Ask The Artist: What does one have to do in order to get a professional "Art Gig"?

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-one-have-do-order-get-professional-art-gig-dejarnette

Here's an art industry question someone asked me on a Facebook page, that I'd like to share here:

Question:
"I have a friend that is an extremely talented artist like yourself. What does one have to do in order to get in on a gig like you have?"

My Answer:
In order to get professional "art gigs", one has to:

1. Have Talent - Possessing a true artistic gift that surpasses mediocrity

2. Have a website that showcases your talent - Your art should speak for itself. Whatever you say you can do should reflect in your portfolio. Being job specific in your art can help.

3. Be Professional & Disciplined - This is an industry and a business with deadlines, not a hobby.

4. Be a Hustler - Creating a website, Facebook page, blog, sending out art samples, emails, resumes, staying up to get the job done, managing priorities, etc...

5. Be a Networker - Network through social media, conventions, art shows, etc...

6. Be Realistic - Count the cost and figure out your path. Ask yourself questions: Am I passionate about this path? Do I have what it takes? Am I truly talented? Do I need to take art, computer or business classes? Can I realistically meet my goal? What changes do I have to make to achieve my goal? etc...

7. Prepare for "high and low" work periods - Sometimes the job flow can be a 'rollercoaster ride' with high periods of work and periods when work is slow, so you have to prepare your finances & time to accommodate it.

8. Know how to deal with FEAR - Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown, fear of taking a risk, fear of going against the grain, fear of being a trailblazer, fear of a client, fear of self, etc... Learn how to master and overcome fear. Fear can be a roadblock, preventing you from reaching your goals. Dealing with fear is an ongoing process with each level of success.  (I am dealing with my insecurities everyday!)
Here's a quote from professional animation artist Ashby Mason on fear, "In some ways, fear can be your guide. If you are afraid of trying something, that means you care. Listen to that inner voice. Maybe it's what you really want to do. So listen to your fear but don't be overcome by it."

**BONUS**- I have a saying that I've been using a lot lately,

"People want PROGRESS but not PROCESS!"

That's why I think most folks don't achieve their goals.


***Lots of great advice from industry professionals in the comment section of my original Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/layron.dejarnette/posts/10153789675756238
 If anyone has something to add, please post in the comments below.

*Layron DeJarnette is a Director, Art Director, Character Designer, Animator & Illustrator in the entertainment industry. Renownedly known artist for Garbage Pail Kids, Marvel, DC, Disney, WB & Mattel. Follow him here: https://www.facebook.com/LayronDeJarnetteArtist