’ books. This field requires storytelling skills and a playful imagination. If you love drawing colorful, expressive characters, this industry is a perfect fit. Many publishers look for new talent, and self-published authors often hire freelance illustrators. Working on children’s books allows you to showcase your artistic style and create a strong portfolio.
Comic and Webtoon Art – Share Your Stories
Comics and webtoons are booming industries, with millions of readers worldwide. Platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, and Patreon allow artists to publish their stories and earn money through ads, sponsorships, and fan support. If you enjoy storytelling and character design, creating comics can be a great way to build your portfolio. Many comic artists start with personal projects and later get hired by publishers or animation studios.
Graphic Design – Art That Sells
Graphic design is a highly marketable skill that combines art and business. It involves creating logos, branding materials, advertisements, and web designs for businesses. Many companies need graphic designers to improve their visual identity. Learning graphic design can open doors to freelance opportunities, agency work, or even starting your own design business. Tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva make it easier to get started.
Animation – Make Art Move!
Animation is a fascinating industry that brings drawings to life. It includes everything from cartoons and video games to advertising and movie production. If you love storytelling and motion, animation could be a great fit for you. Many beginner artists start with simple projects and gradually develop more complex animations. Learning animation software like Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Blender can help you enter this field.
2D Animation – Simple and Creative
2D animation is a great industry for artists who love drawing and storytelling. It is widely used in television shows, online videos, and advertisements. Many animation studios hire freelance artists to work on projects, making it a great option for beginners. By creating short animations, you can develop your skills and build an impressive portfolio.
Motion Graphics – Art Meets Technology
Motion graphics combine design, animation, and technology to create visually appealing content. This industry is popular in advertising, social media, and digital marketing. Motion graphics artists create animated logos, video intros, and explainer videos. With tools like After Effects and Cinema 4D, you can create professional animations that stand out.
Tattoo Art – Turn Skin into a Canvas
Tattoo art is a unique industry where artists create permanent designs on people’s skin. It requires strong drawing skills, creativity, and precision. Many tattoo artists start by sketching and designing custom tattoos before transitioning into inking. If you’re passionate about line work, shading, and intricate details, this industry could be an exciting career path.
Street Art and Mural Painting – Public Art for Everyone
Street art and mural painting allow artists to showcase their creativity on a large scale. From city walls to businesses and galleries, mural painting is in demand. Many cities and brands hire artists to create public art that beautifies spaces. If you enjoy working with spray paint, acrylics, or mixed media, this field offers great opportunities for artistic expression.
Selling Digital Art – Make Money Online
Selling digital art is a great way for artists to earn income while building their portfolios. Many platforms, such as Etsy, Gumroad, and ArtStation, allow artists to sell prints, digital downloads, and custom artwork. This industry is ideal for beginners because it provides passive income opportunities and the freedom to create what you love. By marketing your work on social media, you can attract buyers and grow your audience.
Print-on-Demand – Sell Without Inventory
Print-on-demand is an excellent way for artists to monetize their work without handling inventory. You can create designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more, and sell them on platforms like Redbubble, Society6, and Teespring. These platforms handle printing and shipping, so you only need to focus on creating art. This business model is perfect for artists who want to make money while building their portfolios.
The Bottom Line
Starting in the art industry while building your portfolio requires patience, practice, and creativity. Whether you choose illustration, animation, graphic design, or selling digital art, there are many opportunities to grow and succeed. The key is to experiment, take on projects that challenge you, and consistently create new work. By choosing an industry that aligns with your passion and skills, you can build a strong portfolio and turn your art into a fulfilling career.
